The Short Answer
Menstrual cups are significantly safer than tampons.
In 2024, a landmark UC Berkeley study tested 30 tampons across 14 brands and found toxic heavy metals in 100% of them. This included lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are typically made from 100% medical-grade silicone. This is an inert material that doesn't leach chemicals into your body, making it the clear winner for internal period care. Menstrual Cup Vs Tampon
Why This Matters
Your vaginal tissue is highly permeable and packed with blood vessels. Anything placed inside absorbs rapidly and directly into your bloodstream, completely bypassing the liver's natural filtration system. Are Tampons Safe
This makes the presence of heavy metals deeply concerning for long-term health. According to researchers, there is absolutely no "safe" exposure level to lead, regardless of how small the dose may seem. Are Tampons Toxic
Chronic heavy metal exposure is linked to neurological issues, infertility, and hormone disruption. The average person uses roughly 11,000 tampons in their lifetime, turning trace amounts of contaminants into a cumulative threat.
While the FDA investigates how much of these metals actually leach into the body, the precautionary principle points directly to menstrual cups. A high-quality silicone cup eliminates this chemical exposure entirely. Are Menstrual Cups Safe
What's Actually In Tampons vs. Cups
- Heavy Metals — Lead, arsenic, and cadmium were found in every tampon tested in 2024. Surprisingly, organic tampons contained higher levels of arsenic, while conventional ones had more lead.
- Medical-Grade Silicone — The vast majority of cups use this inert, hypoallergenic material. It is proven safe for long-term internal use and does not react with bodily fluids. Is Silicone Menstrual Cup Safe
- Volatile Organic Compounds — Many conventional tampons contain VOCs and synthetic fragrances. These are known endocrine disruptors that can cause severe vaginal irritation. Are Scented Tampons Bad
- Glyphosate — Conventional cotton is heavily sprayed with harsh pesticides. Residues of this controversial weedkiller have been repeatedly found in non-organic tampons. Is There Glyphosate In Tampons
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Medical-Grade Silicone — This is the gold standard for internal period care because it won't leach and lasts for years.
- Third-Party Testing — Look for brands that actively test their finished products for PFAS and heavy metal contamination.
- FDA Registration — This ensures the cup is manufactured in a facility with strict medical device quality controls.
Red Flags:
- Rayon and Viscose — This highly processed wood pulp is used in tampons to increase absorbency but also elevates TSS risk.
- Unidentified Colorants — If a tampon or cup uses dyes without disclosing the chemical makeup, skip it entirely.
- Plastic Applicators — These frequently contain phthalates and contribute to massive amounts of environmental waste.
The Best Options
If you're ready to make the switch, these are the cleanest options on the market. Best Menstrual Cup
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saalt | Saalt Cup | ✅ | 100% medical-grade silicone and rigorous quality testing. |
| Diva | DivaCup | ✅ | The industry standard, completely free of BPA and latex. |
| Tampax | Pearl Tampons | 🚫 | Conventional cotton blend with plastic applicators and unknown fragrances. |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the tampons. The 2024 heavy metal findings are too significant to ignore, especially for a product used monthly.
2. Switch to a silicone cup. Medical-grade silicone is inert, safe, and significantly lowers your chemical body burden.
3. Boil between cycles. Proper sterilization is absolutely mandatory to prevent bacterial growth and minimize TSS risk. How Long Wear Menstrual Cup
FAQ
Can menstrual cups cause TSS?
Yes, but the risk is incredibly low. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is caused by bacterial overgrowth, not the cup material itself. As long as you wash your hands and boil the cup between cycles, it is highly preventable. Can Menstrual Cups Cause Tss
Are organic tampons safer than conventional tampons?
Only slightly. While organic cotton eliminates pesticide residues, the 2024 Berkeley study found that organic tampons actually contained higher levels of arsenic than conventional ones. Are Organic Tampons Worth It
Do menstrual cups contain PFAS forever chemicals?
Generally, no. A 2023 American Chemical Society study found that menstrual cups are largely free of fluorine (a key indicator of PFAS). However, you should always stick to reputable brands to avoid cheap, contaminated materials. Is There Pfas In Period Underwear