The alternatives to tampons are usually silicone cups or natural sea sponges, although some women make their own tampons using cotton baby socks. The advantage to these products, like the pads, is that they are safer to use and more comfortable. Unlike sea sponges and cotton baby socks, the silicone cups last for several years with the proper care. All they normally require is a quick rinse with warm water and an unscented soap, and a dry-off with a lint free towel, before they are good to go again. These cups can also be worn for twice as long as tampons, if a woman has a light to medium menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to twelve hours before having to be removed and cleaned. Also, there is no messy string attached, so you can wear these products with anything and not worry about showing off any evidence of your period.
The disadvantage to these types of products, again, is that they need to be cleaned. Cups need to be removed very carefully, or they could spill before you’re prepared, resulting in a rather messy situation. The best way to remove them is either over the toilet or in the shower. If you’re in a public restroom, they might also prove inconvenient, but a quick cleaning with a wad of toilet paper or a flushable wet wipe is usually sufficient to clean them for re-insertion until you can get them thoroughly cleaned again. Sponges and baby socks, like the reusable pads, need to be thoroughly soaked and rinsed, which makes them extremely inconvenient in a public restroom.
Another problem you might encounter with the cup is that it could pinch at first, or be uncomfortable. Most cups come with a stem on the bottom, which you can trim off to make it more comfortable for insertion. If inserted properly, you won’t even feel it. Thorough instructions for insertion come with the product.