Your monthly cycle is something unique to your body and your feelings. These days, there are a variety of options for making your time of the month go as smoothly as possible. That being said, there are many options when it comes to types of period products to choose from.
Learning All Of The Types of Period Products
There are a few limits on the types of period products that you can try. Stick with what works for you or find something that is a better fit! At Green Valley OB/GYN, we want you to work with what keeps your monthly cycle stress-free.
Tampons
Tampons are one of the most popular types of period products. A tampon is a plug of soft material that is inserted into the vagina to absorb the blood released during menstruation.
Pro
There are many pros to tampons. To start, their size makes them easy to carry with you everywhere and have on hand at all times. You also are not limited in certain activities. From swimming to all sorts of activities, you barely notice that it is there.
Con
For every period product, there are also cons to consider. Tampons do bring along the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. This is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections.
Along with that, finding the right fit can be an uncomfortable challenge in the beginning.
Sanitary Pads
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Sanitary pads are another one of the most popular of the period products. This is an absorbent pad worn by women to absorb the blood released during menstruation.
Pro
Sanitary pads are great for people who struggle with a heavy flow during the night and day. Finding the correct size and shape is fairly easy because of how many options are available. With these, you also do not have to worry about sleeping in them. There is no risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Con
The main con that people often have with menstrual pads is the ability to see them under clothing. You are also limited in some activities such as swimming. They often require adjustment as they can move around and slip out of place easily.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are also an option when it comes to types of period products. This device is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. It then collects the menstrual materials. It is usually bell-shaped and made out of a variety of materials to decide on.
Pro
The major pro to a menstrual cup is its cost-effectiveness of it. With other products that require rebuying, a menstrual cup is reusable. You only have to buy one to use for many monthly cycles in the future. There is also no chance of a release of an odor due to the device being placed inside the vagina.
Con
Emptying a menstrual cup can create a more messy situation than other types of period products. This does take some getting used to and figuring out your best methods to clean it. Learning how to make sure they are inserted correctly can also be an initial challenge. Along with the removal process, you have to be sure you are learning to sterilize it between uses.
Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are one of the lesser-known types of period products. This is a disc-shaped method of collecting period blood. To insert, it is folded longways and placed inside the vagina.
Pro
While similar to a menstrual cup, the discs can be easier to remove. They do not use suction to sit on the cervix and provide ample protection against leakage and staining. They are very subtle in a way that lets you easily carry them with you for use.
Con
Due to the newer nature of the discs, there are fewer brands and sizes available than most other types of period products. They can also be even messier to remove than the cup.
Period-Proof Underwear
Period-proof underwear is exactly what it sounds like. This underwear acts as a protective measure for collecting period blood. Once you have it on, you can go about your day without worrying about a leak.
Pro
Period-proof underwear is reusable and is positive for the environment with not requiring trash on every bathroom trip. They are great for comfortable overnight protection, as they do not feel different than any other underwear.
Con
On the other hand, period-proof underwear requires 24-48 hours to dry which can be an issue during a menstrual cycle length of time. This then requires multiple pairs. This also means you can’t change them throughout the day, as you can other period products.
We are here to always ensure your period are as comfortable as possible. The first step is finding the correct types of period products for you! Are you looking for more information on a period product? Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 378-1110.