People who menstruate require access to quality, affordable and sustainable period products; this applies especially to those experiencing social exclusion such as homeless individuals or those incarcerated due to disability.
Menstrual hygiene products marketed towards women create barriers for transgender individuals who menstruate. Many transgender people suffer from gender dysphoria and require period products that provide comfort, cleanliness and discretion during menstruation.
Pads
The traditional sanitary pad is the go-to product for menstrual hygiene, with various absorbencies and lengths from panty liners to overnight pads available in stores. They’re designed to sit inside underwear, absorbing menstrual blood as it leaves rather than before like tampons do, with modern pads offering features to help minimize leaks, risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome), such as wings, thin plastic layers, breathable linings, odour-reducing scents and less likely cause than cotton-based versions ever could have done in past – not that that caused much irritation either!
Though tampons are increasingly popular, many women still avoid them due to cost and environmental concerns associated with disposable materials used. Furthermore, there is the fear of TSS which is an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by wearing too long or incorrect types of tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) results from an accumulation of bacteria in the vagina. To avoid it, it is advisable to change tampons regularly and select one with low absorption rate for your flow pattern. Rinsing it thoroughly prior to inserting is also key and ensure any lumps or bumps have been addressed prior to inserting tampons.
Alternatives to traditional sanitary pads include washable and reusuable cloth pads which can be reused. Made of eco-friendly fabrics like hemp or cloth, these cloth pads offer an alternative that’s easier on the environment than their rayon and cotton counterparts. Cloth pads may be shorter in length but might need changing more regularly due to sticking on clothing.
Other products such as reusable underwear, menstrual cups and sponges have also been used as an alternative to pads, but are less prevalent. The Museum’s collection offers an abundance of these early twentieth century products for douching kits, creams and suppositories designed to ease menstrual cramping or reduce menstrual pain by massaging into the vulva – this collection also contains douching kits from that period which were massaged directly into the vulva to reduce cramps or menstrual pain relief.
Tampons
Tampons are internal hygiene products used to absorb menstrual flow. Available in light, regular, and super absorbencies for your convenience, it’s best to select one with lower absorbency when first beginning use to avoid dryness and discomfort caused by overabsorbency. Plastic or cardboard applicators can be purchased, while manual inserters also exist for those preferring manual insertion of their tampon.
Before inserting a tampon, begin by washing your hands. Next, find an ideal position (such as squatting down or sitting on the toilet with one leg up) before inserting. Press down on the applicator or use your finger to push the tampon into your vagina. It should expand as it soaks up blood; if it becomes uncomfortable during this process, try moving into another position or trying another brand of tampons.
Tampons can be worn with or without an applicator and come in various scents; it is best to choose an unscented option though as scents may interfere with good bacteria levels in your vagina.
As each person’s needs and preferences for feminine hygiene products differs, finding the ideal product may take some trial-and-error. Some prefer tampons over pads while some use both options concurrently; other products might depend on your flow or lifestyle, such as switching from menstrual cup wear during their most heavily flowing period to pads nearer the end. Other considerations should include comfort levels, body sensitivity concerns and cost. Many countries have recently reduced or eliminated sales taxes on tampons which is great news for women struggling to afford supplies! Many countries have also reduced or eliminated sales taxes on tampons which is great news – providing relief for women struggling to afford necessary supplies!
