What’s the best period product for me? Health
Experts outline options from cups to cloth pads and offer guidance on choosing what’s right for you
Health editors report that a BBC News guide on what’s the best period product for me highlights a wider range of options beyond traditional pads and tampons. The piece draws on guidance from Dr Tempest, a consultant gynaecologist at the University of Liverpool, about how each product works and the pros and cons to help people decide what might suit them best.
With more choices available, consumers can consider reusable options such as menstrual cups, period pants, and washable pads alongside disposable pads and tampons. Dr Tempest emphasizes understanding how a product functions, how long it can be worn, and how hygiene practices affect comfort and safety.
Menstrual cups are small flexible cups made of medical-grade silicone. They are folded and inserted into the vagina to collect blood rather than absorb it. There are different types based on flow and whether a user has given birth, and hygiene is essential—wash hands before inserting the cup and clean it between uses. Proponents say cups are the most eco-friendly option, hold up to three times more blood than a tampon, and can be worn for up to 12 hours. With proper care, they can last for years, typically two to four years, though some brands claim longer lifespans. The upfront cost is typically around £20 to £25. On the downside, there is a learning curve to insertion and removal, finding the right fit can take time, emptying the cup can be messy in public facilities, and the cup must be sterilised between cycles.
Period pants are underwear with built-in absorbent layers. You wear them like normal underwear, then rinse, wash and dry them for reuse. They are popular for sleeping or lighter days. Leakage worries are normal, but Dr Tempest says they are reliable for most people and have a built-in waterproof layer and odour lining. Pros include looking and feeling like regular underwear, no shifting around, lasting six to eight hours, and being reusable for two to three years. They can be layered with other products for extra protection. Cons include a potentially expensive upfront cost—prices start from around £10 and go up to £50—plus the need to wash and dry between uses, possible insufficient absorbency for heavy flows, and inconvenience for travel without access to laundry. You may also need to carry used pairs home if you change them during the day.
Reusable pads look similar to disposable ones but are usually made from cotton or bamboo and fasten around your underwear with poppers. Instead of throwing them away, you rinse, wash and dry them to use again. Pros include being softer and more comfortable than plastic-based pads, eco-friendliness for those seeking sustainability, a variety of sizes and absorbencies, and cost effectiveness over time. They can last between three and five years. Cons require washing after each use, must be dried properly between uses to reduce infection risk, can be bulkier than disposables, and may be less convenient when you’re out and about since you’ll need to carry used ones home.
Reusable pads are followed by disposable pads, which are the most commonly used period product. They stick into underwear, absorb blood externally, and are wrapped and binned after use. Dr Tempest advises changing pads regularly—every four to six hours—and not wearing them for more than eight hours to avoid skin irritation. Pros include simplicity, broad availability in many sizes from ultra-thin to thick night pads, and good overnight protection. Cons can include bulk or shifting, limited use for water-based activities like swimming, and environmental concerns since a typical pack contains plastic. Over a lifetime, pads can be more expensive than reusable options.
Tampons are also commonly used and inserted into the vagina, where they soak up blood before it leaves the body. Dr Tempest stresses that they must be correctly disposed of. Every day, about 2.5 million tampons are flushed down the toilet when they should be placed in a bin. Pros include discreetness and ease of transport, suitability for sports and swimming, and a range of absorbencies. Cons include the need for insertion, which some may find uncomfortable, the relatively higher environmental impact, and the potential for higher costs over a lifetime compared with reusable options. There is also a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if worn for too long when checks aren’t routine.
The best period product for any individual depends on personal factors such as flow, activity, comfort, and values. Some people use more than one product, swapping based on daily plans or overnight needs. The BBC guide notes that while pads and tampons remain widely used, reusable options are gaining traction as part of a broader shift toward sustainability. Hygiene, correct use, and awareness of disposal considerations are important across all options. People should consult a healthcare provider if they have concerns about allergies, skin sensitivities, or infections.
