Over the last several decades, disposable absorbent feminine hygiene products such as tampons, pads and panty shields have become the go-to method of managing menstruation in most developed nations.
Some women opt for reusable protection, such as menstrual cups or period underwear; others may prefer disposable tampons and pads.
Tampons come in various sizes and absorbencies for lighter or heavier periods, and may come equipped with plastic or cardboard applicators for ease of application.
Internal feminine hygiene products
Many may find discussing feminine hygiene products uncomfortable, yet these essential products remain an integral part of most women’s lives. The Museum offers examples such as tampons, pads, menstrual cups and period underwear as well as suppositories and douches in its collection.
About half of our survey participants use internal products like tampons to absorb menstrual blood. This includes regular as well as superabsorbent tampons and panty liners.
These products help prevent leakage, making it easier for women to exercise, play sports or work. Available at stores and public bathrooms alike, regular changing should help to prevent leakage and discomfort.
Tampons
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual flow during periods, and come either with or without an applicator and in different absorbency levels. Most women find that their menstrual flow fluctuates throughout the day and different tampon sizes work better for them than others.
Tampons may be scented or dyed, and some feature features like leak protection and odor control to increase comfort. Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours in order to reduce TSS risks as well as other potential health concerns.
Some women initially have difficulty using tampons. To ease the process, wash and relax while inserting them. Furthermore, begin with slim, slender-sized tampons with light to moderate absorbency levels as these will be easier to insert.
Pads
Pads (also referred to as sanitary pads or tampons) are strips of fabric designed to absorb blood during your period and et in your underwear. There are different sizes and absorbencies available, from short panty liners for lighter flows up to overnight pads for heavier flows.
Use and management are straightforward, making them straightforwardly visible when they need replacing. Unfortunately, they may become bulky under tighter clothing or shift or bunch while engaging in sports and exercise if you select one with higher absorption.
Pads should be changed every four to six hours, or more frequently if there is heavy flow. Prolonged exposure may result in unpleasant odor, itchy irritation and possible infections.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are small funnel-shaped cups made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to collect period blood. These cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions are more cost-efficient and effective than tampons or pads.
They can store more menstrual fluid than tampons, which means longer periods between changes and reduced odor since menstrual fluid doesn’t come into direct contact with air like it would when using traditional tampons.
Initial use may be difficult, but practice makes perfect. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to become comfortable inserting and extracting your cup, emptying and washing regularly as instructed and sterilizing between periods if applicable. Some cups come equipped with a reusable case which you can also sterilize between periods.
Lubricants and moisturizers
Feminine hygiene products are an integral part of many women’s daily lives and play an essential role in maintaining good health and well-being, but can also pose a considerable burden to the environment and incur major expenses.
Vaginal moisturizers are gel or creams applied directly into the vulva and absorbed like skin lotion, providing relief for dryness and itching. Some contain hyaluronic acid; others come as pill-shaped inserts (suppositories) that dissolve naturally within your vulva over time.
These devices reduce friction during sexual activity, making the experience more comfortable and increasing pleasure. Furthermore, they can also be used to alleviate pain associated with sexual or intercourse activity.
Over-the-counter yeast infection treatments
Yeast infections cause itching and redness in the vaginal canal, as well as an itchy cottage cheese-like discharge. Home remedies may alleviate symptoms; however, only medications can cure yeast infections.
Antifungal medicines available over-the-counter for yeast infections come in many forms, from creams to apply directly onto vaginal areas to tablets or suppositories that dissolve internally. Short course treatments — lasting three to seven days — tend to work best.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you might be, it is wise to refrain from using over-the-counter vaginal creams. Instead, seek advice from your physician and use oral medication such as oteseconazole (Vivjoa) or ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme). He/she might also suggest long-term treatments if severe yeast infections persist.
