The Ultimate Challenge: Tampons, Pads, Menstrual Cups, or Period Underwear – What’s Really the Best Choice for You?

Periods – a recurring topic for many of us, often accompanied by discomfort, inconvenience, and frustration. Since our first period, we've had to navigate through various products designed to make this time of the month as comfortable as possible. But which option is truly the best? Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear – each has its own pros and cons. However, one solution stands out to me the most. Read until the end.  

Tampons: The Classic Choice with Many Questions  

I still remember the first time I used a tampon. It felt like a "coming of age" moment – a decision meant to free me from pads. But what initially seemed so simple and practical turned out to be less comfortable than I had hoped over time.  

Pros of Tampons:  

✔ Discreet and Invisible – Tampons are small, lightweight, and offer discreet protection, especially during sports or other physical activities.  

✔ Longer Wear Time – You can wear them for up to 8 hours, which was particularly helpful for me during work or at night.  

Cons of Tampons:  

✘ Uncomfortable – Sometimes, I felt like the tampon wasn’t sitting quite right, especially when it shifted throughout the day.  

✘ Health Risks – Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a known risk associated with tampon misuse. Additionally, tampons can affect pH balance by absorbing all fluids, including natural vaginal secretions.  

✘ Hygiene Issues – Changing tampons in public restrooms can be quite unhygienic.  

✘ Waste – Since tampons are disposable, they contribute significantly to waste. Depending on the length of your period, the accumulated waste can add up quickly.  

Pads: A Simple Solution but Often Uncomfortable  

For a long time, pads were my go-to, especially in the early days of my period. They were easy to use and provided protection, but over time, I realized they weren’t really compatible with my active lifestyle.  

Pros of Pads:  

✔ Easy to Use – No need to worry about inserting them correctly.  

✔ Available in Many Variants – With or without wings, for heavy or light days – the variety makes it easy to find the right option.  

Cons of Pads:  

✘ Uncomfortable – They can shift, bunch up, and cause chafing. Plus, I never really felt “fresh” after wearing them for long hours.  

✘ Chemicals – Many pads contain perfumes and chemicals that can cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive areas.  

✘ Not Eco-Friendly – Like tampons, pads contribute significantly to waste and are not a sustainable option.  

Menstrual Cups: The Sustainable All-Rounder – But Not for Everyone  

Switching to a menstrual cup was a big adjustment for me. It’s often praised as the most sustainable option because it's reusable. However, using the cup wasn’t always easy, and I quickly realized that it wasn’t the perfect solution for me.  

Pros of Menstrual Cups:  

✔ Sustainable – Reusability was my main reason for trying it. The reduced waste was a big plus.  

✔ Long Wear Time – You can wear it for up to 12 hours without needing to change it, which is great for nighttime.  

✔ Comfortable – Once properly inserted, you don’t feel it at all, and it offers secure protection.  

Cons of Menstrual Cups:  

✘ Learning Curve – Using a cup isn’t always intuitive and requires some practice. Inserting and removing it can be tricky at first.  

✘ Not for Everyone – Some people don’t like the idea of having something inside their body, making the cup a less attractive option.  

✘ Hygiene Issues – The cup needs to be carefully cleaned and maintained, which can be inconvenient when traveling or using public restrooms.  

Period Underwear: The Game-Changer for Me  

And then, I discovered period underwear. After years of trying different products, I finally found a solution that changed everything. It felt like regular underwear but provided protection and comfort – no tampons, no pads, no cups. And the best part? It was comfortable, sustainable, and incredibly easy to use.  

Pros of Period Underwear:  

✔ Comfortable – It feels just like normal, comfy underwear. You barely notice you're wearing it.  

✔ No Insertion Required – No need to insert tampons or wear a menstrual cup. Period underwear provides secure protection while staying comfortable.  

✔ Sustainable & Reusable – Just like a menstrual cup, period underwear is reusable. You simply wash and wear it again, making it an eco-friendly option.  

✔ Reliable Protection – It prevents leaks all day without the discomfort or shifting issues of tampons or pads.  

Cons of Period Underwear:  

✘ Price – The initial investment may seem higher than disposable products, but for me, it was worth it in the long run. Gotyu offers sustainable, high-quality period underwear starting at €23.66 per piece (bundle price, 2+1 free for €71).  

✘ Absorption Capacity – You need to test different models to find the right one for your flow and specific days of your cycle.  

Conclusion: What’s the Best Choice for You?  

All options – pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear – have their own advantages. But for me, **Gotyu period underwear** changed everything. It’s affordable, comfortable, sustainable, and offers reliable protection without the downsides of other products.  

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal priorities: comfort, sustainability, or affordability. Try out different options to see what works best for your body. But if you're looking for a solution that combines **comfort, eco-friendliness, and protection**, Gotyu period underwear might be exactly what you need.