FeatureMenstrual CupSanitary PadsTamponsCloth PadsPeriod Panties
Use LocationInsideOutsideInsideOutsideOutside
Reusability✅ (5–10 yrs)❌❌✅ (1–2 yrs)✅ (1–2 yrs)
Cost-Effectiveness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Environmental Impact♻️ Very low❌ High❌ High♻️ Moderate♻️ Moderate
Absorbency & Capacity⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort & Discreetness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Learning Curve❗ High✅ Easy⚠️ Medium✅ Easy✅ Easy
Risk of TSS❌ None⚠️ Yes⚠️ Yes❌ None❌ None

Menstrual cups stand out in the menstrual hygiene product market due to their unique design, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how menstrual cups differ from sanitary pads, tampons, cloth pads, and period panties across several dimensions:

1. Mechanism of Action

  • Menstrual Cup: Collects menstrual fluid inside the vagina. Made of medical-grade silicone or TPE.
  • Sanitary Pads: Absorb fluid outside the body, worn in underwear.
  • Tampons: Absorb fluid inside the vagina, usually made of cotton or rayon.
  • Cloth Pads: Work like sanitary pads but are reusable and made of fabric.
  • Period Panties: Built-in absorbent layers within underwear.

2. Reusability and Longevity

  • Menstrual Cup: Reusable for 5–10 years with proper care.
  • Sanitary Pads: Single-use; disposed after each use.
  • Tampons: Single-use.
  • Cloth Pads: Reusable for 1–2 years.
  • Period Panties: Reusable for 1–2 years.

3. Cost-Effectiveness (Over Time)

  • Menstrual Cup: High initial cost (~INR 300–1,000), but extremely cost-effective over time.
  • Sanitary Pads/Tampons: Ongoing monthly expense.
  • Cloth Pads/Period Panties: Moderate initial investment; cost-effective with reuse.

4. Environmental Impact

  • Menstrual Cup: Minimal; replaces hundreds of disposable products.
  • Sanitary Pads/Tampons: High; plastic content leads to landfill waste.
  • Cloth Pads/Period Panties: Lower impact; reusable but require water and detergent.

5. Capacity and Convenience

  • Menstrual Cup: Holds 3–4 times more fluid than tampons or pads; can be worn for up to 12 hours.
  • Sanitary Pads/Tampons: Need to be changed every 4–6 hours.
  • Cloth Pads/Period Panties: Lower absorbency, need changing more often.

6. Comfort and Discreteness

  • Menstrual Cup: Once inserted properly, not felt; great for physical activity.
  • Tampons: Also discreet; risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
  • Sanitary Pads/Cloth Pads: Can be bulky or uncomfortable, especially during exercise.
  • Period Panties: Comfortable and discreet but may not suit heavy flow days alone.

7. Learning Curve and Accessibility

  • Menstrual Cup: Steeper learning curve; may feel intimidating for beginners.
  • Sanitary Pads: Easiest to use; most widely accepted.
  • Tampons: Moderate learning curve.
  • Cloth Pads/Period Panties: Easy to use but may have hygiene concerns in low-resource areas.

8. Health and Safety

  • Menstrual Cup: Safe with proper hygiene; no risk of TSS; non-absorbent so doesn’t dry vaginal walls.
  • Tampons: Associated with TSS risk.
  • Pads (Disposable and Cloth): Can cause irritation if worn too long or if materials are not skin-safe.