Sanitary pads, most closely followed by tampons, are the most frequently chosen period product for maintaining menstrual hygiene. Pads are made with a combination of absorbent fiber and are adhesive so that they don’t move while walking or running while absorbing the flow simultaneously.
The present world has more period products than ever for women who undergo the menstruation phase. But with all these choices available, how does a woman know which product is right for her? No matter what social media ad campaigns or television advertisements tell you to choose, you should choose the product that best suits your body and lifestyle. Several factors play a role in identifying the best period product for you, such as:
- Cost
- Physical activity level
- Ease of use
- Time efficiency – how long you can use a product
- Sustainability – reusable or disposable
Today, we have compiled some helpful information to help you manage your periods more efficiently.
Soft Tampons and Pads
Sanitary pads, most closely followed by tampons, are the most frequently chosen period product for maintaining menstrual hygiene. Pads are made with a combination of absorbent fiber and are adhesive so that they don’t move while walking or running while absorbing the flow simultaneously. No matter the volume of your flow, you should change your pads frequently (as recommended by the pad’s brand) to avoid odor from bacteria growth.
On the other hand, tampons are a bit trickier. They require internal insertion that might be uncomfortable for many women. Soft tampons, like pads, are made from highly absorbent materials. However, unlike pads, tampons are inserted inside your vaginal canal and, therefore, they can help you manage your menstrual hygiene more efficiently and lower the stress.
While Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is very rare, tampon users must be aware of it. TSS is a life-threatening complication that results from the overgrowth of bacteria that resides in many women’s vagina naturally. So, if you notice symptoms, such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe aching, feeling weak or dizzy, consult your doctor immediately. But there is no need to worry about using tampons as the odds of suffering from TSS are 1 in 100,000 among tampon users. In case you have a skin infection near your genitals, we would recommend you to not use tampons.
If you like to use soft tampons or pads, prefer to go with sustainable options, such as reusable pads and tampons. Though they might seem expensive at first, their long-term life and benefits are worth your every penny.
Menstrual Cups
The hype of using a menstrual cup is increasing more than before. Made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups don’t dry out your vagina’s natural moisture as a tampon would. The main problem women face with using menstrual cups is their insertion. But, believe us, once you get used to inserting menstrual cups, they feel more comfortable and give you the freedom to spend a busy day stress-free.
Reputable menstrual cup manufacturers provide guides on how to fold and insert a menstrual cup on their websites. You can read them, or you can watch videos to learn the insertion procedure of menstrual cups.
Many women even claim that their cramps are more manageable when using a menstrual cup because the cup’s flexible material moves with uterine contractions instead of pushing back against them. You can leave a menstrual cup inside for up to 12 hours but it must be changed based on your flow volume. They can last up to several years, and therefore, they are also believed to be a highly sustainable period care option.
Remember that finding the right product to manage your period is a trial and error process. What works for you now may not be ideal for you after 10 years because of your needs and comfort level changes. Whatever you decide – soft tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, rest assured that all types of period products are considered safe by doctors. However, one brand product might feel more convenient to you than the same product from another brand. So, don’t hesitate to try a different brand product if you don’t feel comfortable with the current one you are using.
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