Menstrual hygiene products are an integral component of managing one’s period. They should be comfortable, discreet, and easy to use and dispose of.
Pads absorb menstrual blood using layers of absorbent material and come in various sizes and absorbencies for heavy or lighter periods.
Tampons resemble pads in that they feature an applicator to insert and may also contain deodorant.
Internal feminine hygiene products
Internal feminine hygiene products (IPHP), like menstrual cups or period underwear, are used to collect menstrual flow internally rather than absorbing it externally like pads and tampons do. Their use has steadily grown over the years but still falls far short of that of pads and tampons.
Some AWHS participants reported using menstrual cups or period underwear alone or in combination with pads; others chose only to utilize this option at the start of their periods when their flows were lighter. IPHP can often provide greater comfort than tampons while producing less leakage than traditional cotton pads.
Some AWHS participants have reported concerns regarding chemicals found in IPHP such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most tampons, pads and washes contain VOC levels that fall below health protective guidelines; however, certain powders, sprays, washes and powders contain higher concentrations.
Tampons
Tampons are small, disposable period products designed to absorb menstrual blood and are typically placed into the vagina. There are various absorbencies and sizes of tampons available; typically 12-40 are included per box and cost around $6 to $10 USD each.
Menstrual hygiene products like tampons and pads are the primary menstrual hygiene solutions used by most women during their periods. Others also employ reusable cotton pads or internal menstrual cups; many women switch between using different options depending on comfort levels, time of day and other considerations during their period.
Pads differ from tampons in that they do not involve inserting anything into your vagina and don’t pose the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), making them more comfortable. They come in junior, light, regular, super and super plus absorbency levels for each pad type available and some come with applicators or extendable tips; other varieties don’t.
Reusable cotton pads
Reusable cloth menstrual pads offer an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons with their high carbon footprints, made with natural materials that are beneficial to skin health. Reusable pads can also reduce waste as they can be washed and reused multiple times before becoming waste. In addition, using such menstrual hygiene products may also help ease pain relief while helping prevent infections.
Malawi lacks access to menstrual care services, forcing girls like Ela to miss school during her periods. She relies on thick, unabsorbent cloth that causes itching while other children tease her during these months – often forcing her to miss several days each month of school attendance.
Ela was fortunate to take part in an ActionAid project which taught her to sew safe, washable and reusable sanitary pads from cotton fleece fabric. Now, Ela regularly makes several reusable pads per day and sells them at her local market, helping support herself and her family. Not only are these better for the environment than regular pads, they are healthier as they don’t cause itching or irritation of her skin.
Wet wipes
Wet wipes have become an indispensable component of most women’s daily hygiene regimen. Used for external genital cleansing and antibacterial protection, they’re useful after using the restroom, during menstruation or physical activity and at any other point throughout the day to keep women feeling clean and fresh.
Though these wet wipes are convenient and popular choices, there are safer options available to you. Look for wet wipes without fragrances or parabens and phthalates; as well as ones made by companies who prioritize keeping harmful chemicals out of their products.
Choices in feminine hygiene products vary considerably between individuals, depending on various factors like availability and affordability of products. Being well informed of all available choices allows you to select those which work best for you and use a method which ensures frequent product changes as well as wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation.
