What is a tampon?

A tampon is a disposable period product that is made from cotton or rayon and inserted into the body. It is cylinder-shaped with a string at the end to pull for removal. Once inserted correctly, the vagina holds the tampon in place, where it will expand as it soaks up your period blood. They can come with or without applicators for ease of insertion, and come with different absorbency ratings between 6 to 18 grams.

The economics of a period with tampons 

Depending on where you live, tampons are not an expensive purchase, but it can add up when you look at the overall cost. On average, a person with a period spends over $1,500 in a lifetime, and it can be even more if you buy organic tampons.

The environmental impact of tampons 

Unfortunately, due to the makeup of tampons and their applicators, which often contain plastic, they contribute largely to waste on our planet and in our oceans. For example, in 2004, The Ocean Conservancy collected over 18,000 used tampons and applicators from beaches in just one day.

Pros of tampons 

• They are easy to use and discrete and are compact and small enough that you can carry them in your purse.
• You can go swimming and play sports without having to worry about your period or a pad bunching up.
• When inserted correctly, they are comfortable and cannot be felt during wear.
• You can also wear any kind of underwear with them without having to worry.

Cons of tampons 

• You can only wear them for 8 hours
• Tampons can leave fibers or residue inside the body, and this can lead to bacterial infections or inflammation.
• Higher risk of TSS or Toxic shock Syndrome can be caused by tampons, it can be fatal, and although it is rare, it’s important to be aware of the risks.
• They can be made with chemicals that can throw off your natural balance.

What is a menstrual cup?

Unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups collect blood instead of absorbing it. It is a flexible cone-shaped period product that is made from 100% medical-grade silicone. It is inserted into the vagina and can be reused for years.

Economics of menstrual cups

A menstrual cup is initially more expensive than a box of tampons or pads, but you have to buy those disposable period products monthly. A menstrual cup lasts for years, and were on average just 5% of the cost of pads, and only 7% of the cost of tampons, according to one study. They can also benefit low-income families and developing countries.

Environmental impacts of menstrual cups 

Menstrual cups have been around for a while now, but have only recently been picking up in popularity. Since AllMatters menstrual cup has been tested to last up to 10 years, there is potential to reduce the use of up to 2,400 tampons per one packaging is kept to the absolute minimum, with recycled cardboard packaging, instructions printed on the inside of the box, and a cotton bag. This eliminates the need for plastic and paper and reduces waste.

Pros of menstrual cups

• They are cheaper than pads or tampons
• They are sustainable and a better choice for the environment
• They last up to 12 hours
• They do not absorb any bacteria and can’t upset your body’s natural pH balance
• They have no odor

Cons of menstrual cups

• There is a learning curve, it can be tough to get the hang of how to insert and remove a menstrual cup
• It can be messy. Having to break the seal to remove the cup can be messy at times
• You have to clean your cup and stay on top of sanitization

What is a pad?

A pad or sanitary napkin is a disposable noninvasive period product that sticks or clips to your underwear and catches the blood from your period. They are rectangular in shape, come in different sizes, need to be changed often, and are made from plastic, cotton, and rayon.

Economics of pads

Tampons and pads are similarly priced, which is affordable for some. You might want to consider looking for a more affordable or sustainable option. Reusable pads are a great option, as well as other reusable menstrual products.

Environmental impacts of pads

Many disposable pads end up in landfills, oceans, and wreak havoc on our planet. They are often made up of synthetic fibers that takes years to break down and degrade. And just one pack of pads contains the same amount of plastic as four grocery bags. To top it all off, some pads contain harmful chemicals like rayon and dioxide that pollute groundwater and air

Pros of pads

• Can be environmentally friendly if you wear reusable pads
• More options for absorbency, there are long pads, thick pads, and super thin ones, you have a lot of options when it comes to wearing pads
• No risk of TSS which means less to worry about

Cons of pads

• You have to change them every 3 to 4 hours, this can be annoying, and it’s hard to be discrete
• Can cause irritation to the vulva from pad rash, especially if there are chemicals, adhesive or fragrance added to the menstrual product
• Can bunch up and become uncomfortable, and at worst, let you leak
• Because they easily bunch up, it can be hard to do sports or other high-motion activities. You also can’t swim in them.

Tampons vs. menstrual cups vs. pads, who comes out on top?

Disposable period products like pads and tampons contribute significantly to environmental pollution, but they are a cheap and easy way to manage periods. Menstrual cups are a great choice for the environment and are a cheaper choice in the long run, but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing one, a reusable pad or even period underwear is a great choice as well.