Your Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Hygiene Products

It’s not always the most enjoyable experience but it’s one that most women around the globe have had to deal with since the dawn of time. While it does bring certain blessings, it can be a real nuisance when you have to deal with it for a few days every month. Truth be told, God really picked his favourites with people whose periods last 4-5 days. Others have to welcome its presence for at least a week. Either way, it’s a real rollercoaster ride. You feel absolutely drained (pun intended), cramps can be a real pain and you get these weird mood swings.

As unfortunate as it sounds, it’s the reality of the situation we live in. What helps most in these cases is to simply figure out what eases the inconvenience the most for you personally. Whether that’s cuddling up in your bed and watching your favourite show or going outside for a quick run to clear your head, there’s absolutely no judgment here. While these things, in particular, are all subjective and a matter of personal preference, there are a few universal items that every woman needs when it’s that time of the month.

Types of Menstrual Hygiene Products

Maintaining good hygiene when you’re on your period is absolutely crucial when it comes to preventing weird smells or even infections. Luckily, there’s an array of products you can choose from.

Menstrual Cups

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Source: healthline.com/

You’ve probably come across the popular Diva menstrual cups by now and wonder what all the fuss is about. Well, there are many reasons why women prefer using menstrual cups and it’s more than just the fact that they’re trendy. These types of products are actually quite environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to pads and tampons.

As you may have already guessed from the name, a menstrual cup is a small, bell-shaped container that’s flexible enough to be inserted into your vagina just like a regular tampon. Once the cup is in its proper place, it expands to prevent leakage and any additional discomfort. However, unlike tampons, they don’t absorb the fluid but rather collect it. What’s so great about menstrual cups is that they can hold more blood than any other hygiene product on the market. This is why many women prefer to use them over all the other options.

In addition, you don’t have to throw the cup away after a single use – it can actually be reused several times, if you clean it properly. By doing this, you don’t have to spend money on hygiene products all the time and you get to save the environment by reducing waste. Sounds like a win-win, right? This is exactly why women prefer buying menstrual cups Australia wide.

Their innovative design and convenient use should not cause any discomfort or unpleasant feelings down there once they’re inserted. They’re medical-grade silicone which doesn’t contain any perfumes or harmful chemicals that can cause irritation. With all that in mind, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest in the menstrual cups Australia doctors recommend. With proper instruction on insertion and use, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll come across any problems or health concerns.

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Source: globalcitizen.org/

Menstrual Tampons

Much like menstrual cups, tampons are inserted into the vagina and securely held in place as it slowly expands with all the collected blood. However, these are not reusable so you need to replace them with a new one after each use. These are a good option for athletes and sports enthusiasts because they offer great protection without any extra bulk.

Menstrual Pads

These are the conventional approach to periods and one that’s perfect for beginners due to their ease of application. You simply take the pad out of the wrapper and stick it to the inner part of your underwear and you’re good to go. If you’re new to periods, or simply like a fuss-free solution to this issue, then pads are the way to go. Many feel reluctant to use other methods since they’re scared they won’t be able to insert them properly. While this hesitancy is understandable, all feminine hygiene products are completely safe for use at all times.

What Period Products Should You Use?

Honestly, there’s no right or wrong answer here. You choose whichever one feels most comfortable for you. Pads are normally the most frequent choice because of their practicality and functionality. On the other hand, menstrual cups and tampons won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a diaper constantly. They’re compact and can easily be stored in a purse or pocket. Bottom line is, it’s up to you to decide how you want to go about it. At the end of the day, you’ll be the one using these products.

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Source: asparagusmagazine.com/

How Often Should You Change Period Products?

Look, there’s no straightforward answer here because it all depends on the type of day you’re having. If it’s a heavy-flow day, you might want to change period products more frequently. As a general rule of thumb though, professionals recommend that you empty your menstrual cup at least 6 hours after insertion and swap out pads and tampons every 4-6 hours. It’s important to keep things clean on a regular basis to prevent toxic shock syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition where bacteria enter the body and release harmful toxins. It’s not a common occurrence but you do need to take all the necessary precautions just in case. Better to be safe than sorry, after all.