Single-use sanitary pads can contain up to 90% plastic, along with many different types of chemicals added for absorbency, fragrance, and a whiter appearance. An average woman menstruates for nearly 40 years of her life and may use around 20 pads per cycle, leading to prolonged exposure to these toxic substances while also generating a significant amount of menstrual waste.
​

​In Ladakh, disposable pads are the most commonly used menstrual product, and they are usually disposed of by burning or burying them. Many women cannot afford the recurring cost of purchasing pads and therefore resort to rudimentary homemade cloth pads, which are often unhygienically maintained. Options such as reusable (washable) cloth pads and period underwear are also not entirely practical in Ladakh, as water scarcity makes washing difficult and the extreme cold prevents proper drying. In many remote communities, menstrual hygiene products are not even available, leaving women to fend for themselves. Considering the region’s environmental and climatic challenges—menstrual cups appear to be one of the most suitable options for women and girls.