How Do I Know Which Period Care Product To Use?

There are many types and brands of period care out there to choose from. Each of them offers something different in terms of absorption, ease of use, sustainability, and price.

In this article, we look at the three primary types of period care and how to use them, we consider their advantages and disadvantages, and offer some general advice about how to choose what suits you.

What are sanitary towels?

Sanitary towels are pads of absorbent material that collect menstrual blood like a sponge. Most of the products on the market are disposable towels. These are made from a mixture of materials and will often have an adhesive back to make them easier to keep in place. There are some reusable sanitary towels on the market, these must be washed after each wear. Towels come in multiple sizes and adjusted for different strengths of menstrual flow. Some products have deodorizing ingredients in them to help mask any smells.

Sanitary towels are simply placed into your underwear. It is important to change your towel regularly, about every 3-4 hours. Sanitary towels are easy to dispose of – simply wrap your used towel up in toilet paper or use one of the special bags often found in public bathrooms, then place it in the bin. DO NOT flush your used sanitary towel down the toilet.

The advantages of using towels include:

- The wide range of sizes and levels of absorbency enables you to suit the towel to your flow;

- They are very simple to use and application is non-invasive;

- They are plenty of eco-friendly options available at a range of price points.

The disadvantages of using towels include:

- Some people find them uncomfortable or bulky to wear;

- Some people find the deodorizing materials irritate their skin;

- You cannot go swimming while wearing a sanitary towel;

- Some people feel anxious about possible leaks or staining.

What are Tampons?

Tampons are compressed tubes of absorbent material that are placed inside the vagina. Tampons also come in a variety of sizes (thick and thin) and are designed for various levels of flow. Tampons usually come with an applicator that helps you insert them into place, and a small string that is used to help you remove them. Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours and they are easily disposed of in the bin or using the special sanitary disposable bags and trash cans available. DO NOT flush your tampon down the toilet.

Using a tampon is more complicated than using a sanitary towel and some people find it difficult to begin with, but many people prefer it because of its advantages.

The advantages of tampons include:

- They are easy to transport in your bag or purse;

- You can go swimming when wearing a tampon;

- There are many natural and ecofriendly tampons on the market with a range of price points.

The disadvantages of tampons include:

- Some people find tampons difficult to insert and remove and some people are anxious about the tampon getting “lost” in their bodies (this cannot happen as the vagina holds the tampon in place). Sometimes the string does go “missing” - but do not worry, you will just need to reach into your vagina with your fingers to find it.

- It can be very dangerous to leave a tampon in the vaginal canal for too long – it can lead to bacterial growth and toxicity.

What are Menstrual cups and Menstrual discs?

Menstrual cups and discs are small devices that are made of flexible, medical-grade materials such as rubber or silicone. Cups and discs sit at the bottom of the cervix and collect the blood flow. Reusable Menstrual cups need to be emptied and disposable cups need to be changed regularly, usually once every 12 hours. Menstrual discs are a relatively new product on the market, they work like cups but have a more flexible shape that molds to the cervix more naturally.

Menstrual cups and discs use suction or your body’s natural heat to create a seal that stops the blood flowing out of the cervix. They are inserted into the vagina by pinching them flat and then allowing them to expand, they are removed by pinching and then pulling out.

The advantages of menstrual cups and discs include:

- They do not need changing as often as other sanitary products;

- Menstrual discs do not need to be removed during intercourse;

- Reusable cups and discs can last up to 10 years if they are properly cleaned and taken care of – which means that they are very environmentally friendly.

The disadvantages of menstrual cups and discs include:

- As with tampons, it takes practice to learn how to insert and remove these products;

- Reusable cups and discus are more expensive than tampons and pads, and require continuous maintenance;

- Some people find them unpleasant to handle.

How do I know which one is right for me?

The question you should really be asking yourself is “why should I decide on just one!?”

Different people use different products throughout their lives and, sometimes, throughout one period. Some people prefer to use a tampon during the night and towels during the day, while other people like to use one type of product for heavy flows and a different one when they

have weaker flow. There are no rules! You are free to use whatever you want, and to make your decision based on whatever matters to you and that makes you feel confident - be it sustainability, accessibility, price, or comfort.

No matter which product you use, it is important that to maintain your hygiene throughout your period by changing your product regularly and showering daily. And remember: NEVER flush a period care product down the toilet!

Sources:

• https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/supplies.html

• https://uthealthaustin.org/blog/period-products