What is a period? Simply it is the shedding of a uterine layer and expelling of an unfertilized egg, through the vagina. I’m sure there are many definitions, but for the purpose of this article, this explanation is easy to follow. Menstrual products help with managing a period.

I remember my grandmother telling me that in her teen years they had rags made from cut up fabric that they used monthly, washed and used again. My mother’s generation really only had pads and tampons. Now we have so many options and it can be hard to tell the pros and cons of every choice. I have found that trial and error is the only way to be sure of what is right for your body. Everybody is different, our needs are different too.

Genetics does play a role in how your period happens within the body, and this impacts your choices around contraceptives and menstrual products. Some contraceptives like the pill, contraceptive implants, IUDs and the contraceptive injection are known to change or pause a person's period. The are many options available, but that is a conversation to have with medical professionals. Your doctor can advise you of your contraceptive options. For now, let me lead the discussion with the most common, and effective, menstrual products available today.

Product: Pads 

Application: This is a simple panty liner with one absorbent side and one sticky side, the sticky side adheres to your underwear. Some come with wings to help hold it in place and others don’t. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small panty liners to larger overnight pads for protection during sleep.

Pros: 

• Simple and easily available.
• Not as messy of a clean up than some other options.
• Great for beginners and people still in school as they are easily concealable when you need to change it.
• No insertion needed.
• Can be used when awake and asleep.

Cons:

• Some people have allergies to some brands.
• They don’t always stay in place, thus underwear staining can occur.
• Depending on what you are wearing they can be noticed.
• Can not be used while swimming.
• There is a lot of wastage over a person's lifetime, not particularly eco friendly.

My experiences:

I used pads for years, as it was the easiest option at the time. I never felt overly comfortable in them and ended up with a lot of stained underwear, but they did the job for me and I was happier with the lower TSS risk at the time. I also developed an allergy to a few of the brands, so changing to an organic cotton based pad worked better for me.

Product: Tampons 

Application: Unlike pads, a tampon is self-inserted into a person’s vaginal opening. There it absorbs your menstruation. 

Pros:

• Simple and easily available.
• Good for beginners and people still in school as they are easily concealable when you need to change it.
• Can be used while swimming.
• Smaller and cheaper.
• Not noticeable when in use.

Cons:

• Some people have allergies to some brands.
• Higher TSS risk when not changed 4-5 hourly.
• Can not be used overnight (risk of TSS).
• Depending on religious or personal reasons these may not be a good option for you.
• There is a lot of wastage over a person's lifetime, not particularly eco friendly.

My experiences:

I have used tampons here and there over the years. Most of the time I have had no problem with them, except if I sneezed and it popped out, I also personally I have found them to be hard and uncomfortable to insert at the beginning and end of my period. While having to keep more of an eye on the clock for changes because of TSS risk, stressed me out, so this became my back up or swimming only option really. 

Product: Menstrual Cups
(also called Luna Cups or Diva Cups)

Application: Menstrual cups are a small cup with a stick like handle, these are inserted into the vaginal opening and collect the menstruation, they are then emptied and cleaned before reuse.

Pros:

• Comfortable for most people.
• Good for beginners and people still in school as they can stay in longer between cleaning and re-insertion.
• Can be used while swimming.
• Can be used overnight.
• This is a good money saver as they only need to be replaced every 2 years or so.
• Not noticeable when in use.
• Lower TSS risk than tampons
• A lot more ecofriendly than disposable options.

Cons:

• The angle of your vaginal canal can make them uncomfortable for some.
• Depending on your flow you may need to empty, clean and replaced a few times a day.
• Depending on religious or personal reasons these may not be a good option for you.

My experiences:

Several of my friends use menstrual cups as their main menstrual product. Personally I couldn't find a comfortable way to position it within my vaginal canal, and found that this product wasn't for me. However as this is a popular product for many women, and may be right for your body.

Product: Period Underwear

Application: Unlike pads, tampons or menstrual cups there’s no real application needed. Just pull on a different pair of underwear and you’re done

Pros:

• Simple and easily available.
• Good for beginners and people still in school as they don’t need changing.
• Reusable, eco friendly and with no wastage.
• Cost effective as you only need to replace them as you would normal underwear.
• Not noticeable when in use.
• No TSS risk.
• Can be used overnight.

Cons:

• Can smell if not changed regularly.
• Need washing before reuse (some brands need to be hand washed only).
• Can’t be used swimming so tampons or a menstrual cup will still be needed for swimming.
• If you have a very heavy flow you may need to change underwear during the day which means rinsing out the used pair and sealing them in a plastic bag.

My experiences:

I have found period underwear to be the best option for me personally. I don’t get allergy rashes like I did from pads, they’re not uncomfortable like the menstrual cup was for me, I can wear them day and night and there is no TSS risk. I did have some that the stitching fell apart after a few months of use and that sucked, but I changed brands and have been very happy with these since.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock can happen to anybody, but using menstrual products incorrectly increases their risk of developing it. Each product has their own risk, this is why the product directions should always be followed. TSS occurs when a bacterial infection grows in something like a tampon, if not treated immediately it can cause long term health issues or death. You can lower your risk factors by maintaining personal hygiene, washing your hands before changing menstrual products and following product directions. TSS is rare but when it occurs it is normally associated with internal period products such as tampons and menstrual cups. More information can be found here.

What else can help you?

Some people experience cramping in their abdomen, in my experience heat packs on my stomach or lower back can help quite a lot. Previously we were advised to use hot water bottles, now we are advised to use wheat packs and TENS machines (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine). I don't have any experience with these machines and can't speak to their effectiveness for period pain. Treating cramping is a personal experience, it is important to find what works for you.

Vitamin supplements can help some with period side effects, but maintaining a good diet and staying hydrated will provide the basis for your body to perform its natural function. If you feel you need extra dietary support I have two suggestions. Magnesium can help with cramping and sore muscles. Iron can help those with a heavy flow, who feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Hopefully this information will help you make informed choices around what menstrual products are right for you during your period. Companies can try and make things prettier with flowery packaging and inspirational quotes, none of this makes you feel any better. To look after yourself sometimes all you really need is comfort food and a good movie in bed.