There are several kinds of menstrual products, which can be grouped into 4 categories, depending on their intended use and their ecological impact:
- External menstrual products: pads (disposable or reusable) and reusable period underwear
- Internal menstrual products (which are inserted into the vagina): tampons, cups, and menstrual discs
- Disposable menstrual products: pads and tampons
- Sustainable menstrual products: reusable pads and period underwear, cups and discs
It is essential to know our needs and the specificities of different menstrual products to be able to choose the one or those that suit us best! This can be determined by comfort (physical and psychological), type of activities being performed, or necessity (intolerance or allergies to certain products, etc.).
We recommend, if possible, to use products that are as natural as possible (no chlorine, no perfume, etc.) and to take personal hygiene measures:
- Wash hands before each manipulation or use,
- Respect the manufacturer’s recommended length of use of the product, care instructions, etc.
Now, let’s take a deep dive into these products and their specificities !
External products
Disposable pad
It is an absorbent pad that is stuck to the underwear’s lining. It comes in different sizes and absorption levels.
+ Low-cost.
+ Easy-to-use
+ Convenient for travelling
— Less eco-friendly since it is discarded after each use
— Costs more in the long term since large quantities are needed each month
You can wear it for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours before discarding and replacing it.
Reusable pad and period underwear
It is an absorbent cloth pad that is placed on the underwear’s lining. There are wings with snaps that attach together under the underwear to hold the pad in place. It also comes in different sizes and absorption levels.
As for period underwear, it functions like regular underwear but is thicker. It has a waterproof lining designed specifically to retain menstrual fluid. It comes in different styles as well as absorption levels. It also adapts to all body types and menstrual flow intensities.
+ Washable, which is super eco-friendly !
+ Easy-to-use
+ More breathable and comfortable compared to even the thinnest of disposable pads
— First purchase is expensive because several underwear and/or pads are needed for each cycle. However, it remains less expensive in the long run compared to disposable pads
— Washing required after each use
You can wear them for up to 4 to 6 hours before setting them aside to wash.
These products can last up to 2 to 5 years, depending on their quality and how they are maintained.
Internal products
These products require an insertion into the vagina. However, you may need a little practise using them to be 100% comfortable.
Tampon
+ Low-cost
+ Convenient for travelling and for activities that require free movements (fewer leaks)
— Less eco-friendly (especially when an applicator is included) because it is discarded after each use
— Costs more in the long term because large quantities are needed each month
— Not to be used overnight or for long periods during the day, as this may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (rare)*
You can wear it for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours before discarding and replacing it.
La coupe et le disque menstruels
+ Washable, which is super eco-friendly !
+ Low-cost: a single product is enough
+ Reduces the risk of irritation and vaginal infections
+ Convenient for activities that require free movements (fewer leaks)
— Washing required after each use: access to a toilet and a sink is needed in order to rinse them
— Boiling after each cycle is required
— Not to be worn overnight or for long periods during the day, as this may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (rare)*
You can wear them for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours before rinsing them with water and reinserting them into the vagina.
These products can last up to 5 to 10 years, depending on their quality and how they are maintained.
Note: Preferably use a transparent silicone cup or disc to avoid unnecessary dyes.
Also, menstrual swimsuits are available !
* Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but its consequences can be severe if not treated in time.
It occurs, in rare cases, if the tampon, cup or disc is used for more than 6 consecutive hours.
To prevent it, it is important to:
- Read and follow instructions issued by the manufacturer (recommended length of use of the product, care instructions if it is a menstrual cup or disc, etc.).
- Avoid overnight use of internal menstrual products (tampon, cup or disc).
- Remove the product (tampon, cup or disc), notify an adult and go to the emergency room if you notice the symptoms listed below:
- Sudden fever (102 °F or higher),
- Vomiting,
- Feeling unwell accompanied by headaches,
- A skin rash that resembles a sunburn.
Source: Syndrome du choc toxique lié aux règles, Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL)