When it’s that time of the month, it’s important that you’re prepared with the right items. Tampons have been a preferred product for many girls and women, but times are changing.
There are many alternatives to tampons that you might want to consider. They’re affordable, practical, and comfortable, so there’s nothing to worry about.
- Period Underwear
This type of underwear comes in different sizes and styles, and there are various levels of absorbency, ranging from light flow to super heavy flow. Period underwear is, as you’d imagine, absorbent, thanks to its multi-layered gusset.
The middle layer absorbs and locks in the blood, and the top and bottom layers wick moisture and are breathable. The gusset is high and wide to prevent any leakage. It’s easy to care for these items.
All you need to do is rinse them after use and then wash with cool water in a washing machine with other dark-coloured items, or hand wash them. Finally, line dry the underwear. WUKA states that period underwear can be a “complete tampon and pad replacement”.
- Menstrual Cups
A menstrual cup is typically made out of rubber, silicone, or latex, and it’s shaped like a little cup or bowl. To use a menstrual cup, you’d insert it into your vaginal canal.
It can stay there for ten to 12 hours, collecting blood. After this time, you’d dump it out. It’s expected that a menstrual cup can absorb about twice the amount of a super-absorbent tampon or pad.
- Menstrual Discs
These are very similar to menstrual cups, but as their name indicates, they have different shapes. Another distinction has to do with their placement. The menstrual disc is inserted deeper than a menstrual cup, into the vaginal fornix.
Menstrual discs are disposable and should not be reused. Some women prefer them because they can be used during sex, due to their higher location in the body.
- Reusable Cloth Pads
Instead of spending money on disposable pads and throwing them away after each use, you can make a more eco-friendly choice and go with reusable cloth pads. A reusable cloth pad is made out of absorbent material, and it’s intended to snap right into place in your underwear.
It can be worn for up to six hours, and as you’d expect, it’s machine-washable. There are different sizes of pads, depending on the brand and what type of flow they’re expected to be used for.
- Disposable Pads
Disposable pads are often called sanitary pads. They’re made with a sticky substance on one side so they can stick to your underwear. Some disposable pads have wings that fold over the underwear to provide more comprehensive coverage and prevent leaks.
There are different sizes and levels of absorbency, but most are usually made up of rayon and polyester. Many feel that disposable pads are cheap and practical, but they do contribute to waste.
If you don’t want to wear a tampon during your period, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several ideal alternatives.