While many of my period-having pals have been loyal to the same period products for years, I began searching for alternatives to tampons a couple of years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re a super convenient and virtually leak-proof option when it comes to sanitary products. But I hated the fact that I was spending a small fortune on single-use products every cycle.

When I started menstruating 13 years ago, we had minimal options: disposable pads that stuck to your regular underwear or plastic-wrapped tampons. But we’ve come a long way in the last decade, with a host of easy-to-use, eco-friendly reusable options hitting the virtual aisles. And with issues like period pollution and period poverty becoming more and more pressing, there’s never been a better time to take a moment to consider what’s out there, plus their pros and cons.

From menstrual discs and cups, to period pants, reusable sanitary pads and period swimwear — yep, no need to skip a midweek swim anymore — here are all the tampon alternatives available to you right now, answers to common FAQs, plus a selection of GLAMOUR editor favourites that they call on every menstrual cycle.

Meet the experts:

Ahead, your alternatives to single-use tampons, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors:

Previously, lingerie of this kind was shunned for being smelly, ugly and prone to leakages. But today, things have progressed. Period pants look just like your day-to-day underwear, except they come fitted with an absorbent, moisture-wicking and odour-eliminating gusset, able to hold as much as 10 tampons’ worth of blood or discharge.

You can wear them to give you extra protection alongside a pad or menstrual cup on heavy flow days, or to protect against incontinence, and for peace of mind postpartum.

Plus, some experts say they can save you money when compared to single-use tampons and pads: “Whilst they require a bigger initial investment, the average woman will spend around £120 on disposable period pads in just two years, but with reusable period pants, the cost is no more than £75,” says CEO and co-founder of WUKA, Ruby Raut.

Works in exactly the same way as classic period pants, fitted with a super-absorbent lining that absorbs period blood to keep you clean, dry, and fresh all day long. The only real difference is the addition of a water-repellent outer layer.

As for styles, there are tons to choose from, including period swimsuits and period-proof bikini briefs, most of which come with matching triangle bikini tops.

Menstrual cups are, arguably, one of the most convenient — not to mention eco-friendly — alternatives to single-use sanitary pads and tampons. Their perks? As well as being super comfortable to use, they’re often leak-proof and convenient, considering you can use one for up to 12 hours at a time.

But one study has also suggested that period cups have six times less of an environmental impact when compared to disposable period products such as tampons and pads. Sold.

Many people’s first port of call when it comes to period products? Single-use sanitary pads — mainly because it’s as simple as sticking one to your existing knickers. But they also pose minimal risk of TSS, which can be a great reassurance for those experiencing their first few cycles. They come in a variety of styles (with wings or without), levels of absorbency (light, regular, super, ultra) and shape (night-time offerings tend to extend further up the back to limit your chances of a leak).