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Menstrual cups vs sanitary pads: Which is more hygienic and who should use them?
Cups are cost-effective and more sustainable
3 min readUpdated: May 31, 2025 07:44 AM IST
It is a bell-shaped device made of medical grade elastomer, silicon or rubber and is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect blood. (Source: Pixabay)
Written by Dr Mannan Gupta,
Even though sanitary pads have long been the solution for periods, menstrual cups have now gathered attention among women who prefer cost-effective, sustainable and more hygienic alternatives. But the main question arises is whether menstrual cups are more hygienic than pads and if they are suitable for everyone?
What’s a menstrual cup?
It is a bell-shaped device made of medical grade elastomer, silicon or rubber and is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect blood. Being flexible, it simply holds the blood and can be emptied, cleaned and reinserted, unlike in case of a tampon and pads which absorb the blood and cannot be reused.
Are menstrual cups more hygienic than sanitary pads?
In terms of hygiene, if used and cleaned properly, menstrual cups can be more hygienic than sanitary pads due to the following:
Minimal risk of bacterial growth: Since pads are exposed to air and moisture, they become a breeding ground for bacteria, when left unchanged for some time (more than four hours). On the contrary, menstrual cups collect blood in a sealed environment, drastically reducing any exposure to external contamination.
No skin contact: While pads used for extended periods may lead to skin irritation, rashes or even infection especially during hot and humid conditions, menstrual cups can be emptied every six to 12 hours, avoiding any such associated complication.
Free from chemicals: Designed with medical grade material, menstrual cups are free from chemicals or dyes that may cause any allergy or infections.
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Eco-friendly: A single menstrual cup, if used efficiently (clean and hygienically) can last years without any hassle of disposal.
Who should be using menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are best suited for those with moderate to heavy flow, are vulnerable to skin allergies with pads and are athletes and swimmers. In fact, they can hold more fluid than pads, minimising the risk of leaks.
Menstrual cups may not be best suited for young adolescents or virgins, women with gynaecological conditions like low cervix or uterine prolapse (when the uterus falls out of its normal position) and women experiencing vaginal dryness (before menopause).
What are cons?
Cups are ideal for those who have access to clean water and hygienic washroom facilities. There is a learning that the user has to go through. Some studies indicate that leakage resulted for a variety of reasons, including abnormally heavy bleeding, a unique structure of the uterus, using a cup that was too small, placing the cup incorrectly, or not emptying it in time.
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(Dr Gupta is chairperson & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi)
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