Is a Menstrual Cup Better Than Pads? A Full Comparison Guide
Menstrual hygiene has come a long way, and today women have more choices than ever before — from traditional sanitary pads to tampons, reusable pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. One of the biggest debates in recent years is: Is a menstrual cup better than pads?
Let’s explore the pros, cons, and differences between these two popular period products to help you decide what’s best for your body, budget, and lifestyle.
🔄 Menstrual Cup vs Pads: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Menstrual Cup | Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid | Worn outside the body and absorbs menstrual fluid |
| Reusability | Reusable (up to 10 years with proper care) | Mostly single-use (though reusable cloth pads exist) |
| Cost Over Time | High upfront cost, low long-term cost | Cheaper per unit, but adds up monthly |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, reduces waste | Disposable pads create landfill waste |
| Comfort | Can’t feel it when placed properly | Can cause chafing or discomfort if not changed frequently |
| Leak Protection | High if inserted correctly and emptied on time | Moderate; needs frequent changing on heavy days |
| Activity Level | Suitable for swimming, sports, sleep | Not suitable for swimming; may shift during activity |
✅ Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup
-
Longer Wear Time
Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours (depending on flow), while pads usually need changing every 4–6 hours. -
Eco-Friendly
One cup can replace thousands of disposable pads. This means less plastic waste and a smaller carbon footprint. -
Cost-Effective
A menstrual cup may cost between £15–£30 but lasts years, saving hundreds over time compared to buying pads monthly. -
Less Odour
Because menstrual fluid is collected rather than exposed to air, there’s typically less odour compared to pads.
❌ Drawbacks of Menstrual Cups
-
Learning Curve
It takes practice to insert, remove, and clean properly. -
Not Ideal for Everyone
Some people find insertion uncomfortable, especially younger users or those with certain health conditions. -
Need for Clean Hands & Water
Cleaning the cup in public restrooms can be inconvenient.
✅ Benefits of Using Pads
-
Easy to Use
No insertion required. Great for beginners or those uncomfortable with internal products. -
Widely Available
Available in all stores, including emergency availability in schools or public restrooms. -
Variety of Options
Day pads, night pads, ultra-thin, heavy flow — pads offer many choices.
❌ Drawbacks of Pads
-
Environmental Waste
One person uses about 11,000 disposable menstrual products in a lifetime. -
May Cause Irritation
Prolonged use or synthetic materials can cause rashes or irritation. -
Not Ideal for Active Lifestyles
May shift during physical activity or swimming.
🩸 Which One Is Right for You?
-
Choose a menstrual cup if:
You want a sustainable, long-lasting solution and are comfortable with internal products. -
Choose pads if:
You prefer simplicity, are just starting your period, or have sensitivities that make internal options uncomfortable.
🌍 Product Recommendations
-
Menstrual Cup:
NYX Silicone Menstrual Cup – Medical-grade, soft, reusable, and beginner-friendly. -
Reusable Pads:
NYX Reusable Cotton Pads Set – Gentle on the skin and eco-friendly. -
Disposable Pads:
Always, Kotex, or Bodyform – Widely available in the UK.
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to period care. Your choice between pads and menstrual cups depends on your comfort, lifestyle, budget, and environmental values. The most important thing is using what makes you feel confident, clean, and in control during your cycle.
Let your period product work for you, not the other way around.
