5 Menstrual Hygiene Products You Can Choose From

Maintaining good menstrual hygiene is of utmost importance during periods. And the best way to ensure this is to use appropriate menstrual hygiene products. Period products or menstrual hygiene products are those that are used to soak or collect period blood and allow menstruating girls and women to carry on with their daily activities with ease. 

Nowadays, one can find many types of menstrual hygiene products in the market. The key is to find the best product for your personal needs.

In this blog post, we will talk about different period products you can buy off the shelf and their details so you can decide which one will suit your needs and make period management safe, easy, and comfortable.

Ensure Excellent Menstrual Hygiene with These 5 Period Products

Sanitary Pads

Also known as sanitary napkins or period pads, these are one of the most popular hygiene products for menstruating females of all ages. A pad is a rectangular-shaped product and is made with absorbent material. When attached to the underwear, it soaks period blood and prevents it from leaking.

Sanitary pads for periods are of two types – disposable pads and reusable pads. Disposable pads are meant for one-time use and must be discarded after use. Whereas, reusable pads can be washed and dried with soap and water and used again.

Sanitary pads come in different sizes and absorbencies. As a menstrual cycle typically consists of a mix of heavy and light-flow days, you can always vary the size of the pad you’re using and find one that works efficiently and is most comfortable.

What’s good about sanitary pads?

• Easy to use
• Can be worn for 3-6 hours at a stretch.
• Disposable pads are low maintenance.
• Are easily available in stores and online.
• Multiple types of pads are available (with/without wings, disposable/reusable).
• Reusable pads are good for the environment.

What’s not?

• Constant friction can cause skin irritation on the insides of the thighs.
• Chances of leakage are high.
• Disposable sanitary napkins for periods are not good for the environment.
• The cost of buying pads can add up substantially.
• You can constantly feel its presence.

Tampons

Tampons are small and slender products meant to absorb menstrual flow. Unlike period pads, a tampon must be inserted inside the vaginal canal. It comes with a string that hangs outside the vagina and is used to pull it out when it’s time for a change.

Tampons come in different absorbencies, designed for light to heavy flow. Though there is a possibility of leakage while using these products, a simple pantyliner can usually take care of it.

Though pads remain the first choice for many, tampons are becoming increasingly popular. Due to the fact that you cannot feel their presence inside your body (when used correctly), more and more females are turning to tampons to make their period days more comfortable. However, correct tampon use needs practice. Use it a few times to get the hang of it.

What’s good about tampons?

• Tampons are discreet.
• When used correctly, you do not feel its presence.
• You can use it for 4–8 hours (never more than 8 hours).
• Available in multiple sizes.
• Easy to carry.
• Good choice for athletes and swimmers.

What’s not?

• Inserting a tampon inside the vagina may not be comfortable for everyone.
• If left inside for more than 8 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome.
• Not fit for nighttime use.
• Recurring costs of buying tampons.
• Beginners may need time to learn proper use.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are another great option for menstruating girls and women. These must also be inserted inside the vagina. But unlike tampons, a menstrual cup does not absorb blood. Rather, it collects blood and prevents it from coming out of the vagina.

Menstrual cups are made of silicon or latex and are soft enough to fold and insert inside the vagina canal. You can keep a menstrual cup for as long as 12 hours during light-flow days. However, you will need to empty the cup several times on days when you have heavy periods.

Menstrual cups must be washed before re-insertion and should be sterilised before storing them for the next period cycle. When handled properly, menstrual cups last for a fairly long time and can be used repetitively.

What’s good about menstrual cups?

• No discomfort when used correctly.
• Great for athletes and swimmers.
• Reusable and good for the environment.
• Cost-effective product.
• Can be used at night.
• Long wear time (up to 12 hours).
• Easy to clean and sterilise.
• Free from fragrances.
• Minimal/ no menstrual odour.

What’s not?

• May cause toxic shock syndrome.
• Needs practice to learn insertion and removal.
• Difficult to use in places with no water supply.
• Removal can be messy.
• Requires maintenance.

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are another option for collecting period blood. Just like tampons and menstrual cups, menstrual discs are also placed inside the vagina. The discs are usually made with medical-grade silicone and offer protection for up to 8 hours. You must empty a disc intermittently into the toilet whenever it is full and rinse it before inserting it again. Menstrual discs also need sterilisation to prevent microbial growth and ensure safe use.

It is okay to have sex when you are wearing a menstrual disc. A benefit that does not come with tampons and menstrual cups.

What’s good about menstrual discs?

• Lasts for up to 10 years.
• Discreet products.
• Eco-friendly (reusable varieties).
• Appropriate for period sex.
• Long-lasting protection (up to 8 hours).

What’s not?

• Not beginner-friendly and has a learning curve.
• Maintenance required.
• Possibility of spillage during removal.
• May not be suitable for everyone.

Period Underwear

Period underwear or period panties are the latest addition to menstrual hygiene products. These are similar to regular underwear but have a layer of absorbent material to lock in period blood. Good-quality period underwear does not feel icky or wet. Many women use period panties as a layer of extra protection with tampons or menstrual cups.

Many brands of period underwear are popping up in the market. Some offer reusable underwear, which must be washed after use and dried in the air before next use, while others offer disposable underwear meant for single use.

What’s good about period underwear?

• It looks like normal underwear.
• Great for an additional layer of protection.
• Comfortable to wear.
• Reusable varieties are cost-effective and eco-friendly.

What’s not?

• Period underwear can have high initial costs.
• You need a couple of them as it involves drying time.
• Wear time can vary based on how heavy or light your flow is.
• Regular washing and care is required.
• Risk of leak on heavy flow days (when used without another product).
• Initial use may feel awkward.

Tips to Choose Menstrual Hygiene Products for Your Needs

There are a variety of hygiene products available for you to try. Which one to choose depends on your situation and personal preference. Many women do not stick to a single product and keep a couple of them handy so they can pick the right one for a particular day. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a period product:

• Is your flow heavy, medium, or light?
• Which product feels more comfortable?
• Are you going to engage in activities (swimming, sports) that need discreet protection?
• Do you prefer eco-friendly products?
• Is it easy and manageable to change a product, especially when you’re travelling?
• How much money can you shell out for menstrual hygiene?

Final Thoughts

Menstrual hygiene products are important for every girl and woman who gets their monthly periods. These offer a safe and hygienic way to get through the days when period blood is shed out of the uterus. You can find quite a few products online and in your nearest stores. 

However, selecting the best one takes time. Try a few products that look promising to you and see if they suit your needs. Once identified, use them as and when you need to make menstruation a comfortable experience.

FAQs

 Can we use cloth during periods?

You may use a cloth pad during periods if you maintain utmost hygiene. Failing to do so can cause skin irritation, infection, and other issues.

Which is the best product for periods?

Pads are one of the best and most popular period products. However, tampons and menstrual cups are also becoming popular.

Which is the best menstrual product for teens?

Pads are the most convenient and safest menstrual products for girls who have just got their periods. 

Looking for affordable menstrual hygiene materials, medicines, and other healthcare products but don't know where to buy them? Check out our Dawaa Dost website, where we make quality and affordable products accessible to all!

Sources:

https://www.unicef.org/supply/menstrual-hygiene-products

https://www.unicef.org/media/91346/file/unicef-guide-menstrual-hygiene-materials-2019.pdf

https://www.ippf.org/blogs/period-products-what-are-options