Personal care is paramount, yet overwashing with harsh soaps and probiotics takes weeks to become effective. Instead, consider trying a cleanser that works from within out for maximum benefit.
External feminine hygiene products include sanitary napkins, panty shields, and pads while internal products include tampons and menstrual cups.
Sanitary napkins
Sanitary pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material you wear under your underwear during menstruation to manage its flow and stain. Their sticky back adheres securely while their smooth, soft surface absorbs blood from menstrual flow into its core – they are one of the most efficient ways of controlling menstrual flow.
Products of this nature come in various sizes, materials and absorbencies to meet the needs of women of all ages and body types. Their purpose is to provide comfort, security and hygiene by preventing leaks while encouraging healthy skin. They’re easy to use and change; many even come equipped with strong adhesive strips that keep the device securely in place.
Reusable pads provide an affordable solution to women living in areas of high poverty or experiencing period insecurity, providing sustainable access to pads for years. By choosing a brand that donates trade for aid, you can help break the cycle of poverty by giving women sustainable access to pads over time.
Panty liners
Panty liners are thinner, lighter versions of pads designed to absorb light spotting. These feminine hygiene products may be used alone or alongside other forms of menstrual support such as tampons or period cups for heavier days of menstruation flow.
Travel sanitary products can also make an excellent addition to your toiletry bag when traveling, as they’re lightweight and portable, helping maintain hygiene when no clean restrooms are nearby. Plus, these flexible yet soft products are perfect for those with sensitive vaginas as they offer plenty of support without restricting their mobility!
Pantsy liners can also help postpartum mothers manage postpartum bleeding known as lochia, which typically lasts several weeks or months post-childbirth. A pack of individually wrapped panty liners could prove invaluable in your daily bag in case any unexpected bleeding or discharge arises, while light leakage from vaginal areas also necessitates their use.
Tampons
Tampons are small absorbent period products designed to be placed inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood, and come in various sizes and absorbencies for use during menstruation. You can purchase them anywhere sanitary products are sold. Tampons should be changed every four to six hours to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Some tampons feature an extendable applicator to facilitate easier insertion, although this may make some feel uneasy reaching into their vagina. Others come equipped with a string that stays outside the body after being inserted and can be pulled to remove it when desired.
Some tampons are dye-free, which can reduce odor and irritation, and some brands provide gender neutral packaging and marketing that makes their products more accessible for transgender and nonbinary individuals. When combined with efforts that promote menstrual cups or reusable options, such efforts can help make the transition less intimidating for many women.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are reusable period products that collect menstrual flow rather than absorb it like pads and tampons do, providing leak protection, comfort, ease of insertion/removal and can last up to 12 hours at once. Available in an assortment of shapes and sizes for different flow levels, cervical heights, lifestyles and leak protection needs, they offer excellent leakage prevention while being easier than tampons to insert/remove and can even be worn over multiple cycles if desired. Wash both yourself/the cup/hands thoroughly prior to using or wearing either product!
Considerations when selecting feminine hygiene products include your flow level, lifestyle and comfort needs. With many products to choose from and personalized consultations available at Plaza OBGYN to guide them in selecting their ideal feminine care products that provide for individual needs, their holistic approach ensures women receive all of the care necessary throughout their menstrual cycles.
