There are a wide range of products available to meet the needs of menstruators and it can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently used period products to help you choose the product that’s best for you!
1. Pads
Menstrual pads, followed closely by tampons, are the most frequently chosen period product. They are available in a wide variety of sizes – they can be thin for when you’re lightly bleeding (pantyliners), regular, or thick for heavier bleeding (“max”, “overnight”, or “super” pads). Pads can be used both as a primary menstrual product or as back-up to use in tandem with another product.
Some have flaps, also known as wings, that fold over the sides of your underwear to protect against leaks and stains. These are especially useful if you’re active and moving around a lot.
Most pads are disposable and single-use, but reusable options do exist. Reusable pads are made from fabric and can be washed and reused for years. To use reusable pads, you simply place one into your underwear like you would a disposable pad. Instead of the sticky adhesive you find on disposable pads, reusable pads are fastened around your underwear with Velcro or snaps. When you’ve finished with the pad, simply place the it in a waterproof, sealed bag (if you’re out and about), or immediately toss it in cold water to soak, then run it through the washing machine. It’s as simple as that!
For most pads (disposable and reusable) it’s suggested that they be changed every 4-6 hours, or when it’s soaked with blood. This will depend on how heavy your flow is.
Etsy and Amazon sellers offer a wide variety of reusable pads in many different absorbency and size options. You can also make them yourself following videos and patterns available for free online.
2. Tampons
If pads aren’t your thing or you find they limit your activity, tampons can be a great alternative. Tampons are cylindrical cotton and/or cellulose inserts that sit inside the vaginal canal and soak up menstrual blood. While most tampons come inside of plastic applicators, reusable and refillable applicators do exist. All tampons have a string attached so they can be easily pulled out and disposed in the trash. Tampons should not be worn for more than 8 hours and are single-use only.
Some of the biggest advantages the tampons have over pads and other menstrual products are their size and availability. Like pads, tampons are easily accessible in grocery and drug stores and even some public bathrooms. They are also one of the few menstrual hygiene products you can swim with (in addition to period swimwear, cups, and discs).
3. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are a reusable, funnel-shaped cup made of medical-grade silicone that suctions to the cervix and collects blood. Similar to tampons, they require insertion but unlike tampons they can be worn for up to 12 hours and are reusable. When cleaned and stored properly, cups can last up to 10 years. Additionally, cups can hold significantly more fluid than tampons, requiring less trips to the bathroom and providing you with a stronger peace of mind.
Available brands of reusable cups include the Lunette Menstrual Cup, DivaCup, Flex cup, and Saalt Cup. There are also a few disposable menstrual cups on the market, such as the Instead Softcup. To determine which cup is best for you and for tips and tricks on insertion, removal, cleaning, and more, check out Period Nirvana.
4. Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are similar to cups and tampons in that they require insertion but differ in their placement. Discs fit back into the vaginal fornix (where the vaginal canal meets the cervix) and collect blood, rather than sitting within the vaginal canal like a cup or tampon. Because of this, menstrual discs are a good option for period protection that allows for participation in sexual activity. Discs, similar to cups, are made of medical grade silicone and can provide up to 12 hours of protection. When cared for correctly, discs can last up to 10 years. No suction is involved when using a menstrual disc.
Softdisc offers both reusable and disposable options, with other reusable options including the Hello Disc, Flex Disc, and Saalt Disc. To determine which disc is best for you and for tips and tricks on insertion, removal, cleaning, and more, check out Period Nirvana.
5. Period Underwear
Period underwear are just like regular underwear, except they have extra layers of fabric that are intended to absorb menstrual blood. You can wear them instead of other products or in conjunction with other products for extra protection.
Just like pads and liners, most period underwear incorporates anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties to help prevent odors. Most period underwear will be reusable, though some companies do offer disposable options. Depending on your flow and the style you wear, you can wear period underwear for up to 12 hours without fear of leaking, then wash as directed.
Award winning brand, Cheeky Pants, offer a huge range of reusable period underwear products, ranging from high-waisted pants to boy brief period shorts and even period thongs!
6. Period Swimwear
For complete peace of mind when swimming, whether that be at the beach or the pool, you may want to try period swimwear. These look like any other swimwear but are designed to absorb menstrual blood and protect from leaks, eliminating the need to worry about inserting a product like a tampon, cup, or disc.
You may also look to other period proof clothes during the warmer days like period shorts, which again provide a cute and comfy alternative to traditional menstrual products.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Cheeky Pants and Ryann, on behalf of Helping Women Period.