You got your period, now what…do you use?
I know we talk a lot about missing periods…but eventually there will be a time when you get your period back and you might have the question- What do I use?
But, first before we dive in, a big CONGRATULATIONS for getting your period back!
Depending on how long you went without a period, some things might have changed in the period game since you last needed to use a tampon or pad. Today, there are so many different period products available than ever before. Figuring out what works best for you will be as unique to you as your recovery journey. What works for one woman might not work for another, we all have different cycles, preferences and lifestyles.
In today's article, I’m going to take you through the most popular period products currently on the market, providing pros and cons, and some tips to help you sort through the overwhelm and hopefully find an option that works best for you and your flow!
*Note, at the end of this article I will discuss endocrine disruptors (EDC’s) and toxins in products. If that is something you value, it will be something to consider for ALL product discussed.
Now, let’s dive right in!
Pads and panty liners:
You’re likely VERY familiar with this option, it’s one of the OG’s! Who remembers when these things were the size of a diaper?! Maybe I'm aging myself? Anyway- thankfully, pads have gotten smaller and thinner, yet still very functional.
Here’s what to consider with pads
Pros:
Easy to find and purchase
The cheapest of all the options
No insertion required
Simple to use and dispose of
Available in a wide range of absorbencies to suit different flow levels
Can be worn for longer periods of time such as overnight, without worry of toxic shock syndrome
Cons:
Might irritate the skin
Feeling of wetness is possible
Can sometimes shift out of place and leak
Regular purchases can become expensive over time
Can be restrictive for certain activities such as swimming
They can contribute to environmental waste, as they are typically not biodegradable
Reusable pads:
This is for all my sustainable girlies! The pros and cons are very similar to disposable pads, so I'm going to focus on the pros and cons of the reusable aspect.
Pros:
Cheaper overtime
Better for the environment
You never run out
Can be less irritating on the skin than conventional pads
Cons:
Harder to find/accessibility
The upfront cost is more expensive
They take a bit of work i.e. washing and drying
Changing in public could be challenging
Tampons:
I know you’re totally familiar with this one, but like I said, it’s probably been a while. You might need a little refresher. Overall, tampons are probably the most popular choice of all the period products, because of their ease, discreteness and the freedom they offer to go about your life, such as swimming. I personally opt for tampons on my heavy days.
Note, if you are making the switch to low-toxic living or prefer organic products over conventional- we have found organic tampons to be less absorbent than conventional brands and we bleed through them more often. We still prefer to opt for organic, just something to be mindful of when making the switch.
Here’s what to consider with tampons
Pros:
Easy to find and purchase
Provide a high level of comfort and freedom of movement.
Can be worn during swimming and other water-related activities.
Come in different absorbances, catering to light to heavy flow.
No feeling of wetness
Cons:
Inserting and removing tampons can be challenging for some individuals, especially beginners.
Tampons can be uncomfortable for some
There is a potential risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if not used correctly or left in for too long.
They are more expensive than pads
Can dry out the mucous membrane of your vagina if worn too long
Period Underwear:
It’s exactly what it sounds like. They look and feel like real underwear, but are very absorbent. Period underwear are actually a personal favorite of mine! Depending on your flow they can replace tampons or pads 100% or they can be used as a backup when you have a heavy flow. I tend to not wear these on the heaviest days of my cycle and revert to tampons because with all the trapped moister it leads to a lot of unwanted itching. Go with your flow and see what works for you!
Something to be aware of when purchasing period underwear is PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) also know as “forever chemicals”. These are a large group of manmade chemicals (4,700 to be exact) that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. They are known to be incredibly persistent, never breaking down in the environment and remaining in our bodies for years. They can lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer.
There’s no surprise that there is a presence of PFAS in some brands of period underwear (even the organic ones) due to the nature of the product being water resistant. Many people make the switch to period underwear to move away from some of the toxic ingredients found in products like pads and tampons, so PFAS in period underwear has been an upsetting discovery. If this is something that concerns you and you would like to avoid, be sure to do your research before investing as companies can be very sneaky with their marketing. At the end of this article we go into a little more depth about about product quality i.e. EDC’s (endocrine disrupts) and low-toxic products- there you can find a list of brands that are free from PFAS chemicals.
Here’s what to consider when it comes to period underwear
Pros:
Very convenient
Better for the environment
You never run out
Cheaper over time
Can be more comfortable than tampons or pads
Cons:
Harder to find/accessibility
The upfront cost is more expensive
Absorbency limitations
They take a bit of work i.e. washing and drying
May cause itching depending on your flow
Menstrual Cups:
Menstrual cups are reusable bell-shaped cups made of silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, much like a tampon, to collect blood flow. You empty the cup every 8-12 hours, rinse it under water, and put it back in.
This one might be new for you. I’m sure you’ve heard of the menstrual cup as they’ve become quite popular as of recently, despite being around for ages (they date back to 1867). We get tons of questions about how to use them and what our thoughts are- good, bad, messy? I don’t have personal experience using them, for no reason other than I’m pretty happy with my current period strategy. However, Ashley just recently made the switch, as the organic tampon situation wasn’t working for her flow, and she LOVES it! So if you have a heavier flow and organic tampons aren’t working for you, the cup might be a great option.
The pros and cons are based on research only, not my personal experience.
Here’s what to consider with menstural cups
Pros:
Better for the environment
You never run out
Long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run
Can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the individual's flow
Some find menstrual cups more comfortable than tampons once properly inserted
Provide a high level of comfort and freedom of movement
Less risk of leakage compared to tampons or pads
Can be worn during swimming and other water-related activities
Healthier than tampons, because it doesn’t dry out the mucous membrane of your vagina
Cons:
Less accessible than pads or tampons
The upfront cost is more expensive than tampons and pads
If you have a fear of blood…this ones not for you
Inserting and removing the cup requires practice and familiarity, and can be messy at first
Some individuals may find it uncomfortable or experience leakage until they find the right fit and insertion technique
Cleaning the cup requires access to water and proper hygiene
May not be suitable for overnight use – check product recommendations
Menstrual Discs:
Menstrual discs are flexible discs made of silicone or latex. They are placed at the vaginal fornix, right below the cervix, to collect blood flow. Discs and cups sound the same, but they are vastly different in how they're inserted, worn, and removed. The only real similarity between them is that they are worn internally and collect menstrual fluid. So they’re more like cousins than siblings really. Below I compare the two, but first the pros and cons…again, based on research vs personal experience.
Heres what to consider with menstural disc:
Pros:
Better for the environment
You never run out
Long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run
Can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the individual's flow
Some find disc more comfortable than tampons once properly inserted
Provide a high level of comfort and freedom of movement
Can be worn during swimming and other water-related activities
Can be worn during sexual intercourse, providing mess-free period sex
Less risk of leakage compared to tampons or pads
Healthier than tampons, because it doesn’t dry out the mucous membrane of your vagina
Cons:
The upfront cost is more expensive than tampons and pads
Less accessible than pads, tampons and menstrual cups
If you have a fear of blood…this ones not for you
Inserting and positioning the disc correctly can be challenging and messy for some individuals (at first)
Cleaning the disc properly requires access to clean water and good hygiene practices
May not be suitable for people with a low cervix or high cervix
May not be suitable for people with a sensitive vaginal anatomy
Menstrual Cup vs Disc:
As I mentioned earlier, the menstrual cup and the disc are similar, but they are not the same. They both have their benefits and drawbacks, and which one you choose is largely going to be based on your personal preference.
A few things to consider with either option is they both take some time getting used to, they require you to stick your fingers in your vagina and you have to be ok with seeing blood. Outside of that here are some other things to consider when deciding which one is right for you:
Design: Menstrual cups are typically bell-shaped and made of medical-grade silicone or rubber. They are designed to be inserted into the lower portion of your vagina, where a tampon would sit, creating a seal to collect blood flow. On the other hand, menstrual discs are usually disc-shaped and made of flexible materials like silicone. They are designed to be worn in the vaginal fornix, which is located at the base of the cervix (higher up than the cup), collecting blood flow there.
Placement: Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and sit lower in the vaginal canal, while menstrual discs are placed higher in the vaginal fornix, closer to the cervix. Menstrual discs are placed in a horizontal position, whereas menstrual cups are inserted vertically and then open up to create a seal.
Capacity: Menstrual cups generally have a higher fluid capacity compared to menstrual discs. Cups can hold anywhere from 15-40 milliliters of menstrual fluid, depending on the size and brand. Menstrual discs usually have a lower capacity, ranging from 10-15 milliliters. However, discs can sometimes auto-dump which gives those with a heavy period a longer wear time.
Leakage: Both menstrual cups and menstrual discs are designed to prevent leakage, but they achieve it in different ways. Menstrual cups create a seal against the vaginal walls, while menstrual discs use the vaginal fornix as a natural barrier against leakage.
Comfort: Because there are more nerve endings in the vaginal canal (where the cup site) than there are in the vaginal fornix (where the disc sits), some users find the disc to be more comfortable. The comfort can vary from person to person due to differences in shape and positioning.
Learning Curve: Inserting and removing menstrual cups can require a learning curve for some users. It may take a few cycles to become comfortable with proper insertion and removal techniques. Most people that have experience using a cup tend to have a much easier time and smaller learning curve with the disc.
Intercourse: Menstrual discs have an advantage over menstrual cups when it comes to intercourse. They can be worn during sexual activity, providing mess-free period sex. Menstrual cups need to be removed before engaging in sexual intercourse.
Suction: Menstrual cups rely on suction to create a seal and prevent leaks. This suction can sometimes cause discomfort during removal. Menstrual discs do not rely on suction, which can make them easier to remove.
Disposable/Reusable: Menstrual cups are exclusively reusable, while discs are available in reusable or disposable.
The vibe I got while deep in the research, many people prefer the disc over the cup. However, it’s highly suggested to start with the cup before moving onto the disc. Whether that’s true or not, I’m not sure, you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Period Product Quality:
I hate that I even have to mention this, but unfortunately we have to shine a light on environmental toxins because the quality of your period products can play a significant role in period problems and fertility.
In the book, The Fifth Vital Sign, Lisa Hendrickson- Jack, stated: "Anecdotally, many women who've replaced their regular pads and tampons with organic versions (or reusable alternatives such as menstrual cups and cloth pads) experience a significant decrease in menstrual cramping and other menstrual cycle issues."
What I'm mainly referring to is endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s). Endocrine = hormonal system.
EDC’s are chemicals or substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to a range of adverse effects. They can mimic, block, or disrupt the natural hormones in the body, which can interfere with hormone production, hormone signaling pathways, hormone metabolism, or hormone receptor interactions. Essentially, they inhibit your real hormones' ability to do their job. They can act at very low doses and may have effects at critical stages of development, such as prenatal or early childhood periods.
EDCs can be found in a wide range of products and substances, including pesticides, plastics (BPA), personal care products, cleaning products, fragrances, certain cook wear, industrial chemicals, food additives and so much more.
What does this mean for your period products? Consider opting for non-toxic and or organic menstrual care products because conventional pads and tampons are made with a combination of treated cotton and synthetic fibers such as rayon and polyester. The cotton used has been treated with chemicals such as pesticides from farming and bleaching from processing. And shreds of the synthetic fibers have been known to cause vaginal irritation.
What you put on and in your body matters, but what you put in your vagina REALLY matters because it’s the most absorbent part of your body!
I know this can be very confronting and overwhelming information, however, avoiding EDC's or any environmental toxin 100% is IMPOSSIBLE! It's sad, I know, but obsessing over it or trying to avoid them ALL will impact your health more negatively than toxin exposure (IMO), it's called STRESS! And we all know how that impacted our menstrual cycle (*cough cough* HA).
The BEST approach for someone's health (physical and mental) is to do the best they can based on their circumstance, accessibility, financial situation and knowledge- the rest, you just gotta let go, because the stress from worrying about it will impact your health more.
Overall just be mindful of your period products since they are going in or being exposed to one of the most absorbent parts of your body for hours at a time.
*Note. Toxin exposures aren’t the root cause of your missing period and reducing your toxic load isn’t going to bring your period back…sorry. This is something we can use to optimize your cycle on the other side.
Here are some clean US brands that we recommend
Tampons and pads:
Cora
Natracare
Rael
Lola
Honey Pot
*We tend to find that organic tampons are less absorbent that conventional brands and that we bleed through them more often. We still prefer to opt for organic, but something to be mindful of when making the switch
Period underwear: PFAS Free!
Lilova
Awwa
Aisle
Knix
*If you are wanting to avoid EDC’s and other environmental toxins in your period products be VERY careful with period underwear. Brands are known to green wash their marketing, meaning market them as organic or non-toxic, but still contain PFAS. Just do your research. The brands suggested should be free from PFAS.
Cups and disc:
Rael
Cora
Organic Cup
Diva Cup
Flex
For pads and tampons, look for 100% organic cotton and you should be golden! When it comes to disc and menstrual cups, look for 100% medical grade silicone. Thermoplastics can contain toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Period underwear, look for 100% organic cotton and a PFAS free lining.
If you want to read up more on EDC's, our sponsor TempDrop has a great article.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right period product is a personal decision influenced by factors such as comfort, convenience, cost, and environmental impact. Each option has its own set of pros and cons. Disposable pads and tampons offer convenience but can be wasteful and potentially irritating. Menstrual cups and discs are more sustainable options, although they require practice and may not suit everyone's preferences.
Consider experimenting with different products to find the one that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and comfort level. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another. Just go with your flow!
We hope this was helpful!
