By
Dr. Robert Wool
When “Auntie Flo” comes calling, you now have more options than ever for how to respond. Most women are familiar with pads and tampons, but we’ve had questions from patients about two newer period protection options: menstrual cups and period underwear. Here, we break down the pros and cons of each.
Menstrual Cups
A
menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup
that you insert into your vagina to collect your period blood. You pull it out
to empty and clean it.
Pros:
·
The
cup can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, unlike pads or tampons that need
to be changed every few hours.
·
You
can use the same cup no matter how heavy your flow is, so you don’t have to use
different products for lighter and heavier days.
·
The
same menstrual cup can be cleaned and reused for years, saving you a lot of
money on feminine hygiene products.
·
Because
it’s reusable, the cup is more earth friendly than disposable period protection
options.
Cons:
·
There
is a small learning curve around insertion, removal and cleaning when you first
start using a menstrual cup.
·
If
your period starts unexpectedly while you’re away from home, you may not have
your cup with you.
·
When
away from home, you may need to empty and clean the cup in a public bathroom,
which is off putting for some women.
Period Underwear
Period underwear are designed to be worn in place of regular underwear. They are made of a moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric that absorbs your period flow.
Pros:
·
Depending
on their capacity and your flow, period underwear can be worn up to 12 hours
and hold between one and two tampons worth of flow. Most tampons hold about 5
milliliters of fluid, and most periods produce about 30 milliliters of fluid in
total each month.
·
If
you have a heavy flow, the underwear can be worn along with a pad, tampon or
cup for an extra layer of protection.
·
Each
pair of can last for years, making this is another environmentally friendly
option.
·
They
can be hand or machine washed and air dried.
Cons:
·
Period
underwear are more expensive than a menstrual cup and you will need several
pairs. (However, if you use them instead of pads and tampons, you will likely
still realize a cost savings over time.)
·
There
may be some trial and error until you find the underwear that works best for
you in terms of fit and capacity.
·
If
your period starts unexpectedly while you are away from home, you may not have
the underwear with you.
·
There
is a hassle factor if your flow is heavy and you will be away from home for a
while. You may need to bring a backup pair of period underwear and a plastic
bag to hold the pair you remove.
Personalized Period
Protection
Your menstrual flow changes over time, so
the period protection you prefer may change as well. When used as directed, both
the menstrual cup and period underwear provide safe, effective and
environmentally friendly protection that can be used alone or as a supplement
to pads and tampons.
As
always, our providers are happy to answer your questions, address concerns and
provide expert guidance. Reach out if you’d like to schedule an
appointment.
