Girls require various menstrual hygiene products to meet their specific needs and preferences, lifestyle and values. When making their selection, this decision should reflect those factors as much as possible.
Dispose of disposable menstrual hygiene products properly – never flush them away!
Modern options like internal menstrual cups and period underwear provide a reusable alternative to pads and tampons, helping reduce infection risks by eliminating pee-soaked strings.
Pads
Pads are specifically designed to stick securely to underwear and absorb menstrual flow, from light or heavy periods. Available in varying sizes and absorbency capacities, pads may provide the solution if you suffer from spotting or mild urinary incontinence – and some girls even use them as backup to tampons.
Pads may contain deodorant that irritates vaginal tissue, and should be changed every 3-4 hours to reduce any unpleasant odors or leakage issues. For optimal performance it is wise to change pads regularly so as to minimize leakage issues or any unpleasant scents from occurring.
Pads made of eco-friendly materials can reduce waste. Some pads feature built-in wrappers or flaps to seal used pads before disposing, helping minimize odor and infection risks. Always wash your hands prior to and after using a pad.
Tampons
Tampons are soft, absorbent cotton or rayon products worn during menstruation to absorb fluid and provide relief. There is an assortment of sizes and shapes available to meet individual preferences and lifestyles; some even feature leak protection and odor control features for added peace of mind.
Tampons typically pose less of a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) than pads; however, to limit health risks it’s essential to use the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow and change them every 4-8 hours.
Menstrual cups or period underwear offer more eco-friendly solutions to feminine care needs than conventional tampons and can last for six months with proper washing and maintenance.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are bell-shaped reusable period products made of medical-grade silicone or rubber that collect menstrual blood for leak-proof protection during periods. As opposed to absorbent products like tampons and pads, which absorb it instead, a cup collects it while sealing along its vaginal wall to form an airtight seal against leakage.
Tampon-free menstrual protection devices are comfortable to wear and can stay in place for up to 12 hours – ideal for heavy flow days when other options have failed. Furthermore, these solutions save both money and time.
No matter which style of cup you select – thick-walled bell-shaped or thin-walled disc/ring-shaped cups – it’s important to experiment with various insertion techniques and cleaning instructions until you find what best works for you. Thoroughly washing both hands and cup before reinserting can reduce the risk of bacteria being introduced into the vagina, increasing your chance of infection.
Period underwear
Menstrual underwear offers a comfortable alternative to pads and tampons that’s easy to use, providing relief on heavy flow days or overnight.
It features multiple layers to offer moisture wicking, absorbency and leak protection. Wear it alone or pair it with pads, tampons or menstrual cups for an effective solution.
These products are especially beneficial to teenage girls just starting their menstrual cycle as it reduces period stress, eliminates blood-stained sheets and takes away that “I think I might be getting my period” moment! Not to mention they’re eco-friendly, reusable and reduce landfill waste – helping reduce the 9,000+ period products women typically throw away over their lifetime! Additionally, it prevents menstrual rash symptoms like cramps and itching while providing maximum absorbency with different lengths and styles available so you can find one best suited to you!
Menstrual discs
Menstrual discs, similar to cups and panties, are reusable menstrual hygiene products designed to absorb blood. Worn within the vaginal fornix and formed as a seal around its fornix area, menstrual discs prevent leaks even during heavy flows by acting like an absorbent layer that absorbs it all away.
Reusable menstrual discs offer a more comfortable alternative than pads and tampons made from irritating materials that may lead to dryness. Simply wash them with water after each use or boil for several minutes in boiling water until sterilization occurs.
Menstrual discs offer another advantage over cups in that they can be worn during penetrative period sex, unlike cups which must be removed first. Nixit is one of the few companies offering removable tabs on its menstrual discs for easier removal and insertion; practicing can help ease any awkwardness that might arise with this process – just use cloth or toilet paper to practice taking out or inserting your menstrual disc.
