Every month, women with uteri experience their monthly period – typically lasting 3-7 days when blood is released from their uterus and released through menstrual hygiene products to manage flow.
These include pads, tampons, panty liners and menstrual cups; all essential to modern life for millions of women worldwide.
Pads
Pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material designed to adhere securely inside of underwear and provide front-to-back and side-to-side protection, often preferred by women experiencing heavy periods or having issues with leaky tampons.
They come in a range of sizes and absorbencies to suit different preferences and may come with either unscented or scented pads for your use, although unscented versions may help minimize irritation to the vulva. You can choose whether to wear one with or without an additional liner made of natural fibers that provides breathability to reduce odor.
Some types of pads come equipped with an integrated disposal flap or wrapper to help seal them before throwing them out, to minimize odor and contamination. Others are compatible with boxer underwear and can easily fit into purses or backpacks when needed for use on-the-go. Pads should be changed regularly (at least every three to four hours for heavy flows) in order to remain effective and fresh.
Tampons
While single-use disposable pads and tampons remain the dominant players on this multibillion-dollar global market, other solutions have gained increasing traction – menstrual cups (inserted into the vagina to collect blood), period pants and reusable feminine hygiene products that can be worn undergarmentally are increasingly gaining traction.
Pads are absorbent sheets designed to cover your underwear and protect it from leaks and stains during menstruation. There are various sizes and absorbencies available for each menstrual flow cycle, making pads easy and safe to use, with almost no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Tampons are cylindrical cotton products designed to absorb menstrual blood directly in your hooha, making them the go-to option among women due to their convenience, comfort and discreet protection. Like pads, tampons can also be worn discreetly under clothing; like pads they’re swim-friendly. Tampons may increase your risk of TSS if not changed often enough – we suggest switching every four to eight hours and opting for the lowest absorbency model available depending on menstrual flow.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are eco-friendly alternatives to pads and tampons. Crafted from medical-grade silicon or latex, menstrual cups fit inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it – ideal for all age groups as well as breastfeeding mothers.
Cups can be worn for several hours at a time and even while showering or working out as long as the cup has been sterilized appropriately. While they are less messy than tampons or pads, careful insertion and removal are required – many find lubricant helps with this process, though this isn’t essential.
Follow your menstrual cup brand’s instructions carefully when sterilizing it to ensure its sterilization is successful. Most companies recommend boiling the cup in water for five to ten minutes and rinsing before storing. Although most people only require one menstrual cup at any one time, others might consider keeping a spare handy just in case any emergency circumstances require emptying or washing while away from home.
