5 best alternatives to tampons for period-having people
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While many of my period-having pals have been loyal to the same period products for years, I began searching for alternatives to tampons a couple of years ago. Don't get me wrong, I think they're a super convenient and virtually leak-proof option when it comes to sanitary products. But I hated the fact that I was spending a small fortune on single-use products every cycle.
When I started menstruating 13 years ago, we had minimal options: disposable pads that stuck to your regular underwear or plastic-wrapped tampons. But we've come a long way in the last decade, with a host of easy-to-use, eco-friendly reusable options hitting the virtual aisles. And with issues like period pollution and period poverty becoming more and more pressing, there's never been a better time to take a moment to consider what's out there, plus their pros and cons.
From menstrual discs and cups, to period pants, reusable sanitary pads and period swimwear — yep, no need to skip a midweek swim anymore — here are all the tampon alternatives available to you right now, answers to common FAQs, plus a selection of GLAMOUR editor favourites that they call on every menstrual cycle.
Being honest about periods is the first step to change.
Ahead, your alternatives to single-use tampons, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors:
Previously, lingerie of this kind was shunned for being smelly, ugly and prone to leakages. But today, things have progressed. Period pants look just like your day-to-day underwear, except they come fitted with an absorbent, moisture-wicking and odour-eliminating gusset, able to hold as much as 10 tampons' worth of blood or discharge.
You can wear them to give you extra protection alongside a pad or menstrual cup on heavy flow days, or to protect against incontinence, and for peace of mind postpartum.
Plus, some experts say they can save you money when compared to single-use tampons and pads: “Whilst they require a bigger initial investment, the average woman will spend around £120 on disposable period pads in just two years, but with reusable period pants, the cost is no more than £75,” says CEO and co-founder of WUKA, Ruby Raut.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Reusable options, with most pairs given a two-year life span. | Will cost you more than a box of tampons or pads that first month. |
| Non-invasive option, making them suitable for teens too. | Some styles can be a little big and bulky, sometimes compared to nappies. |
| Easy to clean — most styles can withstand a 30° washing machine cycle. | Blood clots have to be removed by hand or toilet paper. |
| Minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). |
Works in exactly the same way as classic period pants, fitted with a super-absorbent lining that absorbs period blood to keep you clean, dry, and fresh all day long. The only real difference is the addition of a water-repellent outer layer.
As for styles, there are tons to choose from, including period swimsuits and period-proof bikini briefs, most of which come with matching triangle bikini tops.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Many fully lined in the front and back to prevent leaks. | Some super-absorbent styles can be a little thick with padding. |
| Can be worn under other swimwear if you don't want to ditch your existing swimmers. | Many insist you clean on a cold wash. |
| Every pair of WUKA pants replaces 200 disposables in its lifetime. | Still a little pricey. |
| Minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). |
Menstrual cups are, arguably, one of the most convenient — not to mention eco-friendly — alternatives to single-use sanitary pads and tampons. Their perks? As well as being super comfortable to use, they're often leak-proof and convenient, considering you can use one for up to 12 hours at a time.
But one study has also suggested that period cups have six times less of an environmental impact when compared to disposable period products such as tampons and pads. Sold.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Can hold blood, clots and discharge for up to 12 hours, meaning less frequent changes. | First-time users may find them a little fiddly. |
| Can be worn while swimming and during intense forms of exercise without fear of leaks. | Require boiling to sterilise between cycles. |
| Last years if used correctly. | |
Many people's first port of call when it comes to period products? Single-use sanitary pads — mainly because it's as simple as sticking one to your existing knickers. But they also pose minimal risk of TSS, which can be a great reassurance for those experiencing their first few cycles. They come in a variety of styles (with wings or without), levels of absorbency (light, regular, super, ultra) and shape (night-time offerings tend to extend further up the back to limit your chances of a leak).
The only issue with these is that they take an age to biodegrade. FYI, a recent study has suggested that more than 45 billion period products are used every year, with 500 million going into landfills every month. Thankfully, we're now seeing a host of reusable options hit the market, which will save you money in the long run, since these can be re-worn after a spin in the washing machine and often last up to two years.
But there can be health benefits too, considering many conventional disposable pads contain chemicals such as chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, and plastic-based materials, which can cause irritation, rashes, and occasionally allergic reactions.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| One of the easiest to use — either stick to your knickers via the adhesive pad or attach with the poppers. | Arguably, the period product most prone to leaks. |
| Widely available in supermarkets, beauty stores and pharmacies. | Not suitable for use during swimming or extreme exercise. |
| Minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). |
We found it no surprise to learn that tampons are currently the most popular sanitary product in the UK. The small, single-use absorbent product, usually made of cotton or rayon, is inserted into the vagina and absorbs menstrual blood before it flows out. Some come fitted with applicators (either BPA-free plastic or cardboard), while others require you to push them into the vaginal opening with a finger — and all have a string at one end for easy retrieval. While that can sound a little scary and painful, we can confirm that inserting and removing one shouldn't hurt, but speak to your GP if it does.
There are a few different types of tampons — some single-use, others more eco-conscious:
| Non-applicator tampons | A naked tampon that is inserted by putting your finger on the base (where the string is) and pushing it inside your vagina. Yes, you might get some blood on your finger, but you were going to wash your hands anyway. |
| Applicator tampons | Applicator tampons are just tampons that are sold encased in either a cardboard or plastic applicator. The purpose of the applicator is to make insertion into the vagina easier (rather than shoving a finger up there, you retract and push the applicator to propel the tampon into place. While this makes the process marginally less messy, applicators dramatically exacerbate the problem of pollution, being yet another single-use, non-biodegradable component. |
| Re-usable applicators | This month sees the launch of the world's first reusable applicator from eco-innovators DAME. The non-porous applicator is made of medical grade, BPA-free material and can be reused thousands of times. |
As an internal period product, they do present a small risk of TSS, so it's recommended you change your tampon regularly, never leaving the same one in for more than 6 hours.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Considering they're inserted internally, tampons are both discreet and invisible, making them virtually undetectable under clothing. | They present a risk of TSS when not changed frequently enough (every 4 to 8 hours). |
| Allow for swimming and other physical activities without discomfort or visibility. | Some report irritation or dryness from tampon use. |
| Convenient to carry, due to their small size. | A trickier option for beginners. |
