Menstruate the way you like: menstrual devices today
To make a woman’s day as comfortable as possible during menstruation, there are different menstrual devices to catch the blood. Each woman can find the one that best suits her age and current lifestyle. And if you want to learn more about the beauty care practices of being a woman, you can find them here.
Sanitary pads
Sanitary pads are padded strips with an absorbent layer, one side of which is sticky so they can be easily attached to the inside of the underwear. The attachment keeps them firmly in place and the special absorbent layer absorbs blood from the vagina without creating an unpleasant, wet, sticky feeling.
The benefits of a sanitary pad:
- easy to use, also recommended for young girls;
- There are disposable and environmentally friendly washable versions;
- Available in a range of sizes and types, which can be adapted to current activities and menstrual flow intensity;
- the risk of toxic shock syndrome is minimal.
Disadvantages of sanitary pads:
- may cause allergy or irritation (although there are some pads made of skin-friendly materials or washable pads made of cotton that do not);
- the blood begins to break down in the absorbent layer, so after a few hours it may start to smell;
- during physical activity (e.g. sports, hiking, physical work), they may become uncomfortable to wear and may shift;
- it is not suitable for swimming;
- it is not very discreet — it is relatively bulky and makes a distinctive sound when unzipped or pulled off underwear;
- incompatible with thong-type underwear.
Tampon
Tampons are small, moulded cotton rollers that are inserted into the vagina. There they absorb blood before it leaves the body. Because they are comfortable to wear, tampons are one of the most popular menstrual devices. There are applicator tampons (which come with a small plastic device for easy insertion) and non-applicator tampons (which are inserted into the vagina using the fingers). In environments where proper hand hygiene is not available (e.g. on trips, in public toilets, etc.), the use of applicator tampons is recommended to avoid infection. In both cases, the tampon can be removed with a string — once full, it can be easily pulled out without pain.
The benefits of a tampon:
- because of its small size, it fits easily into a purse or tiny bag, its packaging is discreet; it can be used for swimming — but it is worth changing it immediately after leaving the water, as it absorbs not only blood but also water from the pool or lake;
- invisible (except for the cord);
- if inserted correctly, you should not feel the tampon — if you do, it is probably too close to the vaginal opening.
Disadvantages of a tampon:
- the tampon should not be in the vagina for more than 8 hours due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (but it is recommended to change it every 3–4 hours instead);
- it can be uncomfortable and painful to put on and remove, especially on weaker days when it cannot fill with blood;
- can cause infection due to poor hand hygiene;
- can dry out and irritate the vagina — not only does the tampon absorb blood, but also the vagina’s natural moisture and the bacteria that make up the normal vaginal flora.
Menstrual cup
The menstrual cup has become fashionable in recent years — as a waste-free alternative to pads and tampons. It is a soft or semi-rigid cup made of silicone which, when inserted into the vagina, holds the blood and can be used again for years after emptying and washing and disinfecting.
Benefits of the menstrual cup:
- recyclable, waste-free;
- can be worn for up to 12 hours;
- Compatible with any type of underwear;
- can be used for swimming — and unlike a tampon, it does not need to be emptied immediately after swimming as it does not allow water to enter the vagina due to the vacuum it creates;
- does not upset the pH of the vagina;
- if fitted correctly, it cannot be felt;
- it does not smell — because the blood inside does not come into contact with oxygen and decompose due to the vacuum;
- if used correctly, the chances of toxic shock syndrome are minimal — the completely fresh blood does not serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Disadvantages of the menstrual cup:
- insertion and removal requires practice;
- if the insertion is not correct (the cup is too high up or does not open), the cup will leak blood and the underwear may become soaked;
- proper hand hygiene is required before insertion;
- use with an intrauterine contraceptive device is not recommended;
- when full, it is advisable to flush before next use, which may not be feasible in a public toilet — but for 12-hour use, it may be sufficient to empty it at home in the morning and evening;
- although cheaper in the long run, it is a larger one-off cost to purchase;
- some cups may contain latex, which should be taken into account in case of allergies.
Menstrual panties
Today, there is also underwear available that includes a menstrual pad.
Benefits of menstrual panties:
- it is also recommended for young girls — it is more comfortable than sanitary towels;
- they are easier to wear than sanitary pads — they are more comfortable for younger girls
- Available in different styles, sizes and designs;
- can be easily combined with other menstrual devices if bleeding is heavy.
Disadvantages of menstrual panties:
- although cheaper in the long run than disposables, they represent a larger one-off expense to purchase;
- sizes can vary from brand to brand, so getting the right size can take a few (expensive) tries to find the right fit;
- reusable, needing to be washed — this can be a problem if you need to change during the day, as you have to somehow take it home and store it until washing.
Menstrual sponge
Menstrual sponges work in a similar way to tampons. If they are made from real, marine sponges, they are much gentler on the absorbency and cause less infection than tampons.
The benefits of a menstrual sponge are: reusable for up to 6 months if cleaned and used properly; less irritating than tampons made from synthetic materials.
Disadvantages of a menstrual sponge:
- must be moistened before use;
- Must be removed and flushed out every 3 hours (small capacity);
- must be thoroughly cleaned, dried and stored properly after menstrual days;
- may tear during withdrawal;
- there is no cord for removal, so it can sometimes be difficult.
Free menstruation
There is also a tendency not to use any menstrual aids on the days of bleeding. Free bleeding is a movement linked to the name of Kiran Gandhi, the marathon runner who ran a marathon in 2015 without any aid while menstruating. The movement aims to fight the taboo of menstrual blood — which is still taboo for women to menstruate. Free bleeding is an opportunity for women to get to know their bodies and have a more direct relationship with their blood. This is important because the condition of menstrual blood reflects health, and its colour, consistency and volume can predict various diseases. Many people do this in the comfort of their homes, and choose some other aid when they go out in public.
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