Choosing the Best Sanitary Protection for You
Deciding what sanitary product to use is a personal but sometimes confusing decision to make. There are so many options out there! We have come a very long way from using an old piece of cloth or sheep’s wool (thankfully). You may consider factors such as comfort, cost, and environmental impact. There isn’t a ‘one shoe fits all’ answer. It’s all about experimenting and finding out what works for you in feeling comfortable, confident, and having an overall more positive period experience. Keep reading to discover the different types of sanitary products and their pros and cons!
Tampons
Ah, the tampon. Invented in the 1930s by physician Dr. Earle Haas. This is probably one of the products your brain jumps to when deciding what to use. Usually, they are made from cotton. You insert them into your vagina, where they later expand to absorb all the blood and prevent leakage. Some, you have to insert with your fingers, while others come with a plastic or cardboard applicator that makes getting them in a lot easier. They also come in a range of sizes to suit the shape of your vagina and blood flow.
Remember to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours.
The pros:
● You can wear them with practically anything, and no one will be able to tell…hello g-strings!
● You can swim with them.
● They are small and portable and can fit in just about any bag or pocket.
● If inserted correctly, you won’t even feel them and are free to carry on with your usual daily activities.
The cons:
● They increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). TTS is a potentially life-threatening complication caused by leaving a tampon in for too long and hence dangerous bacteria being introduced into your vagina. That’s why changing your tampon every 4 to 8 hours is critical.
● Tampons can be tricky and uncomfortable to insert, especially if you have just started your period and are still getting used to them.
● Towards the end of your period or if you have a lighter flow, they can be painful to insert and uncomfortable once in.
● They shouldn’t be used if you have a yeast infection or any type of infection that irritates your vagina or vulva.
● Some people simply don’t like the idea of their period blood staying inside them instead of naturally flowing out.
● Tampons and their packaging are harmful to the environment as they mainly end up in landfills and the ocean. They also contain chemicals such as dioxin, which gets absorbed into the earth and pollutes groundwater and the air.
Sanitary pads
Sanitary pads were initially used to help wounded soldiers during World War One. However, nurses quickly realized they would be useful for menstrual blood as well. They are made from cotton and stuck to the inside of your underwear, where they then catch and absorb your period blood. Some come with wings, so you can securely attach them, while others come in a single-strip format. You can also choose from a variety of sizes and thicknesses to cater to your blood flow.
Remember to change your pad every 3 to 4 hours, or more if your flow is heavier.
The pros:
● There is essentially no risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS).
● You can choose from a range of panty liners to maxi pads to accommodate your blood flow.
● They’re a great option if you find tampons difficult to insert or have just started getting your periods.
The cons:
● They can shift positions or end up twisted, resulting in blood leaking into your underwear. We’ve all been there!
● You can’t swim with them as they’ll absorb all the water and most likely unstick.
● Depending on what you are wearing and how thick your pad is, they can be visible.
● When blood is exposed to oxygen, it produces a funny smell, meaning your pads can smell quite bad.
● Like tampons, they are harmful to the environment for the same reasons.
Menstrual cup
Believe it or not, menstrual cups have actually been around since the 1860s. But they weren’t widely popular due to the uncomfortable shape of earlier models. In recent years, they have become much more mainstream due to recent innovations and the growing demand for eco-friendly sanitary products.
Nowadays, menstrual cups are made from silicone or rubber and come in a bell-shaped format. They work by trapping and storing your menstrual blood to later be emptied, cleaned, and reinserted. To use your menstrual cup, you need to fold it and insert it into your vagina, where it will pop open and sit within your vaginal walls. Menstrual cups usually come in two sizes, so you can choose which one is best for you depending on your blood flow and if you have had children.
Remember you can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours before it needs emptying.
Pros:
● Disposal of single-use sanctuary protection products such as tampons and pads generate 20,000 kilograms of waste each year. However, menstrual cups are reusable, so are much friendlier to the environment.
● They are also friendlier to your bank account and save you from having to spend money on single-use products each month.
● Menstrual cups aren’t linked to** toxic shock syndrome (TTS)**, unlike tampons.
● They don’t contain the same chemicals found in tampons or sanitary pads.
● You don’t need to worry about any odors, unlike with sanitary pads.
● Most women claim, once in, they are comfortable and can’t feel them.
● You can leave them in for up to 12 hours at a time, which basically means you can go a whole day without having to worry about your period.
Cons:
● Menstrual cups can take a while to get used, especially learning how to insert them.
● Cleaning them out can be quite messy and many don’t feel comfortable doing it in a public bathroom.
● In between periods you should sterilize them which can be a bit of a hassle.
Period underwear
Period underwear has been around for some time. But up until recently, they were thought of as a luxury item for those with some extra cash to splash, given their high prices. However, nowadays, you can find period underwear in most high street stores at a much lower cost. Period underwear looks similar to high-waisted panties and has an absorbent gusset that soaks up your period blood and stops it from leaking.
Remember you can wear period underwear for up to 12 hours before they need changing, depending on your blood flow.
Pros:
● Period underwear are reusable, which means not only are they kind to the environment, but your bank account too. It’s a win-win!
● They are super comfortable.
● You don’t have to worry about inserting something inside your or leaking through pads and tampons.
● They can be worn for up to 12 hours, which means they are a good choice for sleeping.
● There’s basically zero chance of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from them.
Cons:
● Most brands advise you to hand wash them, which can be a bit of a hassle.
● If you have a heavier flow and need to change pants throughout the day, this can be a bit of a pain to do at work or in a public toilet. Plus, you are stuck carrying around your old pair for the rest of the day.
● As your period blood mixes with oxygen, it can produce a not-so-pleasant smell.
● There are limited styles available.
The bottom line
Finding the right sanitary product for you may require a bit of trial and error, and that’s okay, there’s no rush! What works for you might not work for another. It’s all about finding something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and able to carry on with your daily activities. Anything related to your period is personal, and at Beginning.com, we’re here to accompany you on this intimate journey. Track your cycle and symptoms with our app and check out our Zen Period sound journeys for a happier period from start until finish.