Hygiene supplies are an integral component of daily life; from washing our hands and teeth to menstrual hygiene products. Unfortunately, those living with periods often struggle to gain access to them.
Menstrual hygiene can play an integral part in keeping women clean, comfortable, and healthy throughout their period.
Pads
Pads are absorbent units designed to go under your underwear and provide external protection from leakage. Available in different sizes and absorbencies to meet your flow, pads can be worn day or night and make your life simpler! Easy to use, pads come in various materials like organic cotton and bamboo as well as hemp-based biodegradable fibers which make for simple maintenance.
Pads differ from tampons in that they do not need to be inserted directly into the vagina, making them generally less painful for some girls and also carrying less risk for TSS than internal menstrual products.
Some pads feature wings to secure them to your underwear and help prevent leaks, similar to tampons. Like their female counterparts, pads should be changed regularly according to instructions or as directed on packaging – especially during heavy days and overnight – in order to remain hygienic and discreet when disposing of used ones. Some brands provide special disposal wrappers or flaps designed specifically for disposal; avoid flushing used pads down toilets as this could clog pipes and damage sewage systems; instead wash your hands before and after changing pads!
Tampons
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual blood in the vagina. They come in various sizes and absorbency levels from light to super plus, so it is wise to start off with lower absorbency levels before gradually increasing them as needed. Tampons also tend to be less bulky than pads and can be worn under various clothing items including swimwear.
People can choose tampons with plastic or cardboard applicators, while digital (digital tampons) may come without one entirely (these organic versions). People looking to reduce their environmental impact may prefer non-applicator versions which reduce how much plastic waste ends up in landfills.
A tampon is typically constructed of materials such as cotton, rayon or organic cotton and compressed into a cylindrical shape when placed into an applicator. A string runs along its top for removal purposes.
Pantyliners
Panty liners are thin, flexible liners designed to keep underwear and vulva fresh throughout the day. Perfect for protection against leaks, discharge and spotting and can even be worn before or during your period.
Even light vaginal discharge can produce enough wetness to cause discomfort or stain your underwear, so using a panty liner on these days provides extra protection. They’re also great at preventing stress-induced involuntary peeing while you sneeze, cough or take strenuous workouts.
Panty liners are thinner and less absorbent than their sanitary pad counterparts, designed not to absorb heavy menstrual flow but can still be worn alongside tampons on days when heavy menstruation flows are expected. Light and discreet, you may even forget they’re there in your underwear! Plus some panty liners even boast antimicrobial technology for maximum odour control – making them the ideal solution for hotter environments!
Internal Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are reusable products that last up to four years when properly cared for and can be found both online and at retail outlets for anywhere between $10 to $40.
Cups sit within the vagina and collect blood, meaning they do not require changing as frequently. It is essential to follow package instructions for cleaning and sterilizing menstrual cups – some models can be submerged in hot water while others must be rinsed with hot water and dried afterwards.
Menstrual cups may cause leakage occasionally, though this is usually caused by using too small of a cup or improper insertion techniques. Leakage tends to occur less often with them than with tampons.
Women using menstrual cups often worry about finding it challenging and uncomfortable to insert or remove them, as doing so requires manipulating genitalia. Despite this concern, feedback from female users of these menstrual cups shows they find them extremely comfortable for wear and removal.
