Many women use various products to manage their menstrual flow. Examples include regular tampons, sanitary napkins or pads, panty liners and internal menstrual cups.
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Tampons
Tampons are small cotton cylinders designed to absorb menstrual flow when placed inside the vagina. They come with or without an applicator and in various sizes and absorbencies for your convenience.
Initial users may require some training before becoming confident using tampons; however, they’re generally considered more comfortable and discreet than pads; some even allow users to participate in physical activities without worry of leakage! And depending on your size and brand of tampon, leakproof technology could even be an option!
Though unlikely, leaving a tampon in for too long increases your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). To protect against TSS and avoid any complications that might arise when doing so, change it every 4-6 hours as per label instructions; pads, pantyliners or menstrual cups may provide extra protection from leakage and discomfort during menstruation.
Sanitary napkins or pads
Pads differ from tampons in that they’re worn outside the vagina. Available in various sizes for heavy or light periods and featuring adhesive strips that help secure it to keep it in place, they help maintain hygiene by keeping its smell at bay.
Modern feminine hygiene materials utilize thin cores that are air-laid and low loaded with SAP to increase sanitary napkin absorbency, with soft top sheets to keep skin feeling comfortable. Girls generally start using sanitary pads during puberty when their periods start; it is important that girls know how often and when to change sanitary pads to avoid toxic shock syndrome – an otherwise life-threatening condition.
Pantyliners
Like sanitary pads, panty liners should be worn inside the gusset of your underwear to absorb daily vaginal discharge and light menstrual flow. As they are smaller and thinner than pads, panty liners make great everyday companions.
Women who experience light or moderate bleeding during ovulation will find these items especially useful, protecting panties from staining and leaks while helping keep themselves comfortable.
When selecting a panty liner, look for something breathable and soft on the skin. Avoid scent-filled options as these may disrupt the natural pH balance in your vulva. Also be sure to replace your liners frequently to maintain clean and healthy surroundings for yourself.
Internal menstrual cups
Menstrual cups (period cups) are flexible silicone cups you insert into your vagina to contain and manage menstruation flow more comfortably than pads or tampons. Furthermore, they may help lower the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an uncommon but severe infection often linked to tampon use.
Cups come in various sizes; those under 30 with light flows should use small cups, while larger cups may be better for people who have had vaginal deliveries or experience heavy flow.
To use a menstrual cup, apply water or a water-based personal lubricant directly onto its rim before folding and inserting it directly into your vagina like you would when placing a tampon without an applicator. Wash both hands and the menstrual cup after use as well as before reinserting it for reuse.
Period underwear
Period underwear has recently garnered greater awareness, as its characteristics make it look and feel similar to regular underwear but protect against leakage. Furthermore, period underwear is low-waste and reusable compared with conventional pads or tampons which makes them more sustainable solutions.
Focus groups conducted by gynecologists have revealed that women who use period underwear report greater comfort and confidence compared to traditional products. Furthermore, caregivers find them useful alternatives for loved ones with conditions preventing them from properly inserting or removing tampons and pads themselves.
However, period underwear is not ideal for heavy flow days or overnight use, as they only hold limited blood volume before needing to be changed out and can sometimes require washing which can be an inconvenience for some women. Furthermore, certain brands contain harmful PFAS chemicals linked to irregular periods, ovarian disorders, and pregnancy complications – as well as health concerns associated with irregular periods and pregnancies complications.
