Though we, ladies, may not always be welcoming towards her and we may not like her at all, we can’t avoid menstruation from visiting us on a monthly basis. Menstruation is a natural phenomenon. Our likes or dislikes really don’t matter when it comes to our monthly guest. Luckily, we live in that period of the era where a number of period products are developed for aiding our menstruating days. We can’t imagine how our lives would go on as a female without period products, can we? Many products are easily available in the market that are the must-have during menses. Well, all of us should know about different products for our monthlies. We don’t know what’s best for us until we explore many of them. Here’s the list of various period products you need to know:
1. Sanitary Pads
Sanitary Pads, Sanitary Napkins, or Menstrual Pads, whatever you name it, are the absorbent made up of cotton that absorbs the menstrual flow. Santiray pads are attached to the panty with the help of adhesive. They usually come with wings for better adjustment. The menstrual pads are thick and long enough to lay below the area from the vagina to the butt. However, the length of the pad depends upon the brand and the cost. Long pads are preferred more as it prevents blood leakage. Sanitary pads are the most common period product used by women in Nepal.
Cost-Effectiveness: The packet of 6-10 sanitary pads costs anywhere from NRs. 60 - Nrs. 100. For average people, it’s quite cost-friendly.
Sustainability: They are non-reusable. So, we can reckon that it’s not environment-friendly.
Benefits: These are easily available in the market. At the same time, it’s super easy to use.
Limitations: They are for one-time use only. Using the same pad for a prolonged-time period (More than 6 hours) can cause itchiness and inflammation. Moreover, they are major harms to the environment.
2. Panty Liners
Panty Liners are also the absorbent material made of cotton that is attached to the panty. They are different from the sanitary pads as they are tinier and thinner than menstrual pads. Think of panty liners as the smaller and thinner version of sanitary pads. Panty liners don’t have wings because they are tiny and don’t need extra support for adjustment. However, panty liners aren’t meant for heavy flow days. Panty liners are suitable for light days only. Since panty liners are lighter to put on than the sanitary pads, they are used as barriers for vaginal discharge and post-sex discharge.
Cost-Effectiveness: The price of panty liners is usually the same as the sanitary pads.
Sustainability: They are for single-use only. Just like sanitary pads, they should be disposed after use.
Benefits: Panty liners are super-light to wear. For light days or vaginal discharge, they are Godsent.
Limitations: Since they are tiny, there’s the possibility of leakage if worn on heavy days. Panty liners should be changed every 3-5 hours.
3. Tampons
Tampons are small pieces of cotton with a small string at one end. They are internal products. They are inserted into the vaginal opening during the period days. When the tampon is correctly inserted into the vagina, it begins to absorb the menstrual blood and begin to expand with absorption. When the tampons absorb enough blood, you can easily pull them out with the help of the string. Tampons are the most commonly used period product after sanitary pads. Tampons are available in various sizes. You can choose the size based on how heavy your period is.
Cost-Effectiveness: The packet of 15-20 tampons costs from Nrs. 300 to NRs. 500 based on the brand. Tampons are affordable.
Sustainability: Tampons are for single use only. So, they need to be disposed after use.
Benefits: Tampons are used internally which means you can use them while swimming. Similarly, the chance of leakage is low as the blood is absorbed inside the vagina.
Limitations: Putting on and pulling out tampons might be tricky for beginners. One out of one lakh women who use tampons suffer from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS is a rare bacterial infection that can cause damage to vital organs)
4. Reusable Pads
Reusable pads are one of the most sustainable period products available in the market. These are just like sanitary pads but are made from washable clothes. They have wings with a button for attaching them to underwear. Reusable pads need to be washed properly after every use. It’s recommended to dry them under sunlight for proper cleanliness. Reusable pads are getting in trend these days because of the sustainability they possess. They can be made at home as well. Follow appropriate DIY techniques easily available on the internet to create your own reusable pads.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reusable pads are slightly more expensive than sanitary pads or tampons. But considering the reusable feature, the price seems to be fair.
Sustainability: As the name itself suggests, these pads can be reused after proper washing. Also, these pads are environment friendly.
Benefits: Like any other sanitary pads, these are easy to use and at the same time, they’re reusable too.
Limitations: Reusable pads require a bit of work after every use. You have to rinse, soak, and wash them.
5. Menstrual Cups
Another most common period product is the menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are made of soft and flexible materials like silicone or rubber latex. These are small cups that have a stem at the bottom. Menstrual cups are to be inserted in the vaginal opening and can be used for 8-12 hours. They collect the blood instead of absorbing it like tampons or menstrual pads. The menstrual cup should be vertically folded and inserted into the vagina. Once you properly insert it, it opens up and rests on the vaginal wall. You can easily pull out the cup with the help of the stem at the bottom. It can be reused after washing it with soap and water.
Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of menstrual cups is quite higher than that of pads or tampons. One menstrual cup usually costs anywhere from Nrs. 500 and above.
Sustainability: These can be reused multiple times.
Benefits: Menstrual cups can be used during exercise as well as swimming. Also, these can be reused so you can save your expense of buying pads or tampons every month.
Limitations: Beginners might find it painful or uneasy to use. For those who are phobic or allergic to blood, using menstrual cups can be a nightmare.
6. Period Underwear
Period underwears are just like the normal underwear you wear but they are absorbent. So, they absorb the blood during menstruation. Period underwear is designed to replace sanitary pads or tampons during light period days. Similarly, it can be used as back up with other products during heavy days. It’s super comfortable to wear as it’s just like other underwear. Moreover, period underwear is reusable after proper washing and drying. It functions as the menstrual pads or tampons by absorbing the blood. But the work is less as you need to neither insert nor attach it. You simply need to put it on like any other underwear.
Cost-Effectiveness: The price range is similar to that of normal underwear. You can easily shop online for period underwear in Nepal at zimisa.com
Sustainability: Period underwear is reusable as well as environment-friendly.
Benefits: Using period underwear doesn’t require any effort like other period products. It’s effortless as well as super comfy.
Limitations: You need to wash the period underwear after every use. Also, you need to have enough collection of them in order to ensure that at least one of them is available whenever you need. So, the upfront cost might be quite high.
7. Menstrual Disc
The menstrual disc is another type of period product that has many special features. Basically, the menstrual disc is a small and flexible ring that rests on the cervical wall and collects the blood. Like a menstrual cup, it’s made of soft and flexible materials like silicone and latex rubber. The menstrual disc doesn’t have a stem at the bottom, neither are they highly tapered at the end like menstrual cups. Since the menstrual disc rests far above from the outer vaginal opening, it’s the best for sex during period days. In fact, it’s the only period product that lets you have mess-free sex anytime in your period days.
Cost-Effectiveness: The price range of menstrual cups and menstrual disc are quite similar.
Sustainability: Most of the menstrual discs aren’t meant to be reused. However, some reusable menstrual cups can be found in the market that resemble menstrual disc.
Benefits: Unlike any other period products, it can be used while having sex. Similarly, it can surely be used while exercising or swimming.
Limitations: Menstrual cups aren’t environment-friendly. Also, pulling out menstrual discs can be really messy and hard for many women.
Well, since you’ve found out about various period products. Give them a try and find out what’s best for you. Every woman has a different choice. So, make sure you choose your best period products based on your own experience. Let your menstruating days pass like any other normal day!