Organic pads and tampons: labels, options and cost per cycle

What organic can mean

Organic usually describes how the cotton was grown, and a label may say organic cotton for the cotton part of a product. It does not tell you how a product performs, how absorbent it is, or whether it suits your body. A product can also contain parts that are not cotton, such as a plastic applicator or a wrapper, so read the full description. Organic claims about textiles are often backed by a third-party standard, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard, and we describe it only in general terms. We do not say that any specific product has it.

Reading the package

Which product is right for you is a question for your gynecologist or doctor, particularly if you have pain, unusual bleeding or other symptoms.

• Absorbency: tampon packages state absorbency, using standard terms printed on the box. Follow the package directions.
• Safety information: tampon packages carry safety information, including a warning about toxic shock syndrome. Read it, and follow the directions for use and change times.
• Applicator types: cardboard, plastic or none. Pick what is comfortable for you, and check what is recyclable where you live.
• Unscented and fragrance-free: check the label if fragrance bothers you.
• Wings, length and absorbency for pads: choose by the flow and comfort you want.

Disposable, reusable or period underwear

Other options are reusable cloth pads, period underwear and menstrual cups. They cost more at first, and the cost per cycle falls the longer you use them, but they need washing or cleaning. The right choice depends on your body, comfort, schedule and the advice of your doctor.

Our angle: cost per cycle, with break-even for reusables

Pack sizes vary, so compare the price per piece, then multiply by the number of pieces you use in a typical cycle. That is your cost per cycle for disposable products. For reusables, divide the price of the set by the number of cycles you expect to use it, then add washing cost if you want to be thorough. When the reusable cost per cycle is lower than the disposable cost per cycle, you have passed the break-even point. Use your own numbers, not a general estimate.

1. Divide the price by the number of pieces in the pack.
2. Multiply by the number you use in a cycle.
3. For reusables, divide the set price by the cycles you expect to use it, and compare.