Different Types of Period Products
We don’t see periods talked about all that often, but when they are it’s usually in cheesy ads trying to sell you certain period products. There are a range of different period products offered to help people manage their periods, and different options work for different people. Our friends at Family Planning have helped us to explain the most common period products to help you understand the differences, and which period product might be best for you.
Pads
Pads are single use cotton pads that you stick to your underwear and soak up blood. They have sticky wings that are easy to apply and come in a range of different sizes and absorbencies.
Why people like them?
People like using pads because they are easy to apply, are generally effective in soaking up blood without leaks, and can be thrown away after use so you don’t have to worry about any clean up.
Tampons
Tampons are pieces of cotton in a small cylinder shape with a string attached to them. Tampons are inserted to soak up blood and can be removed by pulling the attached string. You can buy tampons in a range of sizes, and you can even buy ones with special applicators that help to insert them.
Why people like them?
People like tampons because when inserted correctly you can’t feel them, they stop any blood from leaking out so help to keep things clean, and can be used for things like swimming.
Period underwear
Period underwear look just like normal underwear, but are designed with special absorbent material that soaks up blood rather than letting it leak through.
Why people like them?
Period underwear feel just like normal underwear and are environmentally friendly. Period underwear are also a great option for people with heavy flows who want to use them as a backup alongside another product.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are small silicone or rubber cups that are inserted to catch blood. You can buy menstrual cups in a range of different sizes and colours.
Why people like them?
When inserted properly menstrual cups can be just as comfortable as tampons, and just like tampons they can be used for things like swimming. Plus, menstrual cups are friendly on the environment and your wallet, as they can be cleaned and reused.
Reusable pads
Reusable pads are like regular pads, but instead are made from cloth and have a button that can be used to clip them around underwear. These soak up blood the same way a normal pad would as well, the main difference is that with reusable pads you are able to clean them and use them again.
Why people like them?
People like reusable pads for all the same reasons they like pads, they are easy and reliable. The added bonus with these is because they are reusable, they are more environmentally friendly.
