What Pads Do Gynecologists Recommend? A Guide to Safe & Healthy Menstrual Care

Choosing a menstrual product isn’t just about absorbency — it’s about comfort, health, cost, and sustainability. With so many options on the market, many people wonder:

Should I stick with pads, try period underwear, or switch to a menstrual cup?

Let’s break it all down in a simple comparison to help you decide.

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🔍 1. Disposable Pads

✅ Pros:

• Easy to use and accessible almost everywhere

• Great for beginners or teens

• No insertion required

• Available in many shapes and absorbency levels

❌ Cons:

• Non-biodegradable — takes 500–800 years to decompose

• Can cause irritation if scented or synthetic

• Must be changed every 4–6 hours

• Generates a lot of waste over time

👩⚕️ Best For:

• People who are new to menstruation

• Those who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” surface solution

• Short-term or emergency use

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👙 2. Reusable Period Underwear

✅ Pros:

• All-in-one product — no separate pad or tampon needed

• Great for light to medium flow or backup with cups/discs

• Washable and reusable (2–4 years lifespan)

• Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time

❌ Cons:

• Can feel bulky for heavy flow

• Requires washing and drying

• Takes time to build a full rotation

• Upfront cost is higher

🌱 Eco Impact:

• Prevents 100s of disposable pads/tampons from ending up in landfills

• Often made with OEKO-TEX or organic-certified materials

🧺 Best Brands:

• Thinx

• Modibodi

• Aisle

👩⚕️ Best For:

• People with light/moderate periods

• Teens or those who dislike internal products

• Everyday comfort + backup with discs/cups

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🥇 3. Menstrual Cups

✅ Pros:

• Reusable for 5–10 years

• Holds more than a super tampon

• Extremely eco-friendly

• Great for swimming, sleeping, and heavy flow

• Less odor since blood isn’t exposed to air

❌ Cons:

• Requires insertion — learning curve for new users

• Can be tricky to remove and clean in public restrooms

• Not ideal for people with certain medical conditions (consult a gynecologist)

🌍 Eco Impact:

• Replaces thousands of disposables

• Low manufacturing impact after initial purchase

🏷️ Best Brands:

• Saalt

• DivaCup

• AllMatters (OrganiCup)

👩⚕️ Best For:

• People with medium to heavy flow

• Those comfortable with internal use

• Eco-conscious users ready to invest in a long-term solution

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📊 Quick Comparison Table

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📝 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

✅ Stick With Pads If:

• You’re a beginner or want something simple.

• You’re not ready to manage reusable products.

✅ Try Period Underwear If:

• You want to ditch disposables but don’t like inserting cups/discs.

• You prefer soft, wearable protection for light to moderate days.

✅ Go for a Menstrual Cup If:

• You want the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

• You’re comfortable with internal products and want long-term value.

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🔗 Where to Buy Trusted Products

• 🌿 Reusable Discs, Pads, and Cups: NYX Collection

• 🧼 Menstrual Cups & Period Underwear: Saalt, Thinx, Aisle