Feminine hygiene products provide comforting solutions to women during their periods, including pads and liners designed to catch leaks, absorb heavy flows, and neutralize any unpleasant odors.
Traditional menstrual products create waste and contain toxic chemicals; luckily there are alternatives that are less hazardous for both your environment and body. Read on to gain more knowledge of what’s trendy in feminine care.
Tampons
A tampon is made of absorbent material that can be compressed into a small cylindrical shape for use during menstrual flows to soak up blood and soothe vaginal discomfort. Tampons come in many sizes and absorbencies and remain one of the most popular menstrual products.
Tampons are made of a blend of cotton and rayon. They feature an outer barrel with an attached thin paper tube applicator to push the tampon into your vagina. Although often scented versions exist, unscented ones may provide greater health benefits as scented varieties may affect bacteria levels in your vagina.
Health Canada regulates tampons as medical devices and requires them to undergo stringent testing in order to be licensed and sold. Tampons must also include specific information regarding absorbency, warning signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) as well as instructions on how to get help should symptoms emerge; rates have decreased over the years thanks to better labeling efforts, education efforts and awareness programs.
Pads
These rectangles of absorbent materials, commonly referred to as sanitary napkins or period pads, adhere securely inside your underwear to provide leak protection during your menstrual cycle. Available in a range of sizes with various absorbency levels to accommodate different flow intensities during your period – super-absorbency pads are best suited to heavy flow days while overnight coverage provides additional support throughout the night.
Pads may not be an appropriate choice for swimming or athletic activities, and some girls do not prefer having one under their underwear. Furthermore, pads pose a greater risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) than tampons when used incorrectly and could result in irritation if misused.
Pads are one of the most widely used feminine hygiene products, and come in various varieties. Choose between variety packs of pads and tampons or individual packs that meet your individual needs. Feminine care products such as tampons, pads and wipes are designed to leave you feeling fresh and clean after each use.
Wipes
Feminine wipes offer an effective and rapid way to cleanse and soothe discomfort in the vulva area. Most wipes are pH-balanced to match skin’s natural acidity levels and often include soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile or vitamin E to provide maximum soothing benefit.
Women should exercise caution when using these products. It is essential that they don’t contain harsh chemicals which could irritate delicate vulva skin or remove beneficial bacteria that keep the area balanced and healthy.
As awareness of intimate hygiene increases and incidence of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections rise, so too has its market for feminine hygiene wipes experienced rapid expansion. Women should opt for eco-friendly organic options that do not contain toxic chemicals; ideal feminine wipes come from plant-based materials without harsh additives and fragrances and should never irritate or dehydrate the vulva, as this could cause itching or discomfort.
Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are small silicone products designed to capture and collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it during your period. Once placed into your vagina, they can stay there up to 12 hours, are safe, and have less environmental impact than tampons and pads.
For optimal results, follow the product instructions for inserting and removing your cup. Lubricate or wet it before inserting for an easier fit; some people find squatting or sitting down can help create an optimal seal for their cup.
Menstrual cups have a low environmental footprint compared to disposable pads and tampons, not to mention being often cheaper over time. You should clean your cup after every use with boiling water or an appropriate cleanser made specifically for menstrual cups (e.g. those available for baby bottle nipples).
