PSA: Globally, over 1.9 billion people menstruate — so why has it felt like we've been limited to just pads and tampons for decades? Though these options have been faring well for many people across the planet, it's about time we got an upgrade.
Thankfully, there are a few new kids on the block that have your back — err, vagina? — when Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit. Below, we're taking a look at every single period product available with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and infertility specialist, so you can make a more educated choice on what you want to use for your next "time of the month."
Menstrual Pads
Chances are, you're very familiar with pads. Many of us used them when we were first starting our periods, and they've become one of the most popular items for menstruation across the globe for their accessibility and (usually) cheaper price tag.
“Menstrual pads are a common product used by women on their period and probably the most simple option,” Dr. Sekhon says. “However, many women opt for other methods to avoid the mess, discomfort, and leakage that can occur with pads.”
The University of Texas at Austin recommends changing your pad every 3 to 4 hours to avoid risk of bacterial infection, and if you're concerned about any toxins or bleaches, we have good news: There are tons of pads that are now made with organic and dye- and bleach-free materials. But they can get messy with a heavier flow, so Dr. Sekhon recommends using alternatives like menstrual cups or tampons (which we'll get to in a second) if you want to avoid the mess.
Tampons
OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: Though tampons are some of the most popular period products on the market, people have started to turn away from them due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a fatal illness that is caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria. But are they really as bad as people think?
“Tampons are made of cotton and rayon. Decades ago, the materials used for tampons were routinely bleached in a way that led to traces of dioxin (toxic byproducts) in them,” says Dr, Sekhon. “This practice has now been replaced with chlorine-free bleaching methods that are reported to not have this same effect.”
Though many tampons are now made from organic and toxin-free materials, Sekhon notes that tampons still to this day come with the risk of life-threatening TSS if you don't use and change them properly. Plus, they also contribute to environmental waste, especially if they come in single-use plastic applicators that can't be recycled. If Mother Nature is your biggest concern, opting for tampons with cardboard or biodegradable applicators would be your best call.
However, if you're still inclined to use tampons when you're on your period, we have a few picks for you below:
Menstrual Cups
According to Dr. Sekhon, menstrual cups and discs have grown in popularity for two reasons: They're a reusable answer to tampons' environmental waste issue, and they don't come with the risk of TSS. Plus, contrary to what you may think would happen when you pull a mini cup of blood out of yourself, they're actually pretty mess-free and easy to use.
“Menstrual cups are most often made from medical-grade silicone and can last up to 1-5 years, but they can also be made from rubber, latex, or elastomer,” says Dr, Sekhon. “Furthermore, menstrual cups minimize the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur with tampon use, particularly high-absorbency tampons.”
Another bonus: Many menstrual cups come in different sizes to correlate with your flow, and although their price tag is a bit steeper than a box of tampons, their reusable concept will save you more dollar bills in the long run.
Period Underwear
Although these blood-absorbing panties are the newest period products to hit the market, they've exponentially grown in popularity. You're probably imagining an adult version of a diaper — and TBH a few of them are exactly like that — but thankfully new brands have been emerging to create slimmer styles that won't cause any panty lines or leakage.
Why grab a pair of these? Because they're reusable, sustainable, and you don't have to worry about insertion or removal. They also don't cause TSS, and you have a little more leeway with how long you can wear them: Depending on their absorbency and your flow, you usually can step into a pair of these undies and be covered all day long!.
Read More:
Thinx Sleep Shorts Ensure Leak-Free Snoozing When Aunt Flo Is in Town
Thinx Period Panties Make Tampons and Pads Seem Archaic
Why the Flex Menstrual Cup Is a Total Game-Changer for Your Period
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