Tampons vs Cup vs Discs: How to Pick the Right Product for You?
We all have preferences about which products to use during our periods. Pads are to be the most common items in convenience stores in Thailand, and you won't be able to find many other options in the nearest 7/11. Luckily, other innovative period products like period underwear, cups, and discs are becoming increasingly more popular in the conversation about menstrual care and you can easily find them in online stores.
This blog post is focused on period products that you wear inside your body during your period: tampons, cups, and discs. We break it down for you here, let’s get started!
What is a tampon?
Tampons are soft, absorbent cotton or rayon-based product that helps protect against leaks during your period. They absorb menstrual fluid before it travels down the vagina and outside of the body. Most tampons are disposable, and should be changed every every 4 to 8 hours (even when the tampon may not be full).
Vira's tips: Tampons can be easy to use for sports and carrying in your travel bag "just in case." Make sure you choose organic tampons that are made with 100% GOTSⓇ-certified organic cotton, free from pesticides, chlorine, and harmful chemicals like PFAS.
What is a menstrual cup?
A cup-shaped reusable device for catching period blood. It’s folded, inserted, placed inside the vagina and sits below the cervix. It works by creating a leak-free seal all around the rim and in most cases creates a suction when sealed. Unlike tampons which absorb menstrual fluid, menstrual cups collect it.
Vira's tips: Most menstrual cups can be reused up to 5-10 years, making them a great option for eco-friendly and low-cost period care. However, not all cups are made equal, so better to go for cups made from medical-grade silicone. Cups are also become more popular in Thailand these days, making them easier to find and more variety in designs to choose from.
What is a menstrual disc?
A menstrual disc is a reusable disc or bowl-shaped device for catching period blood. It is folded longways to insert, placed inside the vagina, and sits within the vaginal fornix* thanks to the muscular vaginal walls and the pubic bone. It works by opening and catching the blood and taking up the space around the cervix and unlike cups, does not create a suction.
*The fornix is the widest part of your vagina. It is located at the end of the vaginal canal, surrounding your cervix.
Vira's tips: The disc is the newest innovation in period care, making them less widely known. What is great about the disc is that it is designed to fit most bodies and unlike menstrual cups, your age and activity level aren't deciding factors. It's an almost "one size fits all" product. The disc can be worn during penetrative intercourse for mess-free period sex. First time disc users will find the finger width grip easier when it's time to remove the product.
How do I use them?
Tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs work by inserting them into your vagina, but there are a variety of methods for how to securely and safely keep them inside.
Menstrual discs and cups differ in placement and how they stay in place. Discs sit higher in the vaginal canal, around the cervix, and are held in place by the pubic bone, while cups sit lower, relying on suction within the vaginal canal. This difference in positioning affects how they collect flow and how easy they are to remove.
To better understand how to use these period products, here are some visual videos to demonstrate usage:
Tampons
Menstrual Cups
Discs
What brands does Vira recommend?
Vira has carefully selected three incredible Thai brands whose products we trust to use during our periods:
Evi Mae Tampons, Joie Period Cups, and VVOMEN Menstrual Discs.
We love these brands because they use the highest quality materials and have put women's experiences first in their designs.
How you manage your period is up to you.
Whatever you do to help you feel most comfortable during your period is your choice, whether that’s using a tampon, pad, disc, cup, period underwear, or something else.
We encourage you to try different products throughout your period to find the best thing for you and your cycle. You might find something new that works best for your body.
Happy periods!
With love,
Vira
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