ReadingBody care

Choosing the right period products

Pads · period underwear · tampons · cups compared

Pads

The most familiar option

Every 3–4 hours

  • Nothing goes inside the body, so there is less to get used to
  • You can see exactly how heavy your flow is
  • Available in any drugstore or supermarket
  • Wearing one too long can get damp and cause irritation
  • Leaks can be a worry on heavy days

Period underwear

Washable and reusable

6–12 hours depending on flow

  • You just put them on like normal underwear
  • No waste, and a pair lasts a long time
  • Reassuring overnight when leaks worry you
  • Costs more upfront than disposables
  • Needs rinsing and drying after every use

Tampons

Worn internally

4–8 hours, never past 8

  • Completely invisible under clothes
  • Easy for swimming and sport
  • Small enough to carry anywhere
  • Leaving one in too long carries a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) — stick to the time limit
  • If you might sleep longer than 8 hours, use a pad overnight instead
  • Forcing one in on a light day can feel dry and uncomfortable

Menstrual cups & discs

Collects rather than absorbs

Up to 12 hours

  • One insertion lasts most of a day, so far fewer changes
  • A single cup lasts years
  • Nothing sits against your skin, so no damp feeling
  • It can take a few cycles to get the knack
  • Needs sterilising in boiling water each cycle
  • Emptying it in a public restroom can be awkward

Choosing between them

Think about heavy days and light days separately. Plenty of people use something high-absorbency early on and switch to something lighter later in the period.

If leaks worry you, double up. A tampon or cup with period underwear underneath is a common combination.

If you get itching or a rash, switch. A particular material or fragrance may not agree with you. Starting with unscented products is a good move.

Stick to the time limits on internal products

Leaving a tampon or cup in too long can, rarely, cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). If you get a sudden high fever, a rash, dizziness, or vomiting while using one, remove it straight away and get medical help.

Sources

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