After gradually transitioning from using disposable pads and tampons to reusable period underwear and menstrual cups/discs, I’m now a year into a completely zero-waste period care routine. While making the switch came with some trial and error, the bottom line is that I wish I had learned about these alternatives sooner — which is why, for the sake of empowering other menstruating bodies, I’m willing to share TMI about my own period care routine. Let’s get into how using reusable period underwear and menstrual cups/discs has changed my periods for the better.
Benefits of reusable period care products
There are three factors that I believe make reusable period products superior to their single-use counterparts: They save money in the long run, are better for the environment and reduce stress. These points have even been shown in studies. A 2019 report revealed that using a menstrual cup may significantly reduce the costs and plastic waste associated with single-use feminine hygiene products. According to the analysis, use of a menstrual cup compared to the use of 12 pads per period over the course of 10 years would amount to only 5% of the cost and 0.4% of the plastic waste. Likewise, when compared to the use of 12 tampons per period, using a menstrual cup would comprise 7% of the cost and 6% of the plastic waste. For an extra bonus in the money department, many reusable period underwear, cups and discs are FSA eligible.
And to my third point about reducing stress, this is reflected in the report’s findings on leakage. After all, worrying about bleeding through your clothes is a big cause of anxiety during one’s period. The report looked at four studies that concluded that leakage “was similar or lower for menstrual cups than for disposable pads or tampons.” This has been true of my own experience, and in the few instances where leakage has occurred, I wasn’t even stressed because I was wearing washable period underwear. Clothes (and embarrassment) saved!
Experts are also embracing reusable period care products. Navya Mysore, national program director for sexual and reproductive health at One Medical, says, “I would definitely recommend reusable menstrual products to everyone. Depending on the heaviness of your flow and how active you are, a combination of reusable products are good to use.” According to the expert, that can look like a completely zero-waste routine or a mix of disposable and reusable products. Your flow, day of your period, activity level and where you are spending most of your time are all factors to weigh. “For example, when working from home you can use your menstrual disc, but if it’s a heavy flow day and you are at the office and worried about a potential leak, maybe use a tampon with period underwear,” Mysore says. “I don’t think you have to choose one way — you can mix and max!”
As for drawbacks, menstrual cups/discs come with the biggest learning curve as you figure out the most comfortable, effective placement and how to insert and remove them. I didn’t get the hang of it until my third month, so it takes some commitment to the process. Besides that, cleaning both period underwear and my menstrual discs can feel like a hassle. Unlike disposable products, you have to get used to dealing with the blood a bit more personally. Instead of simply throwing out your pad or tampon, you’re going to be seeing and even touching the blood when you rinse your period underwear or empty your menstrual cup/disc. It can be messy at first, but it just takes some familiarization to get used to it. Now, I’ve found a slew of products that can make the cleaning and maintenance of reusable products a bit easier too. More on this later.
A year into my zero-waste period journey, and I’m grateful I made the switch. In fact, I wish I had known about these options as a teen! Thankfully, it’s never too late to try something new, and these reusable period products are so worth it.
Period underwear
Period underwear is a great entry point into the world of reusable period care products. An alternative to pads, they come in a variety of absorbency levels — from panty liner- to maxi pad-level coverage — but feel just like wearing regular undies. The magic is in the absorbent gusset, and often a moisture-wicking layer, that helps you avoid leaks and keeps you feeling dry.
As someone who always doubled up with a tampon and liner just in case, switching over to using period underwear as my backup was not only more comfortable but quickly saved me money too. Now I have period underwear for each day of my flow, and they continue to give me peace of mind.
Knix is my go-to period underwear. They come in a variety of absorbencies and styles, and I love that they have a seamless fit that feels as sleek as they look. They’ve even helped me feel confident wearing white pants during my flow since they come in a variety of skin tone-colored shades that make them practically invisible.
Diva’s period underwear is another great everyday option. It has a comfortable mid-rise bikini silhouette and a moisture-wicking layer that has kept me feeling drier than other period underwear I’ve tried. The DryTec gusset is also infused with zinc for antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.
I reach for Proof’s thong whenever I wear yoga pants on my period, and even for workouts when I’m not. They’re made with a smooth, stretchy combo of nylon and spandex, so they blend right in with your typical athletic wear. Plus, Proof caters to various types of leaks — including bladder, sweat, postpartum and more — so they’ll keep you dry at any stage of life.
A super-comfy option that lets me sleep stress-free while on my period, Saalt’s high-absorbency boy short features an extended gusset for extra coverage. They’re made with a sustainable Tencel modal that is just as soft and comforting as my favorite pair of PJs.
It’s also worth mentioning that Saalt is one of my favorite period care brands overall, thanks to its variety of products and thoughtful “Saalt Bliss Guarantee,” which lets you send your product back for a replacement or refund up to a year from purchase.
Just as you’d keep an extra pad or tampon in your purse, it’s a good idea to keep a spare pair of period underwear on hand in case you need to change during the day. Any waterproof bag can work, but I like the discreetness of using a cosmetic bag.
I use this one, which has a waterproof lining and is big enough for an extra pair or two, plus a small pack of biodegradable wipes.
Period cups/discs
Menstrual cups and discs can seem intimidating at first, but they are liberating, stress-free and, more importantly, leak-free once you get around the learning curve. They’re a sustainable alternative to tampons and, dare I say, even more convenient. Reusable menstrual cups and discs made of medical-grade silicone will last five to 10 years, can hold the equivalent of multiple tampons and only need to be removed twice a day. If you’re wondering what the differences between menstrual cups and discs are, we spoke to women’s health experts to answer all your questions about those period products: Check out our guide here.
After some trial and error, I found that discs worked better for me. It’s normal for each new cup/disc to come with an adjustment period (literally), where you’re getting used to the feel of the product as well as the insertion and removal process. I recommend wearing period underwear as you get the hang of it. Even now, I’ll typically wear period underwear when I use a menstrual disc to guard against any leakage. And just like with pads and tampons, you’ll end up liking some cups/discs more than others. It’s all about finding what works for you.
The most recent disc I’ve tried, and now my overall favorite, Cora’s The Soft Fit Disc features a patented finger groove that makes removal super easy. It has a slightly smaller diameter and more structured rim than my second pick, the Nixit, that gives it a comfortable fit that stays put all day.
Although it’s called a menstrual cup, Nixit is more comparable to a typical menstrual disc because of its wide opening, shallow reservoir and how it sits underneath the cervix and behind the pubic bone. It was the first menstrual disc that really clicked for me, and I continue to reach for it every cycle. It can hold up to 70 milliliters (versus Cora’s The Soft Fit Disc’s 47.5 milliliters), so I find it best for heavy-flow days.
Period care cleaning products
Mysore notes, “It’s very important with any period product to make sure that you are regularly cleaning out or changing it so as to avoid an infection.” So, yes, ensuring your reusable period products are properly washed is not only a matter of cleanliness but well-being.
From making sure your period cup/disc is sanitized for every cycle to keeping your period underwear in tip-top shape, I’ve found a number of products that make cleaning reusable period care less of a chore.
I keep this cleanser under my bathroom sink so whenever I need to rinse out my disc I can easily give it a thorough wash. It’s pH balanced and made with stain-fighting ingredients to keep the period discs or cups looking their best.
It’s important to sanitize your period cup or disc before using it for the first time and also between cycles. Typically, this is done by boiling it in water, but I’ve always been weirded out by the idea of throwing my discs in one of my kitchen pots. I’ve found that the Saalt Steamer is a worthy investment for anyone who uses period cups or discs. With the touch of a button, it creates a steamy, spa-like treatment for your reusable period care that eliminates bacteria and any microorganisms.
These flushable wipes are made from eco-friendly pulp and infused with a dermatologist-tested blend of natural extracts like aloe vera and green tea. They come in handy packs of ten that are convenient to have around when dealing with a cup, disc or underwear change in a public restroom.
You should rinse your period underwear with cold water immediately after wearing them, but when it’s time to throw them in the wash, this ultra-concentrated detergent will help release blood and odor. Suitable for any brand of period underwear, Saalt’s detergent features cleaning enzymes that are gentle on your delicates and leave them feeling fresh.