How To Safely Select Your Preferred Feminine Hygiene Option
When it comes to your period, it’s important to make informed decisions when selecting your preferred choice of sanitary items. Gone are the days when we grew up with hardly any freedom of choice. With so many options out there today, it can make the process rather overwhelming. However, there are upsides to being spoilt for choice, too. Today, sanitary products have come a very long way to better match everyone’s individual needs and wants.
Sanitary pads
Pros
The sanitary pads of today have the added benefits of being both safe and comfortable to use. Not only do they provide you with great protection against any leaks, but they also have the added bonus of helping to eliminate any bad odours. Another advantage of pads is that they allow you to bleed freely, without any spillage or stains. Those with a heavier flow might even find that their periods feel shorter when they use a pad vs tampon. Furthermore, with pads, you can skip the process of having to insert anything. Depending on your preference, you also have the choice between Maxi Thick Pads vs Ultra Thin Pads to best suit you and your body.
Cons
Unlike something more discreet like a tampon, some women may feel limited when using sanitary pads, though the downsides would heavily depend on your lifestyle. For example, those planning a day at the beach in their bikini might want to opt for something which they can insert, because you can’t swim with sanitary pads. In addition, those who are very active might also prefer inserting something, as the friction caused by exercise may cause them discomfort. Lastly, pads can be noisy when switching to a new one.
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![Regular stay free pads](https://za.kenvuebrands.com/sites/brandhub_za/files/regular_stayfree_pads.jpeg)
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![Super stayfree pads](https://za.kenvuebrands.com/sites/brandhub_za/files/super_stayfree_pads.jpeg)
Tampons
Pros
As mentioned above, tampons are a great way to stay protected and be discreet at the same time. Tampons are a lot more compact than pads, and can therefore be stored in your pocket or bag more easily. Another upside when using tampons is how comfortable they are, in fact, when inserted correctly you shouldn’t be able to feel them at all.
The reason behind this is that they adapt to the shape of your body. This way, they can prevent any leaks by redirecting the fluid, too. Not only are tampons the most visually discreet when it comes to tampons vs pads, but they are also quieter to change, too.
Cons
Tampons can be a little scary for first-time users, however, they are totally safe for all to use. When using tampons, there’s a small risk of toxic shock syndrome if you leave them in for too long. However, if you change your tampon regularly, this is nothing to worry about. However, it’s definitely something you should be aware of when using tampons.
Furthermore, make sure you’re buying tampons that don’t contain any harmful elements, because you and your body deserve better. When choosing the right tampon for you, make sure to buy the correct size for your flow to avoid any dryness or discomfort.
Pantyliners
Pros
When it comes to liners, they can be a great way to discreetly offer you double protection against any leaks or stains, especially when used in conjunction with tampons. They can also be used on their own at other times of your cycle when you aren’t bleeding and you just need a little extra support keeping comfortable and staying dry.
Stayfree liners are designed to be thin, flexible, soft and secure, so as not to move around or irritate you and your skin. They can also be used in the morning, at midday or at night.
Cons
Panty liners that aren’t made with soft, flexible materials can irritate your skin. They can also peel off from your panties, fold and move around if they aren’t made to be secure. Panty liners can be used on their own when you aren’t menstruating, however, it’s better to use them in conjunction with another sanitary item when you are.
Unless you’re close to the end of your period when your flow is lighter than usual, you’ll probably prefer a tampon or pad to support a higher flow.
Period panties and reusable pads
Pros
These are usually made out of comfortable cotton and can be washed and reused, saving you from having to buy new ones as often. For those sensitive or allergic to the materials used in disposable pads, these can offer a good replacement. Furthermore, these are usually made to be eco-friendly and don’t make a noise when you change them. Similarly to tampons and other sanitary pads, you can buy them to best suit your flow.
Cons
Although reusable pads and panties are more discreet than disposable pads when it comes to the sound they make, they aren’t at all discreet to wash. Because you’ll have to rinse or wash them soon after using them to avoid stains, they aren’t convenient for public spaces. In addition, you’ll need to buy a few of them so that you can have a clean, dry one on hand between large washes. Although these might cost you less in the long run if you look after them well, they can be quite costly to buy at first, and not as widely available in-store.
Menstrual cups
Pros
Most menstrual cups are made to be reusable, making them another eco-friendly option. Just like tampons, if inserted correctly, they should feel so comfortable that you hardly notice them at all. Another upside of menstrual cups is that they can be left for up to twelve hours before they need to be changed. With a cup, you can swim, exercise and do all the things that you’d be able to do with a tampon.
Cons
Not all cups are reusable, and some of them can be made with harmful ingredients or materials. Furthermore, they can overflow or leak if they aren’t put in correctly or you’ve bought the wrong size. Although anyone can use a cup, these might be one of the more daunting options for both first-timers and adults. You’ll have to get them out again using your fingers, and they can be tricky to insert in the first place. Not only can this process be intimidating, but it can also be messy. Lastly, although reusable cups will last you a longer time than disposable items, they are also costly to begin with. If you accidentally buy the incorrect size, you’ll have to spend that same large sum until you find the right one.
Trial and error
In the end, the best way to find the correct feminine hygiene option for you is through trial and error. What works best for one person, won’t necessarily work at all for someone else. Take your time to figure out what works for you, and don’t be scared to step outside of your comfort zone. In fact, you might even find your new choice to be more comfortable than your last.
Source:
- [1] https://www.raleighob.com/feminine-hygiene-products/
- [2] https://www.healthline.com/health/tampons-vs-pads
- [3] https://www.jnjconsumer.co.za/our-brands/stayfree