When it’s that time of the month, you have a lot of options to choose, to suit your comfort and your health.
Pads or sanitary napkins are arguably the most common menstrual products. Pads can be used over long periods of time, typically four to eight hours. They are perfect for overnight, road trips, vacationing, and even school. Pads come in different lengths, thicknesses, and designs for different flows. In addition, they carry no risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) as they lay outside your body. They are also a very good choice for those who are just starting their menstruation cycle. When it comes to the downside, pads can feel uncomfortable or be visible through certain clothing. Pads can also become odorous after a certain point of time. What is important to keep in mind is what chemicals are in the pads you are using. Sometimes these chemicals can be harmful. When I asked my friends, most of them agreed that they used pads and preferred them.
Tampons are products that absorb the blood before it leaves the body. This of course is an advantage if you swim or do athletic activities. Tampons may seem intimidating as you need to insert them into one of the most sensitive parts of your body. In addition, if you keep a tampon in for longer than is instructed (usually six to eight hours) you put yourself at risk for having Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). However, if the tampons are used correctly, this risk can be avoided. The instructions on how to use tampons accurately is written on the packaging. Tampons cannot be used overnight or for long periods of time. It can also be tricky for those who have recently started their menstrual cycle to use tampons. My friends who play sports have stated that they like tampons. However, when I asked some of my other friends, they admitted they were scared of using tampons. One of my friends stated that after she got over her fear of tampons, she realized they were convenient and comfortable.
A menstrual cup is a small, bell shaped product that is made of medical grade silicon. Like a tampon, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and collect the blood before it leaves the body. What differentiates the cup from other products is that it is not made of absorbent material. Instead, it contains and holds the blood for around twelve hours. Menstrual cups mainly come in two sizes: one for those who have given birth and one for those who haven’t. These cups can be reused for up to ten years. This of course makes them cost efficient and reduces negative environmental impacts. When it comes to cups, you need to be okay with handling your bodily fluids intimately. Most my friends agreed that cups seemed risky and they preferred not to use or try them. However, one of my friends stated that cups were a good option if you played a lot of sports.
Period panties are a relatively new concept. On paper, they seem perfect. No negative environmental impacts, cost efficient as they are reusable, and they are comfortable. These panties are leak proof and can be used over a long period of time. Some period panties have a pouch where one can put a heating pad to ease cramps and some are anti-microbial. However, period panties need to be laundered repeatedly or you need a bunch of them. Some people complain about feeling the ‘wetness’ more than with pads. Period panties have a higher cost at purchase; however, become a bargain as you don’t need to buy them repeatedly.
In the end, all these products have their pro and cons. Some people prefer certain products over others. You just have to decide what products work the best for you and your lifestyle.
