Menstrual hygiene products are essential necessities, yet many still face barriers in accessing them.
Pads and tampons are among the most frequently used period products; however, other options exist such as menstrual cups and period underwear which should all be cleaned thoroughly to prevent infections.
Pads
Pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material used by women during menstruation to soak up menstrual blood. Commonly referred to as sanitary pads and tampons, these rectangular pads come in various materials and sizes and should be changed at least every four or five hours to avoid odor and leakage.
Most commercial pads are composed of synthetic materials that may contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive vaginal skin, and include leak-proof lining to keep moisture and bacteria at bay.
Some women and girls prefer cloth menstrual pads because they’re more breathable than conventional products. Fabric options for such pads can include cotton and hemp; these pads can often be found at natural health stores and online. Reusable ones snap or clip onto underwear so that they can be washed after each use and reused again and again.
Tampons
Tampons are cylindrical pieces of absorbent cotton designed to absorb menstrual blood in order to prevent leakage, making them the most popular period product in the US. Tampons feature an easy and convenient pull string at their base that enables users to pull them out for daily use, making tampons ideal for daily use.
The most widely available tampons on the market are typically composed of cotton, rayon or both materials and come in various absorbency levels to accommodate light to heavy periods. Most feature an applicator for easier insertion; however there are applicator-free models available as well.
When using a tampon, it’s important to follow all instructions and select an appropriate size based on your flow. Also, changing it every 4-8 hours to reduce risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is recommended; at first insertion they may feel awkward but most find them comfortable after several uses.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are reusable products, meaning they reduce landfill waste while saving money on disposable pads and tampons. Furthermore, they’re hypo-allergenic – providing relief from bleached cotton fibers, rayon viscose blends and dioxin that have been linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Reusable menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone or rubber and designed to sit below the cervix to collect menstrual blood. They can be used by women of any age and sex – regardless of whether or not they’ve given birth.
Most brands come in various sizes, and one must experiment to find their perfect match. Once in, most cups can last up to 12 hours before needing replacing; additionally they’re easier to take off since there’s no stem to pull on or leaks to worry about; but after every use they must be washed properly to avoid introducing bacteria into the vagina.
Menstrual discs
Discs are meant to be worn up to 12 hours at a time and provide greater protection than pads which may leak during physical activity or sexual encounter. They’re super comfy, easy to insert and remove, and some women even say they reduce cramps (though please be aware that flex cups may still cause cramping due to being lower in the vaginal canal than traditional tampons).
Be sure to fold your menstrual disc into a C-shape (also called ‘punch-down’ fold), push down on one side of its rim until it naturally opens inside, and experiment with different folding techniques until you find what works for you.
Menstrual cups and discs, unlike pads made of plastic, are made with natural materials like silicone or rubber. You can sterilize these products by boiling in water for several minutes, before rinsing. Alternatively, some people also opt for using an exclusive menstrual cup cleaner. As with other period products, avoid sharing your menstrual disc with anyone to reduce risk of TSS.
