Sanitary napkins vs tampons, menstrual cups , cloth pads and period panties

Which of these is better, safer and more comfortable during periods?

By: Poorva Chavan | | Updated: March 8, 2016 5:25 pm

Most of us are comfortable using sanitary napkins and must have probably not thought of using other available sanitary products. Mainly because most products available have to be inserted into the vagina and the fear of breaking the hymen, which supposedly acts as a proof of a woman’s virginity, supersedes the need for comfort and convenience. Here’s Also Read - Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups: Which is better for your period?

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Sanitary napkins are easily available, but they have certain drawbacks. Due to constant friction, the outer skin of the vagina gets irritated, turns red and becomes itchy with rashes. Though sanitary napkins are cheaper than other products, they are non-biodegradable and linger in the environment for a long time making them an environmental hazard. Nowadays, you can find eco-friendly sanitary napkins made from jute and cloth. You may like to read about 10 menstrual hygiene tips every girl and woman should know.

Here are a few alternatives to sanitary napkins:

1. Tampons— A tampon is a small cotton plug which absorbs menstrual blood. You have to insert it into the vagina and it expands (opens up like a flower) to absorb the blood. It has a small string that hangs outside the vagina, which helps you pull out the tampon easily. Tampons also come with different absorbency levels for heavy or light flow and you can choose the one that suits your menstrual flow.

Another convenient aspect of using tampons is that they are easy to carry, they are not bigger than your index finger and easily fit into your pocket. This is especially a boon if you are embarrassed while carrying the sanitary napkin in your hand and think of 100 ways it to camouflage it.

Just like sanitary napkins, you have to change the tampon every six hours or so. Avoid leaving them inside for more than eight hours, as it can lead to toxic shock syndrome which can be fatal. If you have forgotten to take it out after eight hours and get fever, vomiting or rashes, take the tampon out immediately and get medical help. Have more questions about menstruation and other gynaec issues? Here’s our gynaec guide.

2. Menstrual cups— A menstrual cup is a small and soft bell-shaped cup made from medical grade silicon and inserted into the vagina to hold the menstrual fluid. Menstrual cups are reusable, practically maintenance free and can last for about a year. The cup is inserted into the vagina by folding its mouth until the stem of the cup is half an inch inside the vagina. The menstrual cup is then rotated one full circle so that it opens completely and is positioned properly to hold the blood. To remove the cup, simply pinch the base of the cup and slowly pull it out with the help of the stem.

Depending on your menstrual flow, you can empty the cup twice or thrice a day. Once you remove it, empty the contents into the toilet and simply wash the cup with clean water. You can use a dilute soap and water solution to clean it or also place it in boiling water for a few minutes if you think it is required. Once washed, wipe it with a clean with a soft cloth and it is ready for use. The cup can be worn overnight, and does not lead to any spilling. Here are 10 commonly asked questions about periods answered

3. Cloth pads— Cotton cloth pads have been used since eternity. Women from our grandma’s generation used a simple long rectangular piece of cloth to line the inside of the underwear like you’d line a sanitary napkin. The only difference is that it would be not be stuck with the adhesive but, tied or hung on the elastic of the underwear. The modern cloth pads are similar to sanitary napkins and have wings with glue that secure the pad. The only advantage of using cloth pads is that they are reusable and environment-friendly. However, washing, disinfecting and drying them is a task, and you have to change them every five to six hours. Using cotton cloth pads reduces the risk of rashes and irritations to a certain extent because of the soft material and zero chemicals. Suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding? These could be the reasons.

4. THINX period panties— The recently launched self-absorbing, leak-proof, washable and reusable underwear was designed to solve a woman’s menstrual woes! The patented design consists of four layers – first of which absorbs moisture, the second layer is stain resistant and anti-microbial, the third layer absorbs the menstrual blood, and the fourth layer is a leak resistant layer. This underwear is expensive and not easily available in India (so you know what to ask your cousins who come from ‘abroad’). But they are extremely hygienic, and you can even wash them in a washing machine! Read more about these THINX period panties here.

Image source: Shutterstock

Published : December 15, 2015 10:37 am | Updated:March 8, 2016 5:25 pm

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