Women and girls need access to menstrual hygiene products that enable them to manage their periods safely, hygienically and with dignity.
Avoid using scented menstrual hygiene products, as their fragrance could irritate the vagina and disturb its natural pH balance.
Change tampons every four to eight hours and select those with the lowest absorbency rating for your flow. Wearing your tampon too long increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Sanitary Pads
Pads (also called sanitary napkins) are rectangular-shaped pieces of absorbent material designed for female users who can stick them inside their underwear to absorb period blood and stop it leaking out, giving girls peace of mind during periods. Pads may vary in terms of size or absorbency – it may take some trial and error before finding one suitable to different times during your cycle; also keep in mind some pads contain fragrance or deodorant that could irritate the vulva and trigger allergic reactions in some girls.
Girls who wear pads should change them every four to six hours during both daytime and nighttime use. Failure to do this quickly enough could result in rashes or other health problems; additionally, since pads cannot be worn while swimming they might opt for using tampons instead as too long in there can lead to toxic shock syndrome – something pads cannot.
Tampons
Tampons are small cotton plugs designed to fit inside the vagina and soak up menstrual blood. They may be inserted with or without an applicator; some models feature flaps or wings which fold over edges of underwear to protect against leaks and stains, while others can be slim and discreet for effortless insertion.
Tampon sizes are measured according to absorbency, with light, regular, and super being the three main categories. Some tampons also come scented; though many menstruators find this irritating and unnecessary. As with all period products, tampons should only be worn during menstruation for no more than eight hours in order to minimize TSS risk.
Some menstruators from marginalized communities lack access to menstrual hygiene products like tampons and pads due to systemic racism, socioeconomic disparity and cultural stigmas. Organizations like Homeless Period Project are working hard to address this inequity by providing distribution tampons at schools, prisons and shelters.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups offer an alternative to tampons that contain bleached cotton, rayon or viscose fibers that may leave harmful plastic fibers behind in the vagina. Instead, menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and designed to create an airtight seal inside the vagina; their inner edge covers the cervix for extra protection and sealing purposes.
Once inserted, menstrual cups can be worn up to 12 hours without needing to be changed until leakage occurs. When it’s time for removal, simply pinch its base and take out of your system!
Before using a menstrual cup, make sure to thoroughly cleanse both hands. Some reusable period underwear come with a cloth bag or case to keep the cup hygienic between uses, while tampons and pads must also be sterilized in hot water before each use. Menstrual cups come in many shapes, sizes and materials – with latex-free options being made available to those who suffer from allergies.
Reusable Menstrual Pads
Cloth menstrual pads provide women with an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products that contain potentially toxic chemicals, while still meeting all the hygiene needs for period time. You can find cloth menstrual pads at many health food stores and online marketplaces; many are even produced by home workers or small businesses!
Reusable pads typically consist of layers of absorbent cotton, hemp or bamboo fibers and never contain plastic. While initial costs might be more than those associated with disposable pads, over time the savings become obvious and will more than pay for themselves in cost savings.
Kassie enjoys switching out her undergarment frequently as it reduces her monthly waste production and feels good about it as the breathable fabric allows moisture evaporation; unlike genital pads which often produce unpleasant odors due to bacteria growing on them.
