Menstrual Cup vs Period Pants

Menstrual Cup vs Period Pants: Which is Right for You?

Menstrual health products have come a long way in recent years. Reusable menstrual products are readily available now. Menstrual cups and period pants have become game-changers for eco-conscious people who want comfort and convenience during their menstrual cycle.

If you’re trying to decide which would suit you best, this post will help you break down the pros and cons of menstrual cups and period pants. You’ll have a clearer idea of which option might work well for you, or if you wanted to try both.

I made the switch to reusable sanitary protection after the birth of my third child. I found I was irritated by disposable pads and tampons, I would stay sore and sensitive for a few weeks after my period just in time for it to start again.

As my youngest was in cloth nappies it was an easy change for me, and I had reusable period pads, reusable period knickers and a menstrual cup. I mix and match to suit my flow and activities on specific days. 

What is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made from medical-grade silicone, latex, or rubber. Unlike tampons or pads, a menstrual cup is designed to collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it. The cup is inserted into the vagina, where it forms a seal, collecting the uterine lining until it is removed and emptied.

Menstrual cups date back to the 1930s, but their popularity has only soared in the last couple of decades as more people seek sustainable, eco-friendly options for period care.

Secret whispers CupIt menstrual cup kit comes with two sizes, great for different flow days and lengths of wear.

How Does It Work?

Wearing a menstrual cup requires some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly simple and not so different to regular tampons:

Insertion: Fold the cup and insert it into the vagina - read the instructions to learn how to fold it. Once inside, it pops open and forms a seal against the vaginal walls.

Positioning: Insert the menstrual cup so it sits below the cervix, and you shouldn’t feel it once it’s in place.

Removal: Removing a menstrual cup can take practise. Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal, and gently pull it out.

Emptying: Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup, and reinsert. The cup collects menstrual blood and can hold more than a tampon or pad, making it ideal for people with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Pros of Menstrual Cups

• Eco-friendly: Reusable for years, reducing waste.
• Cost-effective: One purchase can last up to 10 years.
• Long wear time: Can be worn for up to 12 hours flow allowing.
• Good for heavy flow: Holds more than traditional products.
• Minimal odour: Blood isn’t exposed to air, reducing odours.
• Less frequent changes: Especially beneficial for overnight use or busy days.

Cons of Menstrual Cups

• Learning curve: Inserting and removing the cup takes practice.
• Discomfort: Some may experience discomfort or difficulty with positioning.
• Initial cost: While it saves money over time, the upfront cost can be higher.
• Maintenance: Requires cleaning after each use and sterilising between cycles.
• Not ideal for all anatomies: May not work well for people with certain pelvic conditions.
• Heavy flow: Will need emptying often to avoid leaking.
• Slippery: It can be messy to empty the cup, if you are out, carry a bottle of water and choose a stall with a sink.

What are Period Pants?

Period pants, also known as menstrual underwear, are designed to absorb menstrual blood just like a pad, but with the added convenience of being worn as regular underwear. They have built-in layers that wick moisture, absorb blood, and prevent leaks.

Period pants come in various styles / rises to suit your needs, from light like Feeling Sleek to heavy flow like Feeling Fearless bamboo, and can be washed and reused just like regular underwear. 

How Do They Work?

Period pants are worn like normal underwear and contain multiple layers to absorb menstrual blood and waterproofing to prevent leaks. Here's how they function:

Top layer: Wicks away moisture keeping you feeling dry

Absorbent layers: These layers trap blood and prevent leaks.

Waterproof layer: Holds in moisture and smells, leak proof to stop blood transferring to your clothing.

Changing: Change in line with your flow to prevent leaks, for some this will be more often than others

Washing: After use, the pants need to be rinsed in cold water, washed, and dried for reuse.

Depending on your flow, period knickers can be worn alone or as backup to other menstrual products like pads or menstrual cups.

Pros of Period Pants

• Comfortable: Feels just like regular underwear.
• Eco-friendly: Reusable for years, reducing disposable waste.
• Low maintenance: Easy to use with no folding, inserting, or positioning.
• External: No internal insertion, good for those with any birth injuries, prolapses, cervix issues.
• Variety: Available in different absorbency levels, rises, and styles.
• Great for light days: Ideal for light to moderate flow or as a backup.

Cons of Period Pants

• Limited wear time: Typically needs to be changed every 8-10 hours, more frequently on heavier days.
• Less suitable for heavy flow: May require frequent changes for those with heavy periods.
• Initial cost: Buying multiple pairs can be expensive.
• Drying time: Depending on the material, drying after washing can take time - much faster if you turn them inside out.
• Not ideal for certain activities: May feel bulky during sports or physical activities.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here are some things to consider when choosing between a menstrual cup and period pants - 

Lifestyle & Activities

If you’re active or love swimming, the menstrual cup might be your best bet. It's discreet, stays in place, and allows for freedom of movement. For bike rides period pants are a great option as they are not going to be felt while sitting on a saddle.

If you're not as active or don't mind changing your pants through the day, period pants offer simplicity and comfort.

Flow

We now have period pants that can hold a similar amount to menstrual cups, with extra absorbency comes thicker layers, but likewise with extra capacity comes a bigger cup.

Convenience

If you prefer minimal maintenance, period pants are easier to use and clean. You simply wear them, rinse them and toss them in the wash, whereas menstrual cups require more effort with insertion, removal and sterilisation.

Safety

Both options are safe when used properly. Menstrual cups carry a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if not emptied regularly, though the risk is significantly lower than with tampons. Period pants don’t have this risk, making them a very safe option.

Sleep

Menstrual cups offer a longer wear time and can be used overnight. Period pants are also comfortable for overnight use, but for heavier flows, you might need to combine them with another product for added protection. Be aware that with the change in position both need to be fitted well to avoid leaks while lying down.

Period pants need to have a snug fit on the leg rounds, and period cups need to have created a seal to not leak around the edge.

Conclusion: The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, the choice between a menstrual cup and period pants boils down to your lifestyle, flow, and personal preferences. You may even find that using both works best for you—wearing the cup during active days and switching to period pants for comfort at night.

Whatever you choose, both options offer environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternatives to traditional period products.

If you found this blog useful and want to read more - 

Reusable period pants v's period pads

Can you wear period pants overnight?

Are period pants hygienic?

If you want to more information about switching to reusable pee and period products, or to receive tailored advice feel free to contact the team. You can drop them a email or use the online chat. The team all use the products themselves and nothing is TMI. We all happily overshare our own experiences.

About the Author : Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.