Menstrual Cup vs Sanitary Pads: Which is Better for You?

Menstrual cups and sanitary pads are both beneficial for your menstrual health because both can be used to prevent leakage during your menstrual days. But it is important to consider which one of them is safe for your health and which one you must choose for your regular use. Some experts say that sanitary pads may not be safe to use, while others claim that menstrual cups can be more beneficial for use during periods.

This article will give you a detailed account of some of the most crucial aspects of menstrual cups and sanitary pads, and will help you understand which one you should choose for your menstrual hygiene.

What do we need to know about sanitary pads?

Sanitary pads are some of the widely used components for preventing leakage during menstruation. This is because these pads are easily available, easy to afford, and they can be used by women of almost all ages. Sanitary pads are mostly disposable -- that is, after use, these pads are meant to be disposed of properly in waste bins. These pads consist of an absorbent sheet or a material placed on them that helps to soak the flowing blood and helps to avoid the risks of leakage during periods.

Other than these, there are some people who are known to use reusable sanitary pads. These pads are not only recyclable but also consist of antibacterial cloth that help to prevent the risks of developing infections while you are menstruating.

Advantages and disadvantages of using sanitary pads:

Though sanitary pads are most common in use, there can be both advantages and disadvantages of using these pads for a long period of time. Some of the most crucial pros and cons that are related to the use of sanitary pads can be listed below:

Advantages of sanitary pads:

1. Easy to use:

Sanitary pads are easy to use by women, even if it is used by teen girls or aged women nearing menopause. These pads are also easy to put on and can be worn for longer hours. The pads have to be stuck at the centre of the underwear, and then they can be kept like that for almost the entire day without any further hassle.

2. Easily available:

These sanitary pads are easily available. This is because sanitary pads are widely used and thus they can be availed easily at any time you need them. These pads can be found in any medical store or also in the market, and thus, you can use them easily.

3. Less chances of infections:

Developing infections is one of the most common concerns one may have while menstruating. This is because when you have your period, there is are high chance of bacterial infections. But various types of menstrual pads come with added support to protect you from the risks of bacterial infections.

Disadvantages of sanitary pads:

1. Environmental pollution:

Sanitary pads are adverse to the environment. This is because, when you dispose of these pads after use, there are fewer chances that the pads will degrade and decompose naturally. Moreover, some sanitary pads may also contain plastics that can lead to major harm to the environment. Though there are pads that can be reused, such sanitary pads are not widely available and can be quite costly.

2. Risks of having rashes:

If not changed in regular intervals, wearing sanitary pads for longer hours can cause rashes, redness, and irritation on the skin surface. The cloth of the menstrual pad can be responsible for causing itchiness on the skin when you put it on for long hours.

What do we need to know about menstrual cups?

Menstrual cups are medical-grade silicone cups that are usually reusable and can be used to collect menstrual blood, making your menstrual experience comfortable, sustainable, and quite effective. These cups are flexible, being made of silicone, and can be a cost-effective alternative to various types of traditional menstrual products. Menstrual cups can be worn by women of almost all ages, but you must select the size accordingly. Apart from this, menstrual pads are bio-compatible and free from toxins that can be free from harsh chemicals.

Why are menstrual cups safer to use?

Menstrual cups are usually considered to be much safer to use compared to sanitary pads. Many experts and researchers are now claiming that calculating the effects of menstrual cups on the overall health of women, it can be said that using menstrual cups during your period can be beneficial to prevent leakage of period blood without causing any adverse effects.

When you use menstrual cups instead of sanitary pads, you can ensure that your vaginal flora is not affected. Not only is a menstrual cup easy to wear, but it is also beneficial for maintaining better health of the vaginal canal and the cervix. It has been found through studies and research works that using menstrual cups can be crucial, as it is known to prevent the risks of developing damage to the cells and tissues that are present in the vaginal area.

Moreover, it has also been found in extensive studies and research have shown that using menstrual cups instead of sanitary pads can be beneficial for reducing the risks of intrauterine devices. Though such claims demand more research, it can be generally noted that menstrual cups are not only hygienic to use, but can also aid in improving your menstrual health.

Why should you choose menstrual cups over sanitary pads?

Menstrual cups are much safer to use compared to sanitary pads, and the following are some of the reasons why you must choose menstrual cups over sanitary pads:

1. Menstrual cups ensure greater sustainability:

Menstrual cups are highly sustainable compared to sanitary pads. It is also known that menstrual cups can last up to as long as 10 years and thus they ensure a lesser amount of waste production, as it happens with sanitary pads. But when you are using menstrual cups, it is implied that you are reusing the cup after one use. Menstrual cups come with proper guidelines for cleaning them so that they can be easily used again later.

2. Menstrual pads are comfortable to wear:

Unlike sanitary pads, menstrual cups are much comfortable to wear. In fact, many women have reportedly claimed that after wearing menstrual cups for long hours, they can barely feel the presence of these cups. A menstrual cup only has to be positioned properly, and after that, the cup becomes almost imperceptible. Apart from this, menstrual cups do not soak blood, so you do not feel wet for the entire day. There will also be fewer chances of foul smell when you are using menstrual pads.

3. Menstrual pads need less frequent changing in a day:

Being comfortable enough, menstrual cups can be worn throughout the day. You can insert the cup and it will help you go leakage-free for the whole day, or for eight hours at least before you feel the urge to empty the collected menstrual blood. This is not the case when you are using period pads. After the pad gets completely soaked, you will have to change it at once to ensure that there is no chance of leakage. But with menstrual pads, even if there are heavy flows, you do not need to change the pads very frequently.

Final Thoughts:

It is always advisable to use menstrual cups over sanitary pads for better hygiene, improved menstrual health, and better sustainability. But here is a word of warning:

Several research works show that the silicone in menstrual comes can have some side effects as well. So, before you start using menstrual cups or think of buying them before your next period date arrives, it is better to ask your gynecologist to avoid side effects.