Maintaining your period requires various female care products, from tampons and pads to menstrual cups and sea sponges – the options available are numerous and varied.
Lola offers customizable subscription service of organic cotton tampons and pads from its Lola Ecobox line, while Thinx provides menstrual underwear which replaces traditional feminine hygiene products. When considering waste reduction strategies such as menstrual cups or period underwear options for waste reduction.
Intimate Cleansing Wipes
Feminine wipes provide a quick and simple solution for keeping intimate areas fresh. They’re great at eliminating sweat, odor and discharge without upsetting the delicate balance of natural vaginal flora. Many feminine wipes contain moisturizing natural ingredients like aloe or chamomile that moisturize skin leaving it soft and smooth. Look for ones that are hypoallergenic as well as dermatologist and gynecologist approved so they’re safe during periods.
Feminine wipes can be an integral part of your daily cleansing routine, whether after using the restroom, during menstruation, or any time extra hygiene protection is needed. To maintain optimal hygiene protection and freshness it’s important to always use new feminine wipes rather than reusing a single-use one as this could potentially transfer harmful bacteria to your vulva and cause infections. Also ensure your package remains tightly sealed at all times to reduce moisture build-up and dryness.
Tampons & Pads
Tampons are thin plugs of absorbent material designed to fit inside the vagina and soak up period blood, also referred to as sanitary napkins or pads. Used to prevent leaks, stains and cramps they typically come equipped with an applicator for easy insertion and come complete with strings to aid removal of the tampon from its position.
Pros: Tampons offer several distinct advantages over pads in terms of discreetness and comfort; they can’t be seen or felt underneath clothing and allow more freedom during exercise and sports, plus are great choices for swimming.
Cons: Tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome if used improperly, so to reduce risk it’s essential that you use one with low absorbency and change it every 4-8 hours. Wash your hands both before and after inserting a tampon, as well as seek medical assistance immediately if any signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome emerge.
Some girls prefer reusable pads that snap or clip to underwear and can be washed between uses – these could be better for the environment or those looking to save money.
Panty Liners
Panty liners are small pieces of absorbent material designed to sit in the gusset of your underwear and absorb urine. Made of breathable materials and available in various sizes, sanitary liners are an effective solution for managing daily vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow (pre and post menstruation), spotting, uncertain periods and urinary incontinence.
Women just starting out using tampons or menstrual cups often turn to panty liners as backup protection to avoid leaks and leakage. A breathable panty liner should be replaced regularly in order to avoid discomfort, odour and stains from occurring.
While they’re great for light menstrual flow, spotting, and bladder leaks, tampons aren’t designed to withstand heavy menstrual flow or overnight protection needs. For heavy period flows it would be more suitable to use pads with larger absorbent cores than tampons.
Period Underwear
Period underwear (sometimes referred to as period panties or period knickers) offers a more sustainable solution than pads and tampons, offering more comfort while being machine washable and good for the environment. They feature multiple layers designed to deliver different functions, including an absorbent core made with antibacterial and odour-reducing materials and leak proof properties as well as leak protection capabilities.
These pads come in various sizes and are designed to feel soft against your skin while being breathable and wick moisture away. Furthermore, their adjustable features enable individuals to change the absorbency based on their flow – helping eliminate leakage worries and decrease stain risk on clothing or sheets.
Filters can be used alone or combined with pads, tampons, or cups to help reduce leaks and stains; however, their upfront costs tend to be higher than other forms of protection, and may need to be cleansed differently than conventional underwear.
