Menstrual hygiene products are essential in providing women and girls with healthy periods. Options available to them include disposable tampons or pads, panty liners and reusable cloth pads.
Disposable tampons are one of the most widely-used period products and can be purchased from shops, pharmacies or online. Home-made versions may also be produced using materials like flannel or terry cloth.
Internal Feminine Hygiene Products
Women worldwide depend on menstrual hygiene products like tampons and pads to manage blood flow and discharge during menstruation each month. Since your vulva is very delicate, anything placed inside must be gentle and safe for its surroundings.
At present, women have more choices available to them when it comes to period care than ever before. Beyond disposable pads and tampons, some opt for cloth pads or menstrual cups which can be reused, or natural alternatives like coconut oil lube as a more holistic approach.
As you explore feminine care for the first time, it may take some trial and error to find what suits your vulva best. No matter your choice of period products, always wash your hands prior to using any and make sure that soap that has an appropriate pH balance for vaginal care is used as regular soap can upset its delicate balance, leading to irritation in vaginal area – consider finding feminine wash in grocery store’s feminine care section instead.
Tampons
Tampons are a staple in menstrual hygiene products. Made of absorbent material such as cotton and synthetic viscose rayon, this type of tampon ensures leak proof use which makes them particularly convenient in work and social situations.
As opposed to pads that adhere directly onto underwear, tampons must be inserted directly into the vagina and have an easy string removal system attached. They come in various sizes and absorbencies ranging from light to super. Absorbency levels must be checked carefully as too much tampon absorbency may lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
Many tampons come equipped with plastic or cardboard applicators to assist with insertion, while others are more discreet and lack an applicator. Regular changes of four to six hours may reduce risk of TSS while some even contain deodorizing ingredients.
Sanitary Pads/Napkins
Pads are absorbent cloth that you wear under clothing during your period. Made of layers of absorbent material that catch menstrual blood to prevent leaks, pads can come in various sizes and thicknesses depending on your flow rate.
The American Women’s Health Survey found that pads, followed by tampons, were the two most frequently utilized menstrual hygiene products among users. A smaller percentage also utilized internal cups or period underwear as menstrual hygiene solutions.
Some women prefer changing their pads regularly for good hygiene and to reduce vaginal odor, while others may prefer changing less often during sleeping or exercising. Finding what works for you is key – pads come in various materials including cotton, rayon and even eco-friendly organic cotton that’s free from herbicides and GMOs – helping reduce inflammation and irritation while offering greater absorbency levels – even overnight pads!
Cloth Pads
Reusable pads can be found both online and at local fabric stores, with sewing instructions provided on many brands’ websites. Common materials used include flannel, terry cloth and organic cotton; for optimal use soak them in cold water with vinegar or other natural disinfectants before rinsing and laundering with regular laundry loads.
Cloth pads offer similar absorbency as disposables but are less costly to purchase or make and more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, cloth pads tend to stain less easily.
Your choice of feminine hygiene product depends on a range of factors, including comfort, flow level and lifestyle considerations. Finding a product that works for you may take trial-and-error; many women find that using menstrual cups during heavy flows and pads towards the end of their period works well for them. If you need guidance in selecting suitable feminine hygiene products from Mayo Clinic doctors.
