Period Math 101: How Many Reusables Do You Actually Need?

Okay, so you’ve finally said your dramatic goodbye to plastic pads that feel like diapers and take 800 years to decompose (RIP, but not really). You’re ready to go sustainable, save money, reduce waste, and maybe even feel a little smug at brunch.

But cue existential crisis: How many of these things do I actually need??

Do I need one cup or five? Do I buy three period panties or twelve? Will I be hand-washing pads every day like I’m in a detergent ad from 1997?

Take a deep breath, grab a chai, and let’s figure it out: desi aunty to desi aunty (or cool niece to confused maasi).

1. The Menstrual Cup: One Ring to Rule Them All?

One is enough, but two is ideal.

Let's break it down:

A menstrual cup is the overachiever of period products. It can stay in for up to 8–12 hours, holds more blood than pads or tampons, and lasts for 5–10 years.

So why might you need more than one?

• You want a backup while you clean or sterilise the other.
  
  

• You keep one at home and one in your bag (because who hasn't forgotten that one thing?)
  
  

• You bought one, then realized the size wasn’t quite right (it happens to the best of us — and bras).
  
  

Real-life scenario:

You insert Cup A in the morning, remove/clean it at night. But one morning, you drop it in the toilet. Now what? Cup B enters like a hero.

Ideal stash: 1–2 cups
Luxury stash: One for home, one for travel, and one just in case you're feeling fancy.

Buy the Zorb Menstrual Cup at Just Rs 249/- and switch to a sustainable future. 

2. Reusable Pads: The OG Eco-Friendly BFF

6–10 pads per cycle should do it, depending on your flow and laundry habits.

Reusable pads are basically like comfy cotton clouds for your vulva. They're great for people who don’t vibe with internal products (ahem, not all heroes wear cups). Plus, they come in the cutest prints—yes, bleeding can be aesthetic too.

Find the quirkiest and cutest reusable pads in just one click. 

But how many do I need?

• On heavy days, you might need to change every 4–6 hours = ~3–4 pads/day
  
  

• On lighter days, 1–2/day is enough
  
  

• Most periods are ~4–5 days = 8–10 pads total
  
  

Factors that change the math:

• Flow type: Is your uterus doing bhangra or a slow romantic number?
  
  

• Laundry access: Can you wash daily, or are you a “once-in-three-days” kinda gal?
  
  

• Climate: Humid weather = longer drying times. Hello, Mumbai monsoons.
  
  

Pro tip:

Start with a trial kit or 3–4 pads, see how it goes, then build your collection like a true collector of blood-friendly fashion.

Ideal stash: 6–10 pads

Bare minimum: 3–4 if you wash daily

Luxury stash: 12–15 for zero stress

3. Period Panties: The “Why Wasn’t This a Thing Sooner?” Product

3–5 pairs for one cycle, more if you don’t want to do laundry mid-cramps.

Period panties are the chill queens of period products. They look like regular undies, but they absorb blood like a champ. Plus, they don’t shift, leak, or crinkle like a chip packet.

So how many pairs?

Think about how often you’d change them:

• On heavy flow days, change twice/day = 2 panties/day
  
  

• On lighter days, 1 is enough
  
  

• 4–5 day period = 6–7 pairs if you don’t plan to wash mid-cycle
  
  

If you’re using them as backup with a cup or pad, even 3 pairs will work.

Quick math:

• Don’t want to wash at all during your period? Go for 7–8 pairs
  
  

• Okay with washing after 2–3 days? 3–5 pairs
  
  

Ideal stash: 4–6 panties
Bare minimum: 2–3 (plus good laundry habits)
Luxury stash: 8–10, and one pair just because it has cats on it 

But What About Washing & Drying?

A very fair (and very Indian) question. You’ve got reusables. Now you’re wondering: Will I be hand-washing blood-stained cloth in my bathroom like I’m prepping for a Netflix horror movie?

Here’s the system:

1. Rinse in cold water ASAP to avoid stains.
   
   

2. Soak in soapy water for 30 min (or add baking soda, your choice).
   
   

3. Hand wash or pop in the washing machine (just don't use fabric softener).
   
   

4. Dry in the sun if you can – UV rays are nature’s Dettol.
   
   

If you rotate well and wash smartly, you can get by with fewer products.

 Reusable Period Kit – What Your Cart Might Look Like:

Some Fun (and True) Desi Thoughts While Buying Reusables:

• “What will the bai think if she sees this in the bathroom?”
  Tell her. Educate her. Who knows, she might want one too.
  
  

• “Can I dry this in my balcony with the pad side out?”
  No rulebook here. Do what makes you comfy. Or flip it inside out for some privacy.
  
  

• “What if I go to nani’s place and forget to carry enough?”
  Keep one extra set in your bag always—just like that random hair tie, five bills, and expired mints.

Shop from the widest range of Period Panties and choose what works best for you!

Also Read: Best ways to manage your sanitary waste in 20 years!

Let’s Recap Like a Pro

• Menstrual Cup: 1 is enough, 2 is better
  
  

• Reusable Pads: Start with 6–10; increase if your flow is like Holi
  
  

• Period Panties: 4–6 for ease; 2–3 if you’re a laundry ninja
  
  

There’s no fixed number that works for everyone—your period, your routine, your tolerance for laundry (and chaos) matters. So start small, experiment, and upgrade slowly. Your uterus will thank you, and the planet will too.

Final Thoughts:

Switching to reusables is a whole vibe. You save money, reduce waste, avoid pad rashes, and most importantly—feel like a planet-saving legend every month. Whether you're a cup loyalist, a pad collector, or a panty enthusiast, just remember: your period, your rules.

Now go forth, bleed better, and maybe don’t calculate your cost-per-use while you're cramping. That's what I'm here for.