CHOICE OF PRODUCTS

Sanitary pads

Disposable pads are the oldest technology. Modern versions are made from absorbent cotton and they adhere to the inside of your underwear. Pads are more userfriendly than tampons or cups, and they’re a good choice when you’re young and have just started menstruating. Pads come in different sizes and absorbencies, from light pads for light-flow days to more substantial pads for heavier flow. You can use a pad on its own or together with a tampon to catch the overflow. To prevent bacterial growth, you should change your pad every four hours. Pads aren’t suitable for swimming or some types of exercise.

Tampons

Tampons are a bundle of absorbent material that you insert into your vagina. Many women find them more comfortable than pads and they can be used during exercise or swimming. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies, and are usually made of cotton alone, or cotton and rayon combined. To prevent bacterial growth, you should change your tampon every two to six hours.

A menstrual cup is a little device you insert into your vagina. It’s soft silicone or natural rubber so you can fold it before and during insertion. After insertion, it springs open to form a seal against your vaginal wall and collect your menstrual fluid. You can leave a cup in place for up to 12 hours. To remove it, simply pull the stem, pinch the base to release the seal, and then empty the cup into the toilet. Wash it with water and then reinsert. A cup is reusable, so it saves you money and is better for the environment. It’s also a good choice for heavy periods because it doesn’t leak and it holds more than a tampon. The average menstrual cup holds about 30ml, which is equal to about three super tampons.