Women are increasingly switching from pads and tampons to reusable menstrual cups, discs, and underwear for cost savings, convenience, and sustainability.
Reusable menstrual products like silicone cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear are gaining ground as women seek cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons.
Selin Celikoyar, who switched from tampons to a menstrual disc six months ago, said: “The experience has been such a game changer.” She cited environmental waste and the recurring expense of disposables as major factors.
Experts note that about 19 billion disposable pads and tampons end up in U.S. landfills each year, taking centuries to degrade. Dr. Luwam Semere of Kaiser Permanente said most pads are plastic, while Dr. Navya Mysore pointed out that disposables often dominate simply because “that’s how you were introduced into period hygiene.”
Though reusable products require cleaning and some practice, they can last years, hold more fluid, and lower the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Retailing at $15–$40, they often pay for themselves within months.
For Celikoyar, the convenience during travel and long events outweighs any drawbacks.