Essential Menstrual Care Products
There are more menstrual products available now than ever before, which makes it easier to find something comfortable and also harder to know where to start. This guide describes the main product types, how each is used and what a practical period kit contains.
Key points
- The main options are pads, liners, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear.
- Change disposable products regularly; tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours and never worn longer than 8 hours.
- Many people combine products to suit different days and activities.
Pads
Pads, also called sanitary napkins or towels, attach to the inside of underwear and absorb menstrual fluid externally.
- Types: panty liners for very light flow; regular, super and overnight pads for heavier flow; with or without wings.
- Good for: beginners, overnight use, and anyone who prefers an external product.
- Change: every few hours, or sooner if the pad is full.
Our Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings are a regular-absorbency option, individually wrapped.
Panty liners
Thin, light pads for the first and last days of a period, for spotting or as backup with a tampon or cup. See our Daily Cotton Liners.
Tampons
Tampons are inserted into the vagina, where they absorb fluid before it leaves the body. They come in different absorbencies, with or without applicators.
The FDA regulates tampons as medical devices and advises:
- follow the directions on the label;
- wash your hands before and after use;
- use tampons only during your period;
- change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours and never wear one for more than 8 hours;
- use the lowest absorbency needed.
Menstrual cups
A cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device, usually made of silicone, that is folded and inserted into the vagina to collect fluid. It is emptied, rinsed and reinserted, and cleaned thoroughly between cycles. Wear times and cleaning steps vary, so follow the instructions supplied. Our Reusable Menstrual Cup comes with a storage pouch.
Period underwear and reusable pads
Period underwear has built-in absorbent layers and looks like ordinary underwear. Reusable cloth pads fasten around underwear. Both are rinsed and machine washed according to the care label.
About toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness caused by bacterial toxins. It has been associated with tampons and, rarely, with menstrual cups. To reduce the risk:
- change tampons regularly and use the lowest absorbency suitable for your flow;
- follow the wear time for cups;
- wash your hands before inserting or removing products;
- alternate with pads, for example overnight.
Remove the product and seek medical help immediately if you develop a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, muscle aches or a rash that looks like sunburn.
Comfort items
- Heat: warmth on the lower abdomen can ease cramps. Air-Activated Heat Patches stick to clothing and warm for several hours.
- Pain relief: ask a pharmacist which over-the-counter option is suitable for you.
- Wipes or tissues for freshening up when a sink is not available. Choose unscented products.
Building a period kit
Keep a small pouch in your bag, desk or locker with:
- two or three pads or tampons, or your cup;
- a couple of liners;
- a spare pair of underwear;
- a sealable bag for used products or stained clothing;
- hand sanitizer or wipes;
- pain relief, if you use it.
At home, keep enough supplies for a full cycle so you are not caught out.
Disposal
Wrap used pads, liners and tampons in their wrapper or tissue and put them in a bin. Do not flush them; they block pipes and harm the environment.
Sensitive skin
If products cause itching or irritation, try unscented versions or a different material, and change them more often. See a doctor if irritation continues.
First periods
Pads are usually the easiest starting point. Tampons and cups can be used at any age once someone feels comfortable. Keeping a small kit in a school bag removes much of the worry.
The bottom line
There is no single best product, only the one that suits your body, flow and day. Try different options, change them regularly and keep a kit ready. Explore period care in our women’s health department.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Facts on Tampons and Tampon Safety.
- NHS. Periods.
- NHS. Toxic shock syndrome.
- Office on Women's Health. Your menstrual cycle.
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