In recent years, the conversation around menstrual health has expanded beyond symptom management and product convenience to include sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and women’s overall well-being. According to a recent update highlighted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and reported by the Associated Press, more women are making the switch to reusable menstrual products such as flexible discs, silicone cups, and period underwear. This shift is not just a passing trend—it reflects a broader cultural movement toward environmentally conscious living and greater awareness of long-term health and financial benefits.
The Changing Landscape of Menstrual Products
For decades, disposable pads and tampons have been the default choice for menstrual care. They are widely available, familiar, and convenient. However, these single-use products come at a cost: billions are discarded every year, creating an enormous burden on landfills.
Reusable menstrual products, once considered niche, have steadily grown in popularity—particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chain disruptions and financial constraints prompted women to explore alternatives. Flexible menstrual discs, silicone cups, and absorbent period underwear offer reliable protection while addressing concerns about waste, cost, and sustainability.
The Environmental Impact
Disposable menstrual products generate massive amounts of waste. The average woman uses between 5,000 and 15,000 pads or tampons over her lifetime. Each of these products, often packaged in plastic and containing synthetic materials, can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill.
By contrast, reusable options are designed to last for years. A single menstrual cup, for example, can be safely used for up to 10 years with proper care. Period underwear and reusable pads can last for several years as well, depending on usage and washing practices. For environmentally conscious women, the ability to drastically cut down on waste is one of the most compelling reasons to switch.
Cost Savings Over Time
The financial advantages of reusable products are also striking. While the upfront cost may be higher—a menstrual cup can range from $25 to $40, and quality period underwear may cost $20 to $40 per pair—the savings accumulate quickly. Women can spend hundreds of dollars each year on tampons and pads, whereas a set of reusable products can last years with proper care.
Women’s health experts note that many patients are surprised by how much money they save after making the transition. Especially in today’s economy, where household costs are rising, this factor is significant. For younger women and teens, reusable products also offer the possibility of developing cost-saving habits early in life.
Why Popularity Has Grown Since the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many lifestyle shifts, and menstrual health was no exception. In the early months of the pandemic, supply chain issues made it difficult to find certain hygiene products consistently. Women who might never have considered alternatives suddenly found themselves exploring new options.
Additionally, the pandemic increased awareness of sustainability and self-sufficiency. With more time at home and growing concern about environmental issues, women were motivated to try products that aligned with their values. Online communities and social media also played a significant role in normalizing discussions about reusable menstrual products, making the idea less intimidating.
Types of Reusable Menstrual Products
There are three main categories of reusable products gaining traction:
- Menstrual Cups
Made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped devices inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow, and reused for years with proper cleaning. Many women appreciate their convenience, safety, and capacity compared to tampons. - Menstrual Discs
Similar to cups but with a different shape, menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal. They can hold more fluid and may also be worn during intercourse. Disposable versions exist, but the reusable discs are gaining popularity due to their durability and comfort. - Period Underwear and Reusable Pads
These products absorb menstrual flow directly into layered, washable fabric. Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear but contains built-in absorbent technology. Reusable pads are washable cloth pads that attach to underwear with snaps or Velcro. Both options are particularly appealing for younger users or those hesitant about internal products.
Health and Safety Considerations
When it comes to safety, studies and clinical experience show that reusable menstrual products are generally safe when used correctly. Silicone menstrual cups and discs are made from medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials. Risks of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are extremely low—similar to or lower than those associated with tampon use.
Cleaning and care are essential, however. Cups and discs should be washed with mild soap and water, and sterilized between cycles by boiling or using sterilization tablets. Period underwear and pads should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain absorbency and hygiene.
Importantly, these products can be empowering for women who experience heavy bleeding or irregular cycles. Because cups and discs typically hold more fluid than tampons, they reduce the need for frequent changes. For women with conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, this can significantly improve quality of life.
Barriers to Adoption
Despite their benefits, reusable menstrual products are not without challenges. Some women feel intimidated by the learning curve associated with menstrual cups or discs. Insertion and removal can take practice, and not all products are universally comfortable.
Cultural stigma also plays a role. In some communities, discussions about menstruation remain taboo, making it difficult to normalize new products. Additionally, access can be a barrier for women in low-income areas, where upfront costs may feel prohibitive, even if long-term savings are substantial.
Health care providers play an important role in addressing these barriers by offering education, resources, and reassurance. By discussing reusable options in the clinic, providers can normalize them and empower patients to make informed choices.
The Bigger Picture: Reusables as Part of Menstrual Equity
The rising popularity of reusable menstrual products fits into a larger conversation about menstrual equity—the idea that all women and menstruating individuals should have affordable, accessible, and sustainable options for managing their periods. For many, the cost of disposable products is a financial burden. For others, environmental concerns drive the search for alternatives.
By promoting a range of safe and effective menstrual care options, health experts and policymakers can support both individual well-being and public health. Reusable products not only reduce costs and waste but also challenge longstanding taboos around menstruation, fostering more open and supportive conversations.
Looking Ahead
As more women embrace reusable menstrual products, we may see a fundamental shift in how society views menstrual care. Just as cloth diapers moved from fringe to mainstream among environmentally conscious parents, menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear may become standard options alongside tampons and pads.
Ongoing research, continued education, and wider availability will play key roles in accelerating this shift. With health organizations like ACOG recognizing the trend, we can expect more robust discussions in medical settings and greater public awareness in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Reusable menstrual products are more than just a trend; they represent a powerful intersection of health, sustainability, and empowerment. Women are increasingly choosing options that save money, reduce waste, and give them greater control over their menstrual care.
As awareness spreads, barriers decrease, and more products enter the market, it’s likely that reusable options will become an integral part of menstrual health worldwide. For women seeking cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and safe alternatives, the future looks promising.
El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, Pooja Gupta, and Vivian Wan, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy), are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano has also completed a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat. Angel Wong, PA-C, is a physician assistant who sees patients for routine and lower-acuity care.
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As part of El Camino Women’s Medical Group’s commitment to comprehensive care for women, we offer in-network mental health services with world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Rania Awaad and experienced therapist Daniya Ahmed, LMFT. For women seeking to improve their health through a healthier diet, Mariam AlAgha, MS, is an excellent nutritionist with over a decade of success helping women achieve their health goals. Her services are also in network.
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