Menstrual protection – What are your options?

Curious about all the protection options for your period? You’ve heard of pads and tampons. What about period underwear? Reusable pads? A menstrual cup or menstrual disc?

Pads

Pads are the simplest protection. Just stick one in your underwear and you’re set. Change every 3 - 4 hours.

Pros of pads:

1. Very easy to use.
2. Multiple sizes. Heavier flow? Larger pad. Lighter flow? Smaller pad.
3. Great for sleeping - there are dedicated night pads.

Cons of pads:

1. You need to change them frequently to reduce bacteria growth and odor.
2. Not suitable for swimming.
3. They can shift during sports.
4. Fragrances and chemicals can cause skin irritation.
5. Single-use means not eco-friendly.

Tampons

Tampons are great because you insert them into the vagina and forget about them for 4 - 8 hours - depending on your flow. They take a bit more practice to place correctly, but once in, you don’t feel them.

Pros of tampons:

1. When placed correctly, you don’t feel them.
2. Small and discreet.
3. You can swim (change after each swim as it absorbs water).

Cons of tampons:

1. They can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
2. They can irritate and dry out the vagina.
3. Not recommended overnight if you sleep more than 8 hours.
4. Like pads, not eco-friendly.

Menstrual cup

Made from soft medical-grade silicone. You insert it into the vagina like a tampon. Its biggest advantages: you can reuse it for years and wear it for up to 12 hours at a time.

When choosing a cup, you’ll see many shapes and sizes.

If this is your first, check out menstrual cups by Satisfyer. For €15.95 you get two cups in two sizes.

Generally, pre-birth users choose smaller cups; after childbirth a larger cup is recommended. Shapes vary because bodies and anatomy do. Your first cup might not be perfect for you - don’t give up. Once you find your match, it’ll serve you for years.

Pros of menstrual cups:

1. Because you can use it for years, you save a lot of money.
2. They’re very eco-friendly.
3. You only need to empty it every 12 hours - once in the morning and once at night, ideally in the shower. You can be worry-free during the day.
4. Wear it while swimming, sleeping or working out - it stays in place.
5. No unpleasant period smell when using a cup.
6. Doesn’t irritate the vagina.

Cons of menstrual cups:

1. It takes time to learn to insert and remove it. Once you do, it’s quick and easy.
2. Emptying means dealing with blood - which can feel uncomfortable for some. Don’t worry: it’s less than you think and you’ll get used to it.
3. After your period, sterilize in boiling water.
4. Each time you empty it, rinse with water and, if possible, wash with a mild soap.

Menstrual disc

Similar in principle to the cup, with similar pros and cons - but it sits differently once inserted. One extra plus: you can wear a disc during sex.

Another difference: there are discs made for single use.

Period underwear

This is leakproof underwear with built-in absorption. Change every 3 - 6 hours. Wear it on its own or as backup with other methods. It’s also great when you expect your period but don’t know exactly when - you can be totally worry-free.

Pros of period underwear:

1. More comfortable than pads.
2. Very discreet.
3. Perfect with tampons or while you’re learning to insert a cup or disc.
4. Eco-friendly.

Cons of period underwear:

1. Changing in public is impractical and you’ll need a waterproof bag to carry them home.
2. Rinse or soak in cold water before washing with other laundry.
3. If you want to use them for your whole cycle, you’ll need several pairs, which isn’t cheap upfront.

Reusable pads

Cloth pads fasten with snaps. They’re made from similar materials as period underwear and need changing every 3 - 6 hours.

Pros of reusable pads:

1. In the long run, you’ll save money.
2. They’re eco-friendly. Plus, you’ll never run out at home when your period surprises you.
3. Comfortable - many say they’re comfier than disposables.

Cons of reusable pads:

1. Changing on the go is impractical because you need to carry the used ones.
2. They can shift during wear.
3. You’ll need a small stash since you change them regularly - especially if you don’t do laundry daily. Wash like period underwear.

See you!