Feminine hygiene refers to a daily practice designed to protect and promote the health of the woman’s vulva and vagina. This may involve washing external genitalia with soaps or rinses as well as using internal products like tampons, menstrual cups or panty liners for women of reproductive age.
Feminine wellness brands are making feminine hygiene products more accessible by making photogenic packaging and caring about ingredients more readily available to their consumers. With their mission to empower women through wellness products, these brands are leading change.
Tampons
Tampons are small cotton plugs designed to absorb menstrual blood in an effort to provide discreet comfort during periods. Available in various sizes and absorbencies, tampons allow women to select one that best matches their flow.
Tampons can be easily applied by hand or with an applicator; some models feature plastic or cardboard applicators while others allow manual insertion using fingers. They come in various sizes and absorbencies, including light, regular, super and super plus.
Tampons not only offer convenience, but they can also prevent leakage and odor during periods. Furthermore, tampons make an ideal choice for women who exercise or play sports during their cycles.
Pads
Pads are narrow pieces of fabric designed to adhere directly to your underwear during periods. Available in various sizes to accommodate heavier or lighter periods, some feature wings or tabs which fold over the sides of your underwear for additional leak protection, and even some come equipped with deodorant to help keep you feeling fresh throughout your period.
Pros: They are easy to use and carry less risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Cons: Like tampons, they may contain cotton grown with pesticides and bleached with chlorine bleach, coated with chemicals linked to endocrine disruption or cancer risk and unidentified fragrance ingredients that make their way onto these pads.
Some girls opt for disposable tampons due to their convenience and easy disposal; many switch between using these and pads. Other girls utilize reusable cloth menstrual pads or menstrual cups that snap or clip into underwear and must be washed after every use.
Condoms
Condoms can help protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Available from family planning clinics, sex shops, pharmacies (chemists) and some supermarkets, these devices can be found by simply opening slowly without using sharp objects like teeth or jewelry – which could tear the condom – to open. Wear the outer ring around the penis before inserting the inner ring in vagina or anus before taking out after use to clean off its base afterwards.
Vaginal lubricant
Feminine lubricant options can be dauntingly numerous. A quick stroll down the feminine hygiene aisle or look online reveals an overwhelming variety of products – each boasting different marketing claims.
Silicone-based lubricants tend to be tasteless and odorless, with long lasting power. This type of lubricant may even work with latex condoms while offering more slippery feel compared to water-based alternatives.
There are also natural vaginal lubricants made from botanicals and eco-friendly ingredients, often free from parabens (a type of preservative linked with certain health issues) and often vegan/organic. Some even provide warming or cooling sensations.
Warm compress
Women rely on feminine hygiene products for their own health and well-being, yet many can’t afford or access these essential items due to limited availability, high costs or stigmatism preventing access. Unfortunately, this leads to unsafe practices like using cloth, rags, toilet paper or diapers from public restrooms as alternatives – practices which put their own wellbeing and safety at risk.
Most feminine hygiene products are composed of non-biodegradable plastics that take 500 to 800 years to break down, often containing chemicals known to disrupt hormones and cause irritation in women with sensitive vulvae. Instead of opting for these potentially hazardous items, try switching to organic or natural alternatives, while cleansing with warm water or pH balancing cleansers to maintain a healthier vulva. Advocating for changes can support menstrual equity and help end period poverty.
