Menstrual Hygiene Day: More women are turning to reusable menstrual products--but myths still hold some back

NEW YORK, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As awareness around sustainability and menstrual health grows, more women are making the switch to reusable period products. A recent Intimina survey reveals that 88.22% of respondents use reusable menstrual products at least some of the time, with 44.44% choosing them every cycle. Yet, despite their benefits, misconceptions still prevent many from fully embracing menstrual cups and menstrual underwear.

Why women are switching to reusables

The survey found that the top three reasons women choose reusable period products are:

• Health benefits (38.22%) – Many prefer menstrual cups and underwear because they eliminate exposure to chemicals often found in disposable products.
• Sustainability (31.11%) – With the average person using over 11,000 disposable menstrual products in a lifetime, switching to reusables dramatically reduces waste.
• Cost savings (19.78%) – Investing in menstrual cups and period underwear leads to significant long-term savings compared to monthly purchases of disposable pads and tampons.

Menstrual cups are the most popular reusable option, with 80.89% of users choosing them over other sustainable alternatives. However, only 43.33% use menstrual underwear, and even fewer (32.22%) combine both for added protection.

One of the biggest barriers to adoption is fear of leakage. However, over half (54.22%) of those who use reusable products report feeling more secure compared to disposables. Only 8.67% believe disposable products offer better protection.

"The data is clear—women who use menstrual cups and underwear feel more protected and stress-free during their periods," says Dunja Kokotovic, Intimina's Global Brand Manager. "Yet, many still hesitate to make the switch due to myths about leakage, hygiene, and comfort. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we want to empower more people with the facts so they can make informed choices about their bodies and the planet."

Breaking the myths around menstrual cups and underwear

To encourage more women to try reusable period products, Intimina is addressing common concerns:

• "Menstrual cups are messy and hard to use." – While there is a learning curve, most users find cups easy to insert and remove after a few cycles.
• "Period underwear isn't hygienic." – High-quality menstrual underwear is designed with moisture-wicking and odor-controlling layers that keep users dry and fresh.
• "Reusable products leak more than disposables." – Menstrual cups form a secure seal, preventing leaks for up to 10 hours. Combining them with period underwear offers extra confidence and protection.
• "Cups and underwear are expensive." – While the upfront cost is higher, a menstrual cup lasts up to 10 years, and period underwear replaces hundreds of disposable pads and tampons over time.

A call for smarter, sustainable period care

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Intimina urges more people to reconsider their period care routine and explore sustainable, healthier options. By addressing misconceptions and encouraging education, more women can experience the benefits of menstrual cups and underwear—without fear, discomfort, or waste.

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SOURCE INTIMINA