Period Underwear vs Menstrual Cups

Disposable period products like pads and tampons are a reliable, convenient choice. But if you're looking to make a more long-term investment—after all, people who menstruate get their period for about 40 years on average!—you might be ready to try reusable period products, like period underwear and menstrual cups. They provide comfortable leak protection, can last for years if properly cared for, save you money in the long run, and they're more environmentally sustainable. But, are menstrual cups or period underwear right for you? We're here to help you answer that question.

At LOLA, our mission is straightforward: we believe period care should be simple, safe, and made with clean ingredients. No matter which type of period product you prefer, you can trust ours are eco-friendly, gynecologist-approved, and body-safe. Our period underwear is made with organic cotton, and our menstrual cup is made with medical-grade silicone. As far as which option best fits your body and your lifestyle? Let's break down the pros and cons. 

What Is Period Underwear?

Here's what you need to know about period underwear: Essentially, it's just like regular underwear, except made with absorbent layers that trap menstrual fluid—holding up to three regular tampons’ worth of liquid! LOLA's Period Underwear is made from organic cotton and uses body-safe, leak-proof technology, keeping you dry and comfortable without any added fragrances or synthetics. 

Period underwear is comfortable, particularly when made with soft organic cotton and breathable, quick-drying materials so you don't have to worry about sitting in your own dampness. Many users like to wear period underwear if they generally have a light to moderate flow, on days they're spotting (or just aren't sure if their period is coming or not), or as backup protection, in addition to a menstrual cup or tampon.

The potential downside to period underwear is it does require maintenance (but, that's what makes it reusable). Here's how to wash period underwear so it lasts for years. We recommend pre-rinsing in cold water before use. When it's time to wash, machine wash on cold with a gentle detergent and similar colors, then tumble dry on low. Skip soaking, stain removers, hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners.They can break down the fabric over time.

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

Now onto menstrual cups: small, flexible silicone cups inserted into the vagina to collect blood. Another sustainable period product, with proper care, they're reusable for up to 5 years!

LOLA’s Menstrual Cup is flexible, comfortable, and made without latex, dyes, or BPA, perfect for up to 12 hours of protection. It provides strong leak protection, held in place by a naturally-created suction "seal" formed by the cup's shape and your own pelvic muscles, and can hold up to seven tampons' worth of liquid.

However, using a menstrual cup does take a bit of practice at first, to get the hang of insertion and removal.

To make yours last, and to ensure menstrual cup safety, we recommend washing and cleaning your cup with every use, and sterilizing it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes on your first use and between cycles.

Period Underwear vs Menstrual Cup

Still mulling over whether you should use a menstrual cup vs. period underwear? Here's a chart breaking down the pros and cons. Another option: don't decide! Many LOLA customers use both depending on the day of their cycle. 

Comfort and Ease of Use

Period underwear is definitely easier to use, upfront; like regular panties, they're familiar and comfortable, and you're not learning a new skill. But, there are more limits to leak protection with period underwear. You might prefer period underwear on light-to-moderate flow days, or as a backup. 

Menstrual cups definitely have more of a learning curve to insertion; but once you get the hang of it, they provide superior leak protection for a moderate to heavy flow. The best menstrual cup for beginners is likely a small size, but it depends on each individual and their flow. 

According to Dr. Charles M. Carlsen,OB/GYN and co-founder of Dr.Sono, there are a couple things to consider when weighing using a menstrual cup vs. period underwear. If you're prone to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or other sensitivities, make sure you're on top of regularly changing and cleaning your period underwear, so you don't make yourself more susceptible. 

When it comes to menstrual cups, if you're dealing with any pelvic floor pain, you may have trouble placing or removing the cup, and it's possible it won't be a comfortable option for you, he says. You can always check with your OB/GYN if you're experiencing any discomfort or unwanted reactions as a result of trying out either period underwear or menstrual cups. 

Try both and see what feels best for you! Shop LOLA’s Period Care. 

Leak Protection and Confidence

Deciding between menstrual cups vs. period underwear comes down to weighing different use-cases and lifestyle considerations. Both are great, reusable tampon alternatives, but menstrual cups definitely offer better protection for heavy flows or overnight wear than period underwear. However, you may want to weigh menstrual cup pros and cons, like troubleshooting insertion and removal, compared to long-lasting leak protection. Period underwear can be perfect for light or heavier flow days or as a backup to another period product, like a tampon or menstrual cup, or a just-in-case measure when you're not sure Aunt Flo will pay a visit–but on their own, won't suffice during a heavy period. 

Period underwear can also be a comfortable choice for postpartum periods, when you're navigating your flow for the first time after giving birth, and you might find wearing tampons or menstrual cups too invasive, and pads too bulky.

Menstrual cups are handy to travel with, as they're small, compact, and have you covered for up to 12 hours of a heavy flow. You may also find them more disc

Cost, Sustainability, and Maintenance

Both reusable period products, menstrual cups and period underwear save money and reduce waste compared to disposable options like pads and tampons. But, menstrual cups definitely last longer and are more economical over time than period underwear. 

LOLA’s organic cotton period underwear and menstrual cup are both eco-friendly and made with hypoallergenic materials, so you don't have to worry about your health and safety. To get the most benefits, it's important to practice proper hygiene with both:

How to clean and care for your menstrual cup
On your first use, and in between cycles, sterilize your menstrual cup in boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes. Always wash your hands with soap and water before inserting and removing your reusable cup. Make sure to remove it every 8-12 hours, thoroughly empty it, and rinse it with warm water and mild soap before reuse to ensure menstrual cup safety. Keep it clean and dry, and store it in the sachet bag it came in, in a safe spot that's not exposed to sunlight. 

How to wash period underwear
Pre-rinse in cold water before use. Machine wash on cold, with gentle detergent and similar colors; tumble dry low. Do not soak, use stain removers, hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, or softeners.

Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between menstrual cups vs. period underwear is ultimately a personal decision. It comes down to what you're most comfortable with, and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and your flow. 

"[Most] menstruating women can use menstrual cups or period underwear," says Dr. Carlsen. "Some persons may need to be extra careful due to conditions affecting their pelvic floors or repeated incidences of urinary tract infections or sensitive skins."

Put simply, choose period underwear if:
-You prefer what's familiar, no-fuss, and comfortable
-Don't want to deal with learning insertion methods
-Typically have a light to moderate flow
-You're not prone to UTIs

Consider a menstrual cup if:
-You want all-day protection
-You need a compact, reliable option for frequent travel
-You typically have a heavier flow
-You don't have a pelvic floor condition

OR, try both if:
-Some days of your cycle are lighter than others
-You like the idea of using period underwear as a backup to a menstrual cup

FAQs on Period Underwear and Menstrual Cups

Do gynecologists recommend period underwear?

Yes, gynecologists recommend period underwear as a safe, comfortable, eco-friendly menstrual product–particularly if they're made with organic cotton and free of PFAs. 

What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?

Gynecologists say they are safe, cost-effective, sustainable period products that provide great leak protection. Caring for them with proper hygiene can reduce the risk of irritation or infection. 

What is the disadvantage of a menstrual cup?

Beginners may have difficulty learning insertion and removal. "Some women may find menstrual cups difficult to put in and take out, especially when the uterus is tipped or when you have tightening of the pelvic floor," Dr. Carlsen explains.  

Final Thoughts

Both LOLA Period Underwear and LOLA Menstrual Cups offer clean, reusable period products. Remember that every body and every flow is different, and the best choice for you may depend on your lifestyle needs. You can always try both to see which you prefer; or, maybe a combo of the two on different days of your cycle is the best compromise.

 Either way, it's your period, your choice. LOLA is here to make choosing clean, simple, and stress-free. 

Find your perfect match. Explore LOLA’s Period Products.