Menstrual hygiene products such as pads, tampons, panty liners and menstrual cups can all help women keep themselves clean during menstruation. Most girls tend to opt for standard tampons or pads.
Reusable or disposable pads can be chosen according to your flow, choosing an absorbency rating that best meets it. Rinse and change frequently to maintain hygiene levels and avoid using products scented with fragrance which could disrupt vaginal pH balance and increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Instead, water should always be used when cleansing yourself.
Pads
Pads (commonly referred to as sanitary napkins or pads) are rectangular pieces of absorbent material designed to adhere to the inside of your underwear and catch menstrual blood. There is a variety of sizes and absorbencies available to suit light to heavy periods.
Survey respondents who took part in the AWHS survey reported using four major types of period products: regular tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners and superabsorbent tampons. Some may utilize multiple products depending on their flow level, lifestyle needs and comfort preferences.
Reusable menstrual pads (also referred to as cloth menstrual pads or reusable feminine hygiene products) can be washed and dried between uses, making them an eco-friendly solution compared to disposable options like pads or tampons. Some reusable options also feature disposal flaps or wrappers that allow users to quickly and safely discard an used pad into the trash can – especially helpful on days when it’s hard to tell whether a pad may have already been worn long enough before changing it is required.
Tampons
Tampons are small pieces of cotton fabric designed to absorb menstrual blood in the vagina, typically fitting comfortably under your undergarment and providing necessary absorbency. Available in various sizes and absorbencies to suit different flow patterns, some come equipped with an applicator while others do not.
Young girls typically begin by using sanitary pads before switching to tampons. Women using tampons during their period should switch them every four to six hours to reduce the risk of TSS.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews tampons before legal marketing, with studies revealing that more informative labeling has helped reduce TSS rates. Some individuals may prefer eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cloth pads or menstrual cups instead; others still may prefer more eco-friendly solutions like menstrual cups. Furthermore, certain races and socioeconomic groups face barriers accessing adequate menstrual hygiene supplies, so providing free supplies at schools, shelters or public spaces could address gaps.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups have become an increasingly popular alternative to pads and tampons due to being reusable products and less waste produced due to one study’s findings.
Although menstrual cups are reusuable, they must be cleaned after every use if used for camping or homelessness purposes. Unfortunately this can present difficulties for those without access to clean water sources like campers or those living without homes.
Additionally, while cups are generally safe to use and less likely to cause toxic shock syndrome than tampons, they may still cause discomfort for some women. Furthermore, it can be challenging to insert and remove, as well as require access to boiling water for sterilization purposes; but if women are willing to put forth the effort necessary to use one effectively they could provide long-term solutions that decrease both period-related discomfort as well as environmental impact as well as reduce miscarriage risks.
Period underwear
Period underwear is washable, reusable underwear designed to absorb menstrual blood and help prevent leaks during periods. They’re typically constructed of soft yet breathable fabric that is designed to look like regular underwear and features moisture barriers and layers to stop leaking while some even come equipped with an odor control treatment for added peace of mind. They can be worn alone or combined with pads, tampons or menstrual cups for use during menstruation.
AWHS data indicates that internal menstrual cups and period underwear have become increasingly popular as people seek eco-friendly options. Menstrual cups are flexible rubber or silicone items shaped like funnels designed to collect menstrual flow when inserted into vagina.
No matter what menstrual hygiene product you use, it is crucial that it is changed every 12 hours in order to prevent odors and irritation as well as reduce infection risks. You should wear loose, breathable underwear to allow air flow; additionally, after every use you should wash and sanitize any used menstrual items as they provide an environment conducive to bacteria growth.
