Tampon vs. menstrual cup

Tampons and menstrual cups are two of the most used current methods in feminine hygiene. Both solutions serve to help women deal with bleeding days, but the truth is that, although both are used for the same purpose, they are actually very different products.

In recent years, the menstrual cup has fought against some taboos to end up revolutionizing the market by presenting itself as a more hygienic, economical and ecological alternative, although there are still many women who have not dared to try it.

Main differences

• The menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone, a hypoallergenic material designed to be used safely for long periods of time. It is respectful of the pH and reduces the possibility of contracting infections by being resistant to bacterial growth. Tampons are made from cotton and rayon, materials that absorb blood and also vaginal fluid. Dryness from the continued use of tampons can imbalance the pH, favoring the appearance of infections, especially in the last days of the period, when there is less menstrual flow.
• The menstrual cup can remain inside the vagina for up to 12 hours, while the tampon should not be used for more than 4 or 6 hours.
• Tampons are disposable. Most women are very used to them, they are comfortable thanks to the different plastic applicators that facilitate their insertion. But we must keep in mind that these are not recycled and generate tons of garbage worldwide every month.
• The menstrual cup is eco-friendly , a reusable method that you must wash after each use and sterilize after each period. Its placement is more complex and introducing it correctly requires practice. At first, the ideal is to use a little lubricant and try several times until you feel completely comfortable.
• The menstrual cup collects up to five times more blood than a tampon .
• The menstrual cup is a less practical method if you need to change in a public bathroom. Removing the cup and having to wash it takes longer than replacing one tampon with another, but since it is a long-lasting method, the probability of having to change it outside the home is lower.
• The menstrual cup is a cheaper alternative. The box of tampons is cheap, but the annual cost is at least 30 euros. On the other hand, the menstrual cup has an initial cost of approximately €20, but its durability lasts up to 10 years.
• Tampons contain toxins that, when mixed with blood, produce a bad odor. With the cup you will discover that the blood is odorless and it is not a disgusting process to extract and clean it.