Menstrual cups are reusable and can last up to 10 years with proper care (wash with gentle soap between uses and boil once every month). They sit inside your vagina and collect menstrual blood.
Fragrance-free intimate washes are essential, as fragrance can alter the vagina’s natural pH balance and cause issues in some women. Look for one approved by your gynecologist that’s hypoallergenic as this will ensure the best experience.
Tampons
Tampons are small cylindrical-shaped devices made of absorbent material used to collect menstrual blood. They can be easily inserted directly into the vagina and removed using their string attachment, providing easy use and removal. There are various sizes and absorbencies available to match different flow levels among women. Tampons have been around since ancient Egypt used papyrus tampons around 1500 BCE while ancient Roman cultures employed wool tampons for collection of blood during menstruation periods.
When properly installed, tampons provide an attractive alternative to pads while remaining comfortable and discreet, enabling women to engage in all their favorite activities without fearing leaks or discomfort.
Many tampons now made from eco-friendly organic or biodegradable materials are making an eco-conscious statement, offering women more eco-conscious options for period protection. Tampons may even detect precancerous cells and are currently being studied as screening tools for endometrial cancer. Tampons also make great options for women who engage in active activities, allowing them to play sports, swim or dance without worry of leakage or irritation during active moments.
Pads
Pads, also referred to as menstrual pads or sanitary napkins, are the tried-and-true period product staple. Easy, straightforward use has led them to remain popular despite innovations like menstrual cups.
These options offer the least expensive solution to managing periods, and can be used with underwear or skirts. Unfortunately, they’re more prone to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) compared to tampons; therefore it is wise to change frequently and avoid oversoaking them.
Some women prefer washable cloth menstrual pads, which can be purchased through websites like Party in My Pants or created at home using a sewing machine (instructions are readily available online). Cloth pads are soft and absorbent for maximum comfort without irritating skin around the vulva; additionally they’re less expensive over time and better for the environment than disposable options; some brands even provide special disposal bags to make this easier when disposing used pads in trash cans.
Sanitary Napkins
Pads (commonly referred to as menstrual pads) are absorbent products designed to manage menstruation’s monthly shedding of the uterine lining, and worn externally instead of internally like tampons which require insertion. Utilizing an appropriate product at the right time is key for comfort, hygiene and confidence while on your period.
Sanitary napkins are the go-to choice when it comes to feminine hygiene products in America, offering an easy and practical solution for managing menstrual flow. Most pads feature an absorbent core with soft top layers for comfortable use as well as leak-proof barriers – an all-in-one package!
Some disposable sanitary pads feature wings to help secure them over the edges of underwear and prevent leaks. Most women should change out their pads every 6 hours in order to minimize leakage issues and stay protected against leaks. Also, before handling either new or old pads with soap and water to avoid transmitting bacteria between your hands.
Deodorant Wipes
Deodorant wipes provide instant freshness on the go when you’re on the move, whether that means getting ready to head into work after hitting the gym or simply when taking no shower is an option. Deodorant wipes offer discreet travel-friendly solution perfect for purse, gym bag and glove compartment storage – plus many natural deodorant wipes are made with skin-friendly formulas and biodegradable/compostable packaging making eco-friendly personal care products even easier to come by!
Adolescence is an exciting time of discovery and building confidence is essential to that process. Deodorant wipes offer a convenient and discreet tool to help teenaged users manage body odour and feel assured in daily activities.
