If you're looking for an alternative to tampons, you're not alone. Tampons are one of the most popular menstrual products, but they're not for everyone. There are a number of tampon alternatives available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
In this blog post from A Woman's Place in Fort Collins, we'll discuss some of the most popular tampon alternatives and help you decide which one is right for you!
Period underwear is a newer menstrual product that is becoming increasingly popular. They look and feel like regular underwear, but they have a special layer that absorbs menstrual blood. Period underwear can be worn alone or with another menstrual product, such as a tampon or cup.
Benefits
Include a special, non-bulky layer to prevent leaks
As absorbent as two standard tampons
They’re washable and reusable, as well as stylish, functional, and comfortable
Menstrual cups are a popular tampon alternative for many women. They are made of soft, flexible silicone and are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Unlike tampons, however, menstrual cups collect blood in a cup that is then emptied into the toilet. Menstrual cups collect the blood from your cycles, and you empty them every 10 to 12 hours, so you rarely have to go to the restroom while using them, and you don't have to buy new ones more than once a year.
Benefits
Eco-friendly and cost-effective
Cups are capable of collecting up to one ounce — twice as much as a super-absorbent pad or tampon
Because the cup creates an airtight seal, there is less odor
A menstrual disc is inserted and collects period blood, just like menstrual cups. However, there are some important distinctions between these tampon alternatives and conventional tampons.
A menstrual disc, unlike a cup, is a disc that sits in the vaginal canal. This positioning is what distinguishes them. While the menstrual cup sits in the vaginal canal where a tampon would as well, menstrual discs sit deeper into the canal at the vaginal fornix, which is closer to the cervix. This is a critical distinction since it indicates that the discs can be safely worn during sex while still restricting blood flow, unlike menstrual cups. Menstrual discs, like tampons, are disposable and should not be reused.
Benefits
Available in single-use or reusable options
Can be worn up to 12 hours and absorb five times the amount of a standard tampon
Enables mess-free sex while on your period
Inserts similar to a tampon with a comfortable fit once in position
Easy to remove
Reusable cloth pads are an eco-friendly and economical alternative to disposable menstrual products. Cloth pads can be made of a variety of materials, including cotton, bamboo, and wool. They can be washed and reused multiple times before needing to be replaced.
Benefits
Long-lasting when properly cleaned and cared for, making them more affordable in the long-term
Lower impact on landfills
The menstrual sponge is a tampon alternative that was popularized in the early 1990s. It is made of soft, absorbent foam and is inserted into the vagina like a tampon. The sponge absorbs menstrual blood and can be worn for up to 12 hours. After use, the sponge must be rinsed before being stored in an airtight container. The sponge can be used for up to six months before it needs to be replaced.
Benefits
Free of harsh chemicals including bleach, chlorine, fragrances, dyes, or synthetics
Fully biodegradable
Very cost-effective as they can be reused for several cycles
Can be trimmed for a custom fit
As you can see, there are a number of tampon alternatives available to women. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you. If you have any questions about tampon alternatives, please don't hesitate to contact us at A Woman’s Place — we're happy to help!