Compare pads, tampons, cups and period underwear

Compare pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear side by side. Highlight the practical trade-offs that matter to you and print your comparison.

Free to use Part of Playbook 05

This compares general product types, not individual products or absorbency claims. Labels, comfort, flow, and your health needs matter. You can use different options on different days.

Compare two options

Choose up to two product types

Disposable pad Tampon Reusable menstrual cup Reusable period underwear

Highlight what matters most

Comparing disposable pads and tampons.

Period product

Disposable pad

Where it goes: External: sits in underwear and absorbs flow.
Reuse and supplies: Single use. Keep replacements and a disposal option available.
Changing during the day: Change every few hours, and more often with heavy flow. Wrap and bin used pads; do not flush.
Cleaning and care: No washing of the pad. Wash hands before and after changing.
Practical considerations: A choice to explore when you prefer external protection. Size, shape, and absorbency vary.

Period product

Tampon

Where it goes: Internal: inserted into the vagina to absorb flow.
Reuse and supplies: Single use. Keep replacements and a disposal option available.
Changing during the day: Change every 4 to 8 hours; never leave one in longer than 8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency you need.
Cleaning and care: Wash hands before and after insertion or removal. Follow the package instructions.
Practical considerations: Insertion and removal take practice. Use only during a period. Read the package warning about toxic shock syndrome.

Period product

Reusable menstrual cup

Where it goes: Internal: inserted into the vagina to collect flow.
Reuse and supplies: Reusable. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and replacement directions.
Changing during the day: Empty and reinsert according to your product’s directions and flow. Do not assume all cups have the same wear limit.
Cleaning and care: Plan access to clean hands and appropriate cleaning. Follow instructions for cleaning during use and between periods.
Practical considerations: Fit, insertion, seal, and removal can take practice. Discuss questions about comfort or an IUD with your clinician.

Period product

Reusable period underwear

Where it goes: External: absorbent underwear collects flow.
Reuse and supplies: Reusable. Plan washing, drying, and a clean spare.
Changing during the day: Change regularly according to flow and product directions. Absorbency and fit vary between products.
Cleaning and care: Follow the product’s washing and drying directions.
Practical considerations: A choice to explore when you prefer external reusable protection. Changing away from home may require privacy and a bag for used underwear.

Before choosing a specific product

Can I follow its changing, removal, and cleaning instructions where I’ll be using it?
Is the fit comfortable, and does the absorbency suit my flow?
Do I have the supplies, clean spares, and privacy I need?
Which questions about my own health should I take to a clinician?

If bleeding disrupts your life, or you have pain, fever, or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice. Switching products does not explain or treat heavy bleeding. Follow all product warnings, including tampon guidance about toxic shock syndrome.

Make the most of this tool

Compare period products by the practical differences that matter

Select up to two products and choose a priority to highlight. Review the same comparison topics for each product, then print the selected cards if you want to keep them.

Which period products can I compare here?

The explorer includes pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear. Choose up to two at a time to keep the side-by-side comparison readable.

Does this tool choose the best period product for my flow?

No. It explains practical differences without assigning a winner. Your flow, comfort, product directions, and access to changing or cleaning facilities matter.

Behind this tool

Research checked October 8, 2026. Comparison dimensions organize product characteristics, not clinical suitability. Product-specific instructions take precedence.