Almost every girl experiences periods during the onset of puberty. Despite its natural occurrence, it can still be a confusing stage of life. Young females who are undergoing this change should be informed about the different types of menstrual hygiene products available to support them during this time. By being informed, they can make better decisions about what feminine hygiene products work best for them.

In this blog, we’ll delve into various menstrual hygiene products to help teenagers learn which is right for them.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Disposable Sanitary Pads

Disposable pads are worn in underwear to absorb menstrual flow and should be changed every eight hours. They come in various sizes, absorbencies, and materials, often featuring wings for added security and leak prevention. However, they may add to waste accumulation, incur high costs, and the scents used in pads may lead to skin irritation.

Tampons

Tampons are one of the most common menstrual hygiene products used. These absorbent devices are made from cotton and/or rayon, and are designed to be inserted into the vagina to soak up menstrual flow. They expand when wet to help prevent leaks and can be worn for a maximum of eight hours. They are typically removed using a string.

While convenient, tampons may lead to toxic shock syndrome, causing damage to organs. Therefore, menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns should be conducted to prevent such problems.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of rubber or silicone that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. They can be emptied every 8 to 12 hours, rinsed, and reused, making them cost-effective. They are suitable for activities like swimming and exercising. There are no major drawbacks associated with these feminine hygiene products, but users must maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections.

Period Underwear

Period underwear is one of the less commonly used feminine hygiene products. It resembles regular underwear but is highly absorbent. It can serve as a suitable replacement for pads or tampons for those with light flow. Period underwear is comfortable, convenient, and can be washed and reused multiple times, making it useful for those who want to avoid disposable products. However, it needs to be changed after every 12 hours. So every cycle will require 5 to 7 pairs of underwear.

Join Us in Supporting Menstrual Health Education and Resources

As you can see, there are numerous types of feminine hygiene products out there. Consider reviewing the above list to find the perfect one for you. For more information, you can check out the other blogs on our site.

We are Nishka Utpat and Kaanchi Utpat, two sisters who founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity called Utpat Foundation. Our mission is to raise awareness of menstrual hygiene products and support young girls by providing access to essential products and education. By addressing issues such as sanitary napkin awareness, we empower girls to live healthier, more confident lives. To sponsor our initiatives or get involved, get in touch with us today!