Period Products: What Works Best for You?

Getting your first period, or simply discovering what it means to menstruate every month, can be a daunting time for many. In the early stages, people are often figuring out how to adjust to bleeding every month, along with the pain, fatigue, and expenses associated with the menstrual cycle. The first few years after experiencing a first period, also known as menarche, are full of irregularity and adjustment. 

Adjusting to this new phenomenon also means getting to know your body and what feels right. There are dozens of period products available for people who menstruate, and it can be overwhelming knowing what to choose. The most widely known and used products are sanitary pads, which have a range of materials, thicknesses, absorbance, and lengths. Thin sanitary pads, usually for extremely light flow at the end of the menstruation phase, are often called panty liners. For heavier flows, the absorbency and thickness range from low to medium to overnight pads— it depends on the flow of your period and what is most comfortable. Materials used in pads vary, ranging from mostly synthetic to 100% natural fibers. Natural materials, like cotton, are an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or concerns with reducing plastic waste. Overall, they are a good beginner-friendly option; easy to use, have no insertion involved, and do not require prior sanitization like with a menstrual cup. They are, however, single-use and contribute to plastic pollution, are prone to leaking with heavy flows, are not very budget-friendly, and can feel bulky at times. 

The next most popular options are tampons, and, like sanitary pads, they come in different sizes and absorbencies. Tampons are essentially a roll of absorbent material, mostly cotton, compacted into a cylindrical shape. To use them, they must be inserted into the vagina, far enough for only the string to be visible. The idea of inserting the tampon is frightening to many inexperienced people, but it is the preferred product for many once they are accustomed to it. The insertion allows for less mess, reduces the chance of leakage, and is more viable for running and sports than pads. Tampons are an excellent option for someone looking for an alternative to pads, but caution and observance are required. Tampons, when left in for more than four to five hours, can cause TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome, caused by the accumulated bacteria. It is very rare, but it is important to be vigilant nevertheless. They are, like pads, single-use, contributing to plastic waste and are not as budget-friendly as other options. 

Menstrual cups are also gaining popularity— they have a positive environmental impact and involve a one-time payment for years of use. They are made of medical-grade materials, often silicone, and are cup-shaped to capture blood and clots. They vary in size, though not as widely as tampons, and are inserted into the vagina, dumping out the collected blood into the toilet after use. Typically, they can be left in much longer than tampons with a reduced risk of TSS. Menstrual cups provide long-term use and can be cleaned using water and paper towel, and sterilized by boiling. Potential downsides may involve the required maintenance, the potential mess during removal, figuring out the appropriate size, and understanding the techniques for insertion and removal. 

Similar to menstrual cups, menstrual discs are inserted to catch blood. Unlike cups, discs can be reusable or disposable, providing more freedom in choosing the amount of maintenance involved. They can be left in for longer than cups, with little risk of TSS, but can be messier as they lack the string that tampons and certain menstrual cups have. 

Finally, many brands have developed and sold various types of period underwear. These are essentially regular underwear with extra absorbent layers to prevent leaks. They lack the bulkiness of pads, are environmentally friendly, and easy to use. They are an excellent option for light to medium flows but require regular wash and maintenance, especially to prevent smell and infection. 

There are a wide variety of products available in the market, and choosing the right ones depends on what feels right to you! Factors like flow heaviness, flexibility, and capacity for movement, maintenance, price, and comfort are important factors to consider. For those who are looking for a starting point, pads and period underwear may be the way to go. If flexibility and movement are a priority, tampons are a good option. For more environmentally friendly options, menstrual cups and discs are an excellent choice. Comfort and security are the most important considerations— a product that works for someone else’s body may not work for you. It is crucial to remember to listen to your body and trust your judgment!

Written by Tahreem Yasin

References

1. “Irregular Periods (for Teens) | Nemours Kidshealth.” Edited by Robyn R. Miller, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Dec. 2018, kidshealth.org/en/teens/irregular-periods.html. 

2. Sanchez, Morgan. “Which Feminine Products Are Best?” HealthPartners Blog, 29 Mar. 2024, www.healthpartners.com/blog/feminine-products-pros-cons/.