Menstrual hygiene products help women manage their periods more comfortably. Such items include tampons, pads, panty liners and superabsorbent tampons; most American Women Health Survey respondents reported using four of the most frequently used menstrual hygiene items: regular tampons, sanitary napkins or pads, panty liners and menstrual cups.
Menstrual products often marketed to women can present transgender people who experience periods with gender dysphoria as a barrier.
Disposable
Menstrual pads and tampons are disposable products available from any store or pharmacy, which come in various sizes that range from thin for light bleeding (pads) to regular and extra thick models designed to handle heavier flow or overnight use (maxi, overnight or super pads).
Tampons are cotton or cellulose inserts designed to fit inside the vagina and absorb menstrual blood. They are typically applied using plastic applicators, then thrown away after use; there are also numerous reusable options.
Period underwear provides a more gentle alternative to tampons and pads, featuring fabric with absorbent layers. While initially more costly, period underwear is reusable and saves money in the long run. There are various reusable menstrual cups on the market such as Lunette Menstrual Cup, Diva Cup, Hello Disc and Saalt Disc; each can be easily inserted and removed with practice; they may even allow longer wearing time without trips to the bathroom!
Reusable
Switch from disposable pads every month to more eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products such as menstrual cups – flexible rubber or silicone funnel-shaped items designed to collect cycle flow – and period underwear designed to prevent leakage during activities – which provide great alternatives.
Participants of AWHS who used reusable menstrual products cited comfort, protection from leakage and environmental sustainability/cost as key features they most valued about them. Some respondents stated they wished they had more information on these options earlier – for instance in puberty education at school or even during puberty itself.
Reusable menstrual products were most often chosen by respondents of the AWHS 2021 who used them, which was linked with age, being born in Australia, and having more discretionary income. Furthermore, those who used reusable products as their main method for menstrual care were more likely to be female respondents.
Sanitary napkins or pads
Pads (or sanitary napkins, as they’re more commonly known) have long been an indispensable menstrual hygiene product for generations of periods. From ultra-thin panty liners and pads with wings for side leak protection to postpartum pads with extra absorbency – disposable absorbents like this help manage either heavy or light flow rates effectively.
These pads feature topsheets that channel fluid to their core where it is quickly and safely absorbed, to minimize leakage and control odor. In addition, many advanced pads contain superabsorbent polymers – tiny safe granular polymers which turn liquid into gel that keeps you feeling dry and fresh throughout your period.
Though menstrual pads may work for light bladder leakage, for optimal performance it’s wiser to invest in dedicated incontinence pads designed specifically to absorb urine quickly while creating an airtight seal to maximize comfort and discretion. Furthermore, many models feature special technology designed to mask any ammonia-based smells of urine production.
Tampons
Women usually turn to tampons, pads or panty liners to manage their periods. Tampons are small plugs made of highly absorbent material compressed into cylindrical shapes for insertion into the vagina and held in place using an applicator or string; light, regular and super absorbencies are available so choose the lowest absorbency that meets your flow needs. Remember to change tampons every four to eight hours to avoid TSS and other health concerns.
Many women prefer tampons because they’re less visible underwear and feel more comfortable than pads, yet can cause leakage, staining and bacteria transmission. Be wary of leakage caused by these products as well as signs and symptoms of TSS (thyroid storm syndrome), seeking medical assistance if experienced. TSS may be life-threatening; switching to menstrual cups or reusable pads may lower this risk significantly.
