Choose period products that suit your flow level, comfort preferences, lifestyle needs and environmental considerations to find a lasting solution. We offer an assortment of external feminine hygiene products such as reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear – we even carry sustainability-minded options!
Before pads and tampons became widely available, women used flannel cloths or their clothing to manage heavy flows. We now offer solutions tailored to individual lifestyles – such as reusable pads, applicator-less tampons and subscription services.
Tampons
Tampons are made of cotton and rayon to absorb menstrual blood during menstruation. Available in different absorbencies and with plastic or cardboard applicators that make insertion easier, tampons feature strings so it can be removed when finished using.
Some tampons are constructed from organic cotton that has been grown using sustainable farming practices that do not expose soil or water to toxic chemicals, while some models feature fragrance-free designs. Other varieties feature an outer barrel encasing their inner tube to keep it dry until you insert it.
Many women turn to tampons because they are quick and easy to use; however, there are concerns regarding their impact on their health. For instance, some tampons contain dioxin found in wood pulp used for production; though the bleaching process typically removes most dioxin, this process cannot fully eradicate all forms. Furthermore, FDA regulation of tampons as medical devices requires appropriate labeling, reporting of adverse events, as well as good manufacturing practices to be met.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups made from medical-grade silicone or latex sit comfortably inside your vagina, creating a seal to collect blood instead of absorbing it as with tampons. Not only are these cost-effective solutions, they reduce landfill waste as well as tree felling due to paper-based tampon use.
These can be inserted like pads, but must first be cleaned with unscented soap and water (or boiling water) prior to reinserting. Some women may find these difficult to insert, and irritation may result if there’s not enough lubrication or the right size isn’t used – although irritation should never occur from improper insertion or not enough lubrication.
Menstrual cups must be cleaned between uses, which can be cumbersome in public restrooms. Trial and error is necessary in figuring out their insertion and seals; some women opt for adding some form of lubrication when inserting it, which they then remove before rinsing out before washing later on.
Pantyliners
Panty liners can serve as the “tampon’s best friend”, providing similar protection without being as thick and absorbent as pads would be. Easy and cost-effective to use, panty liners make an excellent addition to your period protection routine as backup in case of light bladder leaks or spotting episodes.
Liners can also help manage odours, light discharge and spotting by keeping your underwear fresher for longer than damp pants would do. Plus, many have breathable fabric backing designed to look and feel just like active-wear fabrics.
Keep in mind, however, that liners still contain chemicals some women would rather avoid. While New York right-to-know and California requirements to disclose PFAS content have made informed choices easier for consumers, advocates say more disclosure is needed on ingredients tested against permeable skin in vulva and vagina linings. Many manufacturers have begun addressing this issue by listing all ingredients on product packaging.
Underwear
Period underwear are special pants designed to contain menstrual blood. They feature an absorbent material specifically made for this purpose and should be worn alone or as backup to other menstrual products like tampons and menstrual cups for maximum efficiency during menstruation.
Your ideal pair depends on your flow level and comfort preferences, with different brands offering various levels of absorbency to accommodate light, moderate, or heavy flows. Be sure to select a pair that fits well, following any manufacturer sizing guidelines provided.
Change your underwear every 12 hours for optimal hygiene and leakage control, washing them with cold water and mild detergent and air drying on delicate cycle. Be wary of using laundry products containing PFAS which has been linked with health problems like irregular periods and ovarian disorders.
