The Best Period Products for Athletes

Athletes need period care solutions that are not only effective but also comfortable and reliable during physical activity. Whether you're running a marathon, getting your sweat on in a HIIT class, or swimming laps, choosing the right period care product can make all the difference in your performance. Among the most popular and practical choices are reusable options, like menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear. Each of these reusable options offers unique benefits for active individuals that old-school disposals just can’t compete with. Let’s dive deeper and run through all the reasons that these products are taking first place for menstruating athletes of all kinds. See what we did there? 😉 

Menstrual Cups: The Athlete’s Go-To for Leak-Free Protection

Best for: High-impact sports like weight lifting, running, and activities requiring freedom of movement like gymnastics and pilates. 

Reusable menstrual cups are one of the most reliable reusable period care products for athletes. Made from flexible yet firm medical-grade silicone with a super soft velvety feel, period cups are placed in the vaginal canal and form a leakproof seal with the help of gentle suction and the natural grip of the pelvic muscles. They work by collecting menstrual flow, rather than absorbing it like a tampon does. This makes it a less irritating option, provides greater coverage, and offers up to 12-hours of protection before needing to be emptied and reinserted. 

Advantages:

• Leak-proof: Menstrual cups can hold a significant amount of menstrual fluid (up to four tampons), offering leak-free protection for up to 12 hours.
• Comfortable and flexible: The soft silicone material molds to the body, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit during physical activity. Plus, it stays in place even if you are squatting, jumping, or backflipping. 
• Subtle: Because the cup is inserted internally, there is no external bulk, making it an ideal choice for athletes who need to move freely without discomfort. Bye bye pads & tampon strings! 

Why it's perfect for athletes: Menstrual cups are designed to stay in place, even during high-impact sports and movements. They won’t shift or cause discomfort with the correct size and insertion. Plus, they provide peace of mind with long-lasting, leak-proof protection making them a great choice for athletes who need reliable, no-fuss period care throughout their training or competition.

Our Top Pick: We love the OG Saalt Cup for athletes looking for a secure period cup option. This cup has just the right mix of softness and firmness, making it both comfortable and reliable. Plus, unlike a tampon, there’s no irritation, which means menstrual cups can help prevent cramps for a more comfortable period too. That’s a win-win!  🥇

Learn: How to insert a menstrual cup.

Menstrual Discs: A Low-Profile, Comfortable Alternative That Moves With You

Best for: Active lower-impact sports like swimming, yoga, and cycling where flexibility and comfort are key.

Menstrual discs are another great option for athletes who prefer internal protection. They sit a bit higher than a menstrual cup does within the space right under the cervix called the vaginal  fornix. This area is naturally a bit more open, like a tent, so it can comfortably hold the shape of the disc without needing suction to stay in place. Instead, the rim of the reusable menstrual disc can be tucked under the pubic bone to be securely held in place. Then, the soft and malleable basin forms to your body and catches and holds your flow. Their low-profile design makes them a great option for athletes seeking comfort and flexibility during movement. Period discs are also a great option for post-partum athletes since they don’t rely on the pelvic floor muscles like cups do. 

Advantages:

• Slim and subtle: Menstrual discs sit flatter against the cervix compared to cups, offering a more comfortable fit. 
• Up to 12 hours of protection: Like menstrual cups, they can be worn for up to 12 hours without needing to be changed, making them perfect for long workout sessions or competitions.
• Great for a heavy flow: Despite their slim design, period discs have a very high capacity (up to six tampons) giving great coverage and longevity even on a heavy day. 
• Comfortable during movement: Menstrual discs are designed to be worn without pressure on the pelvic area, making them ideal for high-mobility sports such as yoga, cycling, or swimming.

Why it's perfect for athletes: One of the biggest benefits of a reusable menstrual disc is their comfort and unobtrusive nature. They don’t create any bulk, allowing athletes to move freely without feeling the product or worrying about it leaking. Plus, they’re especially useful for swimmers, as they provide low-key, full protection in the water. 

Our Top Pick: The Saalt Disc Duo gives you both the small and regular size so you have options to choose from when it comes to managing your period while staying active. We know mother nature doesn’t always have the best timing, so you’ll always be prepared with the best fit with these two on hand. 

Learn: How to insert a menstrual disc. 

Leakproof Panties: Comfortable and Convenient for Light Activity

Best for: Low-impact sports, light flow days, sweat-absorption, and anyone who prefers an external option while staying active. 

For athletes looking for a super simple period care option, period underwear is an excellent choice. These garments are designed with absorbent layers to protect against leaks without the need for additional pads or tampons. Available in a variety of styles and absorbency levels, period panties provide comfortable and reliable protection for heavy days, spotting, or just pesky sweat. They are much thinner than traditional pads so you have tons of production without the bulk or frustrating sticky backs of pads. Plus, the moisture-wicking technology in Saalt Wear Leakproof Underwear keeps you dry so you don’t feel like you’re on your period at all. 

Advantages:

• Comfortable and breathable: Period panties are made with moisture-wicking materials that keep you dry and comfortable, even during physical activity. This also makes a great option for managing sweat on non-period days too!
• Convenient: Just slip them on and go—no need for additional products or taking the time to insert something. They are also great for wearing as backup protection alongside menstrual cups or discs for extra peace of mind.
• Eco-friendly: Like menstrual cups and discs, leakproof panties are reusable, making them a sustainable option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Plus no plastic wrappers constantly filling up your trash. 

Why it's perfect for athletes: Period pants are great for activities, such as yoga, walking, jogging, and hitting the gym. They offer comfort and ease with ultimate comfort and varying levels of absorbancy protection, so you can find the right fit for what you need. Plus, they can double as backup protection if you are using a menstrual disc or menstrual cup for that extra feeling of security. 

Our Top Pick: The Saalt Wear Seamless Period Undewear Collection was made to move with you! These pairs come in a variety of styles and absorbencies to match your needs, from light days to super coverage. Plus, the seamless fabric is so stretchy and comfortable with a lightweight and breathable feel great for keeping you cool and dry. These are perfect for discreet wear with leggings and other activewear – no VPLs and no awkward bunching!  🙌 

Learn: How does period underwear work?

Learn: How to wash period underwear. 

Make the Switch: Finding the Right Product for Your Active Lifestyle

When choosing the best period care product as an athlete, it’s important to consider your flow, the type of activities you engage in, and your comfort preferences. Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are the top choices for athletes who need reliable, long-lasting protection during high-impact activities like running, swimming, or strength training. Both options provide leak-free protection without getting in the way of your movements. Period underwear, on the other hand, is perfect for lighter days, managing sweat, or offering a comfortable external option that can easily be thrown on and switched quickly. 

No matter which option you choose, these reusable products provide athletes with the peace of mind that they can perform at their best all month long.