Feminine hygiene products are used to manage menstruation and vaginal discharge. The museum’s collection features items like tampons, panty shields and sanitary towels as well as intimate washes, douches and lubes that help manage this process.
Gentle vulvar cleaning is essential to maintaining healthy skin, but any feminine wash used should be carefully designed and tested to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the natural bacteria found on the vulva.
Tampons
Tampons are convenient period management products designed to absorb menstrual fluid during your periods. Made of highly absorbent materials such as rayon and cotton, they come in various sizes and “absorbing strengths,” from light flow to heavy flow flows. Before commercial tampons became widely used, women used pieces of cloth instead to soak up menstrual blood; The Museum has an example of one such cloth piece from this period in their collection.
In the 1940s, gynecologist Judith Esser-Mittag created an O.B or digital tampon called an “Onhe Binde” (for onhe binde). Today most tampons come equipped with plastic or cardboard applicators; all types and brands should generally be safe to use although some women may experience irritation from certain brands or types; regular changes help decrease any irritation that might arise; for more information about your health care provider and toxic shock syndrome symptoms please reach out as quickly as possible – toxic shock syndrome can even prove fatal without treatment!
Pads
Pads are rectangular strips made of absorbent materials designed to adhere to the fabric of your underwear. They come in various lengths and absorbencies; from short, slim panty liners to overnight pads designed for heavy periods, there’s something here for every woman! Additionally, pads may also help absorb postpartum bleeding as well as lochia (bleeding after childbirth) or spot bleeding.
These pads are specially-designed to minimize leaks and odor, while providing a comfortable fit for female bodies. Pads feature a topsheet that funnels fluid directly into their absorbent core made from SAPs to lock moisture in and control odor.
Cloth menstrual pads can provide women with an economical and sustainable feminine hygiene option. Cloth pads come in various styles including all-in-ones, “inserts on top”, envelope or pocket pads and belted pads; some feature waterproof lining to protect from leaks while others are unlined and more breathable – great choices for those wanting to reduce environmental impacts while saving money in the process! Cloth pads may also save money over time by being recyclable.
Washes
There’s an entire aisle dedicated to feminine hygiene products at stores, from sprays and wipes that promise to clean intimate areas to the self-cleaning oven that is the inner vulva – clearing away bacteria through regular discharge and keeping itself healthy itself. Yet using feminine washes may alter this natural balance and lead to infections or irritation.
When selecting a body wash, look for one that has been dermatologist and gynecologist-recommended; these products will offer the safest solutions for delicate skin. Furthermore, be sure to follow all directions for maximum efficacy.
Avoid ingredients like sulfates, parabens and fragrances as these can irritate delicate skin down there. Also try to limit douching as this disrupts the delicate ecosystem that supports natural bacteria growth. However, washing vulva before or after exercise may help combat odor and sweatiness; just be wary not to overdo it as excess washing could lead to yeast infections.
Incontinence products
Women living with various degrees of incontinence can lead full lives by managing their condition through fluid intake, bladder control exercises and absorbent products that can prevent leaks, odors or skin irritation. These items should usually be disposable to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Though incontinence products might conjure images of traditional adult diapers, modern pads, liners and wearable underwear for incontinence have come a long way since then. Nowadays, these ultra-thin and discreet products look just like regular underwear; made with fluff and superabsorbent SAPs which lock liquid away from the skin, keeping it dry.
Odor-control compounds are increasingly being added to products for added freshness. You can find them anywhere else that regular hygiene products can be purchased and are an ideal option for those who desire greater discretion than pads and tampons. Most are produced from spunlaced or airlaid pulp nonwovens and come in various sizes to fit different body types and levels of incontinence – those experiencing heavier leakage may consider adult briefs for added protection – designed specifically to feel like underwear!
