Feminine hygiene products are an integral component of female wellbeing, but many women do not understand which ones would work best for them or cannot afford them.
This article will present various feminine care options and their respective benefits, while answering some frequently asked questions about them.
Menstrual pads
Pads are absorbent rectangles made of material designed to attach to a girl’s underwear in order to capture menstrual blood, often known as sanitary napkins. Some pads feature wings which fold over the edge of her underwear in order to help hold them in place and remain attached during menstruation. Reusable pads made from soft materials like cotton fleece are healthier for skin; plus they’re more comfortable and absorbent than disposable alternatives – which may contain harmful chemicals which irritate and cause discomfort for users.
Most girls experience periods with both heavier and lighter days, so finding a pad that is tailored to fit each day of their cycle is important. Experimentation may be required before finding one suitable; overnight pads come in various sizes. Reusable pads tend to be more comfortable, cheaper over time and reduce plastic pollution compared with disposable ones; they can either be purchased or made yourself using online instructions for making them at home.
Tampons
Tampons are pocket-sized cardboard or plastic applicators containing absorbent material to soak up menstrual blood. Insertion may be done using an applicator, or fingers can also be used. They come in various sizes and absorbencies for heavier or lighter periods and are considered medical devices by the FDA, with eight hours being their recommended maximum exposure period to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Most tampons sold in the US are composed of cotton or rayon, which is produced from wood pulp fibers extracted via chemical processes. While rayon was once thought to contain dioxins, bleaching processes now utilize elemental chlorine-free processes and methods.
While TSS rates have decreased significantly over time, some women may still be at risk of this potentially life-threatening illness. Therefore, the FDA reviews tampons before authorizing their release onto the market to assess their ability to stimulate bacteria growth and potential TSS risk.
Sanitary napkins
Sanitary pads (also referred to as period products) are an integral component of menstrual hygiene. Placed inside underwear, these absorbent materials work by absorbing blood through multiple layers and into their absorbent core material layers. There is an array of sizes and absorbency levels available for different flows.
Recently, disposable absorbent feminine hygiene products have increasingly replaced older methods for managing menses in women. This includes internal tampons, full-sized sanitary napkins and towels as well as panty shields used to shield undergarment from light menstrual flow, spotting or vaginal discharge to maintain cleanliness and keep undergarments clean.
Pads are made from soft yet breathable materials to stay comfortable against your skin, helping prevent odor and leakage as well as being easy to change in public toilets. There is a range of absorbencies for light, medium, and heavy flows available.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are small, flexible receptacles designed to catch menstrual flow instead of absorbing it like disposable tampons or pads do. After being placed inside your vagina, they can be removed and rinsed with clean water before reinserting – making these environmentally-friendly solutions cost-effective compared to disposable options.
These medical-grade cups are constructed of medical-grade silicone or latex and free from chemicals or fragrances that could irritate vaginal tissues. Furthermore, they’re hypoallergenic and can help protect against toxic shock syndrome caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.
Women using menstrual cups must follow manufacturer instructions when inserting and removing it, as well as rinse their cup in clean cold or warm water before reinserting it. If they experience difficulties learning how to use their menstrual cup properly, it would be prudent to speak to their healthcare provider immediately.
