Sanitary Pads, Tampons or Menstrual Cups: How to Choose
An honest comparison of sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear: comfort, cost, how long you can wear each, and safety tips.
Medically reviewed by Doctoright Medical Review Panel · Written by Doctoright Editorial Team
Updated on · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- There's no single 'best' period product: the right one depends on your flow, comfort, activity and budget.
- Change pads every 4 to 6 hours (sooner if heavy) and tampons at least every 4 to 8 hours; menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours.
- Tampons carry a small risk of toxic shock syndrome: use the lowest absorbency you need and never leave one in overnight beyond 8 hours.
- Wrap used pads in paper before disposal; cups and cloth pads are reusable and reduce waste.
From disposable pads to reusable cups, there are more period products available in India than ever. Each has advantages and tradeoffs. Here's how they compare.
Quick comparison
| Sanitary pads | Tampons | Menstrual cup | Period underwear / cloth pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Absorbs flow outside the body | Absorbs flow inside the vagina | Collects flow inside the vagina | Absorbs flow outside the body |
| Wear time | 4 to 6 hours | 4 to 8 hours | Up to 12 hours | 4 to 8 hours (by flow) |
| Reusable | No | No | Yes (years) | Yes |
| Learning curve | None | Some | Moderate | None |
| Good for | Everyone, overnight, first periods | Sports, swimming | Long days, travel, low waste | Light days, backup, low waste |
Sanitary pads
Pads are the most widely used product in India and the easiest to start with.
Choosing a pad:
- Length: Regular (about 240 mm) for light to medium days; XL and XXL (280 to 320 mm and above) for heavy flow and overnight.
- Wings help prevent side leaks.
- Ultra thin pads with gel cores absorb as well as thick ones and feel less bulky.
- Cotton feel or soft top sheets can reduce irritation if you're prone to rashes.
Tips: Change every 4 to 6 hours, sooner on heavy days, to prevent odour, rashes and infection. See our full guide to period hygiene.
Tampons
Tampons are inserted into the vagina and absorb blood internally, so they're discreet and good for sports and swimming.
- Choose the lowest absorbency that works for your flow.
- Change at least every 4 to 8 hours.
- Wash your hands before and after insertion.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness linked to tampon use. Remove the tampon and seek urgent care if you suddenly develop a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, a sunburn like rash, dizziness or confusion.
Menstrual cups
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible bell shaped cup made of medical grade silicone that collects blood rather than absorbing it. A large review in The Lancet Public Health found cups were as reliable as pads and tampons for leakage, and safe.
Pros: wear for up to 12 hours, reusable for several years, cost effective, less waste.
Cons: takes a few cycles to learn; emptying in public toilets can be tricky; needs clean water for rinsing.
How to use:
- Wash your hands.
- Fold the cup (C fold or punch down fold) and insert it, angling toward your tailbone.
- Let it open and rotate gently to form a seal.
- To remove, pinch the base to break the seal, then pull out gently.
- Empty, rinse and reinsert. Boil it for 5 to 10 minutes between periods.
Choose a size based on age, flow and whether you've given birth. If you have an IUD (Copper T), ask your doctor first, as the suction can dislodge it.
Period underwear and cloth pads
Reusable options absorb flow in special layered fabric. They're great for light days or as backup. Wash in cold water, then with soap, and dry fully in the sun: damp cloth can grow bacteria.
Which should you choose?
- First periods or overnight: pads are easiest.
- Swimming and sports: tampons or a cup.
- Long days without access to a toilet: a cup.
- Reducing waste and cost: a cup, cloth pads or period underwear.
Many people use a combination: a cup by day and a pad at night, for example.
Not sure your flow is normal? Read what is a normal period?
How we reviewed this article: 4 sources
Doctoright has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations. Learn more.
- NHS. Periods: sanitary products.
- NHS. Toxic shock syndrome.
- van Eijk AM, et al. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta analysis. Lancet Public Health. 2019.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Menstrual Hygiene Scheme.
Last medically reviewed on 8 October 2026. Originally published 6 September 2026.