Menstrual cups are a popular choice for today’s conscientious woman: they’re eco-friendly and non-toxic. But are they safe? Below, we’ll share the menstrual cup dangers we’ve come across so you can see why they might not be a good fit for you and your period.
Living a healthy and non-toxic lifestyle encompasses every area of your life. First you clean up your diet, then your cleaning and beauty supplies… and then you realize: what should I do about my period?
From organic cotton menstrual products to mama cloth, alternative choices abound. But how is a girl to choose? (For a really good rundown of your options, check out The Soft Landing’s Complete Guide to Non-toxic Period Products.)
You may be (rightly) concerned with exposing your most delicate of tissues to chlorine and other hormone-disrupting chemicals. It’s a good reason to give natural period products a try.
The first and simplest thing to try is organic tampons, since most of us are used to conventional tampons. They’re convenient, safer, and comfortable, but, of course, you’ll have to make a trip to the store every month and, heaven forbid, you’ll occasionally run out! (Paging your husband: please make your way to aisle 13; your wife’s on her period. Cue dying of embarrassment.)
You can also try mama cloth (aka reusable, washable pads). Mama cloth is eco-friendly (nothing to dispose of!), convenient (nothing to buy more of- it’s always there!), and inexpensive (buy once & done), but many women find it gross and uncomfortable, and hate having to wash it.
If you’ve been interested in trying a menstrual cup, you may be interested in some surprising (or not so surprising) menstrual cup dangers so you can decide if a menstrual cup is for you.
Menstrual cup dangers
1. Blood is terrifying.
You may have read about menstrual cups and thought they sounded great, except this: at some point, you’ll probably encounter horror stories of women in public bathrooms, blood covering their hands like a scene straight out of Shakespeare. How embarrassing! How gross! Plus, blood is terrifying.
Who wants to actually touch a bodily fluid? Shouldn’t those types of things be kept under wraps? Everyone knows women menstruate, but we shouldn’t talk about it, right?
Truth: even if you’re a private person, we shouldn’t be so afraid to talk about a natural occurrence for billions of women, that women miss out on solutions that might make their lives better.
Reality: it’s a little gross, but definitely no more gross than dealing with mama cloth, and not much different than dealing with tampons. Yeah, you might have to get to know your good ol’ bod a little more intimately, but that can be a good thing. Bonus: it’s kind of cool to be able to SEE how much blood you’re losing. You can’t really do that with any other period product, as the others absorb the fluid.
2. You may enjoy your menstrual cup so much, you forget you’re on your period.
What’s that? My period…? I think it was last week. Wait… did I ever take my cup out?
One of the major menstrual cup dangers is forgetting you’re wearing one. So comfortable, so conforming to your body, menstrual cups can easily be forgotten and left for days or weeks!
Reality: you’re not likely to forget about your menstrual cup… except at night when you can comfortably sleep without worrying about leaks… or running errands without making a pit stop.
3. The disposable menstrual product industry will suffer.
This may be the greatest menstrual cup danger of all. What will the disposable menstrual product industry do if women start learning they don’t have to run out for pads or tampons every month???
And what about all the poor landfills that will be missing literally TONS of products each year?
It’s estimated that approximately 20 billion pads, tampons and applicators are being sent to North American landfills annually. On an individual level, each of the approximately 73 million menstruating people in North America will throw away 16,800 disposable pads or tampons in their lifetime. These products require hundreds of years to biodegrade, particularly if wrapped in the plastic bag commonly provided for this purpose as part of their packaging. In fact, every piece of plastic ever made, still exists to this day. (source)
Wait… almost 17,000 disposable pads or tampons? PER PERSON?
Those poor, poor landfills to miss out on nearly 17,000 disposable products per woman who switches to a menstrual cup.
Reality: the ease of pulling out a menstrual cup when your flow arrives and safely tucking it back away til next month is much easier (and more cost effective) than having to buy and dispose of period products month after month.
Benefits of using a menstrual cup
For many women, there isn’t actually a downside to giving a menstrual cup a try. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but you’ll get the hang of it. Then you can experience tons of benefits, including:
- cost-effectiveness- You can buy one, inexpensive cup and then not have to buy anything else. The cup will last for years before you even have to think about another purchase.
- comfort- while the initial insertion can be a little messy, once done, menstrual cups can be much cleaner and more comfortable than mama cloth, as well as the disposable products you may have used in the past.
- safety- because menstrual cups are made of food-grade silicone, you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals in your reproductive organs. No more worries about chlorine and pesticides!
Are menstrual cups comfortable? In a word: yes- once you get the hang of them. It’s important to choose the right one for your body, based on your flow and body size (hint: not all companies base size on whether or not you’ve had a baby!).
If you’re having trouble with getting your menstrual cup set just right, you are not alone.
This guide is an excellent resource to help you choose the right style, size, and fold for you.
Our suggestion
Don’t have time to read a long, drawn-out guide? We like the Lena cup, which comes in two sizes.
The company bases sizing on more than just whether or not you’ve had a baby. If you’re petite, you may worry that choosing based on the fact that you’ve had vaginal birth(s) might leave you with too large a cup.
The small Lena cup may be perfect because it’s designed for first-time users and those with lighter flows.
Check out the Lena cup here.
Be brave.
Trying a menstrual cup can be so scary, it may take years to work up the nerve to try it! Don’t be so worried- be brave and choose a better way to deal with your period.
Those menstrual cup dangers? They’re all in your head. Give it a try and experience period freedom.
Oh- and be sure to share by pinning the above image or using one of our links so friends can be brave too!
I thought this was a serious article, and I’m disappointed. I tried a menstrual cup and liked it sometimes, but other times, after only a couple of hours, it would leak and I’d pull it out only to have a full cup and blood EVERYWHERE, on my clothes, etc. It was not good for at work. Then, I started thinking about it more. I stopped using them because of many things. They are not natural and your vagina is not meant to have foreign objects inside. It holds the blood up in you for hours. There’s a reason God designed it to flow out of the body immediately. Toxic shock is a risk (not supposed to wear overnight unless you only sleep 8 hours or less and change immediately! In fact, my Diva cup instructions said not to wear it overnight, but info online from people gave the 8- hour rule. ) as is infection, especially if you can’t or don’t wash properly. No soap in the bathroom you’re using? (Rest stops and drive- ins are notorious for this problem. Also, you’re not supposed to use it on lighter flow days because you risk tearing the delicate tissues of your vagina. I found it often painful to insert and remove, being very sensitive, even during heavy days, and if I didn’t get it right, I had to do it over, maximizing the discomfort, mess, and possibility of needing to leave work for a wardrobe change. It was so awkward waddling over to the sink to wash my bloody hands and cup before trying to pull up my pants and hope I didn’t drip on my clothes in the process, especially on my free flow days. There’s a reason women stopped using them in the first place. I use charcoal pads. They were intended for cloth diapers, and I figured they’d work great for period blood, especially heavy flow like I have. They lock it away and I can wear one all day, except on my heaviest flow day, and even then, one lasts most of the day. They are uber comfortable, too, and as long as you don’t wear skin-
tight jeans (which are unhealthy for your lymph system), they aren’t noticeable, at least according to my husband. They smell gross after a few days in the laundry (I keep in a plastic bag do I don’t smell it until it goes in the wash) , but there’s always something gross you have to handle when it comes to periods, anyway, and I found the cup to be the worst of all of them. I’m just upset I didn’t think of charcoal pads sooner.
I had the the same problem with experiencing discomfort when id try to insert and remove the cup. I did like that it lasted majority of my work day so i didn’t have to remove the cup til i would get home.
I stopped wearing one couple months ago after enjoy the product for a few cycles. Turns out I didn’t wash it out good enough and I got a uti. I’m a fairly clean person, I’ve never had a uti in my adult life til I got the reusable diva cup. I will never wear one again. Lol I hate vag probs. Now I’m back to pads and tampons and I’m a happy girl once again.
It’s too bad the cup didn’t work out for you. I didn’t even KNOW about them until I was forty. I decided to try them to reduce garbage in my bathroom. Not th reasons, but to eliminate things my autistic daughter would get ahold of and chew on. (Yeah). It was also somewhat economical. My husband had lost his job and our savings was drying up. I realized there would reach a point where runnning down to the store for pads would be impossible to do. So I made investments in cups for me and cloth pads for my teen daughter. Best decision ever!! I doubt I’ll ever go back. I don’t know if God created the vagina to have anything inserted in it either (except for a penis going in and kids coming out), but it works for me.
Because the Diva cup is Surgical grade silicone, you are able to wear it for 12 hours without having to worry about toxic shock. You’re talking about tampons.
Amy,
Since you can keep the cup in for longer I never suggest changing it in public, especially at work. It is there to be convenient, not compromising. I empty and was mine in the shower, then reinsert. It is that easy. I have no idea why so many women would be challenging themselves with the cup in scary public situations. The cup empties down the drain, is easily cleaned properly and fit back in for your comfort. It’s also easy to remember bc the entire purpose of your shower is to clean your entire body, which includes your lady bits. I hope this will help many, not just you bc reading the constant downside of the mess seems so odd to me when this option has always been available to us.
Totally agree, and if you are worried about leaks during the day, you can wear an organic biodegradable pads along with it
Okay I usually don’t say this so bluntly, but you are wrong. I get it if you don’t like menstrual cups, but there is no reason to spread lies about them. There is no risk for toxic shock from a cup. Toxic shock happens when your vagina gets too dry and the good bacteria is not able to survive. Since the cups are made of surgical grade silicone there is no possible way for it to absorb your moisture like tampons do. The Diva Cup instructions clearly say you can wear it for 12 hours. Maybe you got your tampon instructions and Diva Cup instructions switched. I don’t know where you got your information from saying that you can get TSS from the cup, but you should check your sources. Also, as for the washing issue, that is a personal problem. Anyone who owns a cup should read the directions and be able to clearly see YOU HAVE TO WASH IT PROPERLY IF IT IS GOING IN YOUR VAGINA. THAT IS COMMON SENSE.
You’re wrong. You can get TSS from a menstrual cup.
https://aem.asm.org/content/84/12/e00351-18.abstract
Hi Amy,
You might not see this response as it’s been a long time since you posted your comment, but maybe it’ll help others in a similar situation.
Have you been checked for fibroids and polyps? I used to have extremely heavy and painful periods – I thought I was simply dealt an unlucky hand in life when it came to my period…until my husband and I struggled with getting pregnant and we discovered I had fibroids – 33 to be exact! If you have a very heavy flow and/or painful periods, there might be a treatable reason. I struggled with finding a competent expert, but I am so glad I finally did! If you aren’t familiar with fibroids, but have heavy and/or painful periods, you should check out this comprehensive website on fibroids: http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/about-fibroids/
I hope that someone finds this information helpful. As for a menstrual cup – my cousin introduced me to it almost 15 years ago and I have never looked back!! Yes, it’s difficult at first and I used to need to change it multiple times during the day even in public restrooms ? (before I found out about and addressed my fibroids), but I have never felt cleaner during my period than when I use my Diva Cup and I love not needing to run out to buy more supplies! I LOVE my menstrual cup for so many reasons! Hope you love it, too, if you try it! ☺️
Thank you for the article, Jaclyn! 🙂
My issue is after watching A PLASTIC OCEAN is that all plastics are not safe, not even the BPA ones. We absorb the endocrine dis-ruptors which my concern with using a menstrual cup made out of silicon (which tested in laboratories might be safish, but do we absorb these from the menstrual cup???) ……. the findings from this documentary is that no plastic is safe …… any comment about this?
Well, silicone isn’t plastic and it’s my understanding that it doesn’t pose the same dangers plastic does.
I’ve been using a cup for about 5 years. I’ll never go back. They’re super comfortable, and super economical. I love my cup. I know more now about insertion and mess. It’s not that hard. In 5 years, I’ve had no issues. None. No infections, no TSS. Nothing. Perfect health. As a matter of fact, cups don’t dry you out like tampons, and aren’t stuck to you like pads. I get irritated, even with cloth pads. It’s crazy. I can’t stand pads. I love my cup!
I thought your article was serious, and I was concerned. But am very glad it turned out to just play on the common fears AC I Jared with using it. Lol
Thanks!
Thanks Bobbie Jo!
Love my Diva Cup will never go back. Never any health issues and it only took one cycle to figure the removal / insert of the cup without issues. Wear a panty liner incase of leaks otherwise no mess ever.
Keeping clean wash it With Diva cleaner then boil
In hot water for 5-8 mins clean for next cycle.
Maybe replace every few yes but otherwise you save money. Tampons used to leak on me all the time and pads I couldn’t use them. Best invention every.
I love the menstrual cup! It makes me forget about the misery of periods.
This is a terrible title and should be changed for a few reasons:
People often go off headlines and don’t bother to read the article. For someone who doesn’t use a cup and isn’t familiar with them, this plants the seed that there’s something wrong with them, which probably makes the non-user less likely to switch from their ‘known evil’ to an unknown one.
For those of us who Do use a cup and thought we’d done all the research, it makes us wonder if we missed something. Then we read the whole article just to find out that nope, the author actually supports the cup and there was nothing to be concerned about after all.
A better title would be something like “Common misconceptions and concerns about menstrual cups”. Shame on the author for using a fear tactic title that may actually drive women away from switching to an amazing, safe product, all for the sake of hopefully getting a few more clicks.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive to this article, as most people appreciate the humor. Sometimes the risk of offending/scaring is worth the risk of enticing. 😉
I loved the title. I went searching today for info on cups and this was the first one clicked on and will probably be the last. My daughter is approaching mentruation age and I’m terrified to ask her to use tampons because of TSS. Im so excited to try this cup and someday introduce it to her as well.
Thanks for great read!
That’s great Erin. Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree. The title is misleading and the article is shallow. I have some serious concerns about trying the menstrual cup and I cannot find any credible sources regarding the specific concerns I have. I keep seeing marketing propaganda on social media and online about these cups with the same talking points. I think for people who have hesitation should just stick to what they know and ignore the propaganda. I hate how these are being pushed on young girls in other nations.
For example, women with narrow vaginas or sensitive vaginas might not prefer the cup. How much tearing and scraping can happen inserting and removing a thick silicon cup with no lubricant. I have terrible depression, debilitating stomach cramps, and vaginal sensitivity on my period, so dealing with inserting and removing a cup might be more than I can handle in that physical and mental state of mind. Vitamins have helped me so much, but I believe I may have endo and cysts, so I do not know if the cup is best for these issues. I have never had a child and have little experience with sex, so my tolerance for stretching is not that high. Eco-friendly cardboard tampons have a weak grip with the applicators and I have a hard time inserting…the stem on the cups looks very small, so I am sure it would be hard to grip. At 34, I will continue exploring eco-friendly tampons and pads and take days off for self-care on my cycle.
It sounds like menstrual cups may not be a good fit for you, and that’s ok.
Great post. Definitely confirmed that I need to buy a menstrual cup! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it Tyler!
Because of your article I ordered and am using my cup for first time. I love it and will never go back.
Hey Charlee! That’s awesome!
I have just orded one too.
I have always used tampons and 1 month ago i got tss…it was so scary.
I used pads on my last cycle and hated them… as i am active and go to the gym the pads felt terrible.
In cant believe i am saying this but i am looking forward to my next period so i can use my menstrual cup….
The reason not to use them; The body is supposed to release impure blood, when it is kept in close contact with the cervix you risk back flow which can cause impurities to go where they are not welcome anymore, reattach themselves and quite possibly cause effects which many in Western medicine would describe as Endometriosis. In reality we shouldn’t be putting anything out side of our own clean hands, if necessary, or clean genitals of a partner in there, (outside of youre period that is, because sex during the period will do the same for flow flow with an added force if you know what I mean) that includes tampons of any sort seeing as they will all leave some sort of foreign particles in there, which isn’t good whether they be unbleached, untreated or not. Source; My background studies on the body in the understanding through Traditional Chinese medicine.
Back flow* not flow flow ?
Interesting points, Dominique. Thanks!
Your response as a lot of typos. It’s hard to take you seriously. I love my menstrual cup!
-_____- great answer
Cannot agree more. I believe in Chinese medicine theories. Tampons or Cups may make your life seem easier but doesn’t do any good to your body.
It doesn’t have back flow. It sits in the cup away from your cervix and the uterus. It’s no where near your cervix. It sits low in your vagina.
I have very heavy flow and life was hard going out even to work. I had to call in sick or now we can work from home . I have started to use the cup and it good . I think you need to know how to use it and it not as messy as you think. I use toilet paper to hold the point you need to pull. Tip in toilet us abit if clean toilets paper so no blood on your hands give it a good wash and re inseart. It changed my life I love it ….
Another concern I have is long-term safety. Are there any studies of the long-term safety of having silicon in your vagina for days? Lots of things were thought to be safe until they were found not to be.
I came across this article while searching for others who have experienced autoimmune responses while using a silicone menstrual cup.
I first bought mine and used it a handful of periods in between pregnancies. I used mine the way the directions state, but the last round I thought I was having a nervous breakdown. After 2 hours of having the menstrual cup in, I started to experience sever heart palpitations, headaches, dizziness. I’d take it out to empty it and clean it and my symptoms immediately disappeared. A couple of hours later I would experience the same things. It took 4 days of this before I realized it was probably my body rejecting the silicone, and me not having a nervous breakdown. I do have a mild nickel allergy, but was completely unprepared for my body reacting that way to silicone. My symptoms were almost exactly like that of those who’ve suffered from breast implant illness, which apparently is a real thing (http://breastimplantinfo.org/personal-stories/).
So relieved that this was not a serious claim that cups are dangerous 🙂
I’m 41yrs old. Heard about the cup a couple of years ago. Having used homemade cloth pads un teenage i didn’t want to gi back to the bloody mess to clean phase again.
But a lot of friends recommended trying it.
and i finally did. Today is my Day2 and i’m so glad it’s not at all as messy as it sounds. Works great overnight… i don’t have to worry about posture and if i will get my clothes or bedsheets soiled.
During periods i get up 3-4 times a night and irritable due to the pads. I seriously don’t mind getting up middle of the night to empty the cup and putting it back again.
I have may be max 10 yrs to go for menopause and I’m NEVER GOING BACK TO PADS!
Glad to hear you’re liking them!
I love the cup! Just started using it and it’s not difficult at all! I think if you’re struggling with it maybe you’re not very comfortable with your body? Don’t be afraid to reach in there and get it out safely without spilling it. Also if you’re “dripping” whilst cleaning it or whatever…use a darn toilet paper or paper towel as a temporary pad for 2secs duhhhhhh
I honestly love this post. It is REAL! I’m starting up a blog and want to write about my experiences with my menstrual cup. I’ve been using it for about 3 years and will never go back… I think it is so important to spread the message and let people know that it is scary but so worth it!
Thanks for stopping by Kora!
Wow! I’ve never heard about the menstrual cups. Definitely gonna try it out !!
42 years old and always had problems with tampons, they hurt and always rested right at the bottom and were painful… Was very scepical about wasting money on the cup but First day using mine, I believe I put it in correct the first time, I need to cut the end as it sticks out a little and it feels way better then a tampon and no leaks and can move around even just had knee surgery and are doing lots of movement for therapy and no problems…. best decision as of right now and gonna get one for my teenager
Really awesome article. Thanks for sharing that type of good content.
You got me! I thought there were some dangers ive missed. After all it does seem to good to be true right? Glad to know my cup is still golden! Been using it for a year now and after a few cycles its a breeze. Still have leaks occasionally on the first day, but that seems to happen no matter what product you’re using. Yay for the cup!
I was like “Oh, is there REALLY any downside to the menstrual cup? Let’s see… Ok, it was a joke :P”
I love this article. I’ve been using a menstrual cup for the last few years and I never have any issues other than the occasional splotching (for which I just use a panty liner). However, I am always worried that new information about the potential “dangers” of menstrual cups will emerge and force me to find another solution. This article instead made me cackle at the sarcasm and confirmed the benefits of my choice. Always on the lookout though, just in case new studies do come out with issues for menstrual cups!
I to have been using the menstrual cup for going on 3 years now and am not going back. I have not had any problems or have any complaints about the cup. ( like one of the people above I have a nickel allergy only mine is pretty severe) ive never had an infection and I boil my cup every 3 months as instructed on the box and clean it with whatever unscented soap that’s in my bath room and yes I have left it in for more than 12 hours but that’s because i was no where near a bathroom in that time. Not only has it make my period easier to deal it completely changed my cycle my period is shorter and lighter. As a teen my period was 7 days of heavy flow using both a pad and tampons but now I only have to change the cup once twice no more than 4 times a day and the cup I bought is leak proof. Made for my very low cervix its comfortable and easy to use I will never ever use tampons or pads again. P.s. I do use panty liners the first 2 days and last 2 days of my period I’m barely bleeding no need for the cup. So if you want to spend thousands of dollars on pads and tampons and the tampon tax, if you want to constantly think “i wonder if the person behind me can smell me ” because your in a situation were you cant change you pad. If you really can handle potentially touching you period blood but can handle pulling a bloody pre soaked string from your vag or rolling you blood warmed sanitary napkin and placing it in the trash for someone else to clean ( and stink your bathroom up in the summer) use them. But me i going to buy an extra candy bar and wear white pants and wear my thong bikini while on my period you know why. Cuz I can and I have no worries no leaks just me, my cup, and my not dry not stinky happy vagina
I love this post! I’ve been using mine for 3 cycles now. The second day is always more successful for some reason. I just wish more people would try it. I love the fact that there is no smell like with other sanitary products.
Mine sits a lot lower than what i thought it would but i leave it in for about 6 hours, take it out rinse it and back in it goes (when I’m at home i pour boiling water over it). At the end of my period i boil it in a pan watching it carefully because i would hate for it to get damaged. I watched loads of YouTubers talking about their experience so i felt like i knew what i was doing with mine and would definitely recommend trying it.
Thanks for this post, definitely more awareness is needed.
Why is this article so misleading? I mean just read what you have written and the heading? I was reading this to understand if there are any dangers associated with using menstrual cups. But I understand even you are confused as to if its good or bad! Somewhere you say its cool….somewhere you say its gross..
At one line you say you should not go around talking about menstruation..at the next line you say its ok since billions of women have it! Take a stand please.
And its ok to talk about menstruation. Its just a health condition and nothing to be ashamed of!
Oh wow, girl. This article is full of sarcasm. I’m sorry if you didn’t catch on to that, but the majority of readers and other commenters seem to get that…
Great article, I am already a menstrual cup convert before reading but the title intrigued me as to whether there could be any serious dangers.
I loved the article! Nice draw in, and great humor! I love the “poor landfills”. I started using a cup about a year ago, and haven’t gone back. Like you, I love the fact that I can sleep without worrying, and go through my day without a full wagon of supplies everywhere I go.
I tried period underwear though, and immediately got a raging yeast infection…those don’t breathe so well, although a great idea. I would have to change them several times a day to keep myself healthy. That just isn’t worth it. I would rather wear a pad for the oops or accidental overflow from my cup and continue on in my current stream of cup use.
My only issue with the Diva cup I bought was that it was really difficult for me to remove. I couldn’t get a grip on the end of it and probably wasn’t releasing the suction correctly or something. Plus the instructions said to use a specific cleaner and I didn’t have that so I was worried I might not clean it properly. I found that disks were much easier for me to remove and recently saw a page that sells reusable menstrual disks. Plus, Thinx period panties are a wonderful backup to use as well. Just some other options I found to be helpful.
Isn’t your article totally misleading??????? Just go through the post heading and the content!
It’s called sarcasm. 😉
What about women who suffer from later-onset vaginismus? I’ve already heard the advice about Kegel exercises and dilators and gynecological consultations. Been there, tried that. I won’t get into the conjugal aspects of my marriage. Suffice it to say that when it comes to periods, I’m forever indebted to the friend who recommended Tampax Pearl. They fit in so easily and comfortably. Good thing, too, because if I try to fit in anything wider than a tampon my vaginal muscles clench up at once. If virgins and smaller-built women benefit from smaller-sized cups and are unshakable converts, that’s great. That’s how liberated I felt at 16 when I switched from pads to tampons. At least two fingers are needed to insert and check the fit of those cups, and then there’s the reverse with dealing with pain while trying to break a slippery but allegedly super-tight seal. And blood on my hands and under my fingernails? Especially in public restrooms which all too often have hot water shortages, particularly with those horrid sensor-operated faucets? I’ll pass, thank you. Regarding my ‘carbon footprint’, I save on a lot of plastic packaging because I don’t wear makeup. We use a filter pitcher instead of buying bottled water. I recycle all our aluminum and most of our paper waste. I avoid plastic cutlery and disposable plates, even for barbecues, so that’s more saving. Plastic waste would really be my only incentive to switch to menstrual cups, and I won’t do it. Vaginismus hurts, and I wish there weren’t so many articles guilt tripping women about how we choose to deal with such an intimate function. Pads feel like conspicuous odorous diapers to me, so they’re out, too. One menstrual product does not fit all.
I’m sorry to hear you’ve suffered. If it doesn’t work for you, no big. No one should feel guilty for doing what’s best for their body.