What is the best choice for menstruation?

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What is the best choice for menstruation: pads, tampons, menstrual cups or menstrual panties?

Menstruation is a monthly recurring phenomenon for millions of women around the world and it is the dream of every menstruator to have a comfortable and less stressful period. The good news is that there are quite a number of options when it comes to products that can be used to handle menstruation. In recent years, reusable alternatives, such as menstrual cups and period pants have gained popularity.  However, choosing a suitable period product can be a little bit difficult but you don’t have to worry. Below are some of the suitable options including the pros and cons of each. So read through and equip yourself with knowledge before purchasing a product for your next cycle.

Pads

Pads are the most conventional and the first commercially marketed period product. They consist of moisture-absorbing material, with a plastic layer incorporated. There is an adhesive strip at the bottom with which it is attached to the underwear. Pads often also have a nice-looking print (made from synthetic ink), a neutralising odour (made from synthetic perfume) and a plastic layer.  Their popularity is however fading away because many regular sanitary pads contain substances such as chlorine and chemicals that are not suitable for the skin.

Pros and cons

The biggest advantage is that it is very easy to use and there are so many types of sanitary pads available for every situation. The ease of use makes pads popular among young girls especially during the first menstruation.

Although pads are inexpensive to purchase, they can add up to a significant expense over time since they are meant for a single use. Pads are also less discreet and can be noticed under clothing. Also, sanitary pads cannot be worn for too long because the risk of infections is high and they begin to smell in a couple of hours. In short, changing them every few hours can be stressful. Another disadvantage is that they can shift and consequently stain your clothing.  The biggest downside is that they are meant to be discarded after each use and since they contain plastic, they are therefore harmful to the environment.

Menstrual underwear

These are pants with a super absorbent gusset that can absorb up to 30 ml (4 tampons) of blood. They are just like regular underwear that is tailored to absorb menstrual flow. Menstrual underwear can be washed and used again and again which makes it a great sustainable option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly menstrual product. They are produced from different materials such as bamboo or cotton. However, high quality menstrual pants such as those from Weekiss are made of cotton and absorb moisture well and are breathable. They are comfortable to use and are also leakproof.  Period underwear are produced in all kinds of colours and designs. For example, Period underwear can be designed as shorts, bikini bottoms, thongs, seamless briefs, or Hipsters. There are different period underwear based on the absorbency and the super absorbent ones can be worn for up to 12 hours.

Pros and cons

The number one advantage of period underwear is that they are easy to use. You only need to put it on just like regular underwear once your period starts. They are very absorbent and can be worn for long hours. Aside from holding menstrual fluid, they can be used for urinary incontinence and can also be included in the hospital bag checklist as a postpartum underwear.  Period underwear are reliable and can help boost confidence since they are leakproof. They are suitable for everyone, be it teenagers, adults, and even menstruators with sensitive skin since they do not contain any offensive chemical.

The downside of period underwear is that it is expensive compared to single use period products. They can however be used for up to 3 years which makes it a good and economic investment.

Tampons

The principle of a tampon is simple: it is a swab of compressed cotton wool that absorbs the menstrual blood right inside the vagina. At the bottom is a thread with which you can take the tampon out again. Tampons give more freedom of movement and comfort than pads. You can go swimming with them and they are discreet. However, tampons should be changed about every four hours to avoid the tampon disease, or rather Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Pros and cons

The first advantage of using tampons is that it does not release odours. You can move freely, engage in sports including swimming without any hassle. They are also discreet and cheap to purchase. Although tampons offer more benefits than pads, it comes with its own disadvantages.

Tampons are single-use products, therefore they are not eco-friendly and they can become a huge budget when the cost is calculated overtime. Another disadvantage of tampons is that it absorbs vagina fluid and causes dryness and itching.  Also, getting a hang of how to insert tampons can be problematic and may require several practices. Finally, wearing tampons carry the risk of having Toxic Shock Syndromeespecially if it is worn for long hours.

Menstrual cup

This is a collecting cup, often made of silicone (and they are safe to use), which you insert into your vagina to collect the menstrual blood. Menstrual cups are reusable and are available in different sizes. The mini is for teenagers who are in the early years of their menstruation and for those people who are very finely built and have a light flow. The size I cup is for women who have not given birth vaginally while the size II is for women who have had a vaginal birth.

Pros and cons

Menstrual cups are notable for being reusable and that makes a big difference in your wallet. They are also eco-friendly when you think of the waste that you no longer create due to all those disposable products such as sanitary pads and tampons.  A Menstrual cup can be worn for up to 6 hours and it is not visible under clothes. You can also wear the menstrual cup overnight, during sports and swimming.

Choosing the right cup size is always a common issue and can involve trying out options before getting it right. Insertion of cups also requires a number of practices and it can be painful at times especially for girls.  The removal can also cause a mess if you are inexperienced but with a few practices, there won’t be problems.

So, which one is the best?

The best thing to do to determine which product is best for you is to listen to your body. The better you understand it, the easier it becomes to make choices that are best for you. Ultimately, choosing the right menstrual products is about how comfortable and protected they make you feel. So, compare