Periods are very personal, including choosing the right products. Some people are team pads, others swear by tampons, and then there are those who treat menstrual cups like a secret weapon. If that last one made you pause, then you’re not alone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all menstrual hygiene product. Each of these products comes with its pros and perks, and yes, its special brand of drama. So, let’s break down these period products, the good, the bad, and the messy, and how to choose the perfect one for you and your needs.
Menstrual Pads
Everyone and their aunt has heard about pads. It’s like that one dependable friend you’ve always had who can get the job done without a fuss.
They are rectangular absorbent sheets that you stick to the inside of your underwear. They come in various sizes to suit your type of flow, from the ultra-thin types for light flow to the maxi pads for heavy flows. There are also those with wings that offer you some security to prevent shifting, and then there are some without wings as well.
Pros
- Very easy to use, and no insertion is required. Perfect for beginners.
- They are widely available and easy to get.
- They are also great for heavy period nights.
Cons
- They can feel bulky, uncomfortable, or not so discreet, especially if you’re wearing tight clothing.
- You can’t swim in them.
- They can also shift around if you don’t place them well or if you move around a lot.
Tips for Comfort
- Change your pads every 4 to 6 hours to avoid odour, irritation, and infections.
- Use pads with wings, especially if you’re moving around a lot.
- Try different sizes or thicknesses depending on your flow. You don’t need to wear the thickest pad that feels like a mattress on your light days.
Tampons
Tampons are small absorbent cotton-based products that are packed into the shape of a cylinder. They are inserted into your vagina to soak up your period blood directly. Most tampons come with applicators that you use to help when inserting them.
Pros
- You know those ads where you see girls jumping around and breaking into crazy dance moves while on their periods? Tampons can make you feel that way. You can swim while wearing them or even wear skinny, tight clothes with no noticeable bulge or visible pad lines.
- They are comfortable once you’ve inserted them correctly.
- They are less “messy” since the blood is absorbed internally.
Cons
- They can be difficult to insert for beginners.
- You must change them every 4 to 8 hours. Leaving them in for longer than 8 hours can put you at risk of infections, including toxic shock syndrome, which is a life-threatening medical emergency linked to prolonged use of tampons. The symptoms include sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, or a rash. If you suspect you have this, seek medical help immediately.
Tips for Comfort
- Relax before inserting a tampon. Tense muscles can make it harder and more difficult to insert.
- Use tampons with applicators if you’re unsure of how to insert them. They make insertion easier.
Menstrual Cups
For some of you, this might be the first time you’re hearing of a menstrual cup. You probably thought, “Wait….You can insert a cup in your vagina?”. The short and quick answer is yes, but it is not your regular ol’ cute cup you use to sip tea.
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible silicone or rubber cup that you fold and insert into your vagina. It collects blood instead of absorbing it. You empty it, wash it properly, and reinsert it.
Pros
- It holds more blood than pads or tampons (some can hold up to 40 mL, which is several tampons’ worth).
- It can be worn for up to 12 hours.
- It is also reusable for up to 5 to 10 years. So, it saves cost in the long run.
- It’s eco-friendly and causes far less waste than disposable products.
Cons
- There might be a learning curve in the beginning, and so it might take a few tries to get insertion and removal right for a beginner.
- It must be properly sanitised before use. Just because they are reusable doesn’t mean you just pop them back in without properly cleaning them.
Tips for Comfort
- Fold your cup using the C-fold (sides pressed together into a “C”) or push-down fold (one side pushed into the base like a tiny ice cream cone) to make it small enough to insert.
- Relax, squat, and take a deep breath. Being tense makes insertion and removal harder.
- Once inside, make sure it pops open and forms a seal so it won’t leak.
How to Pick the Right Product
Now that you know the different period products, here is a quick cheat code to help you figure out what fits your lifestyle and flow.
- If you have light flows, thin pads or small tampons might do the trick. If you have heavy flow, consider bigger pads or a cup that holds more.
- Are you into swimming or into other sporty activities? Then, tampons and menstrual cups might be great for you.
- Think comfort first. Nothing should hurt or irritate. If you’ve tried a product and it hurts, causes discomfort, or irritates your skin, ditch it and try something new.
Menstrual Health & Safety Tips
- You must change pads and tampons every 4 to 8 hours. Leaving them on or in too long increases your risk of infections or worse, toxic shock syndrome.
- Wash your hands before and after changing or inserting anything, even if it’s just pads.
- Don’t sleep with a tampon in for more than 8 hours. You can use a pad or a cup for overnight flow.
- You don’t need a product that has fragrance. Scented pads or tampons can irritate your vagina.
Final Thoughts
Your period is deeply personal. Pads, tampons, and cups are products that exist to give you options, not stress. The only wrong choice is the one that leaves you uncomfortable or unsafe.
Try different products, experiment, and find the one that feels right. At the end of the day, the right product is the one that fits your body, your life, and gives you peace of mind when Aunt Flo decides to show up.
