What are Period Products?
Period products are made to absorb the menstrual blood released every month in a female of reproductive age. A large number of period products can be used at the periods to lead a normal life and perform their daily chores without many disturbances. Some period products that a woman should know about are menstrual or period pads, tampons, period or menstrual cups, and period pants.
Menstrual or Period Pads
Period pads are padded strips with sticky sides to get attached to the panties and keep the pads in place. There are two sides to period pads; one has sticky material to get attached to the panties, and the other side is made of the highly absorbent material used for soaking menstrual blood.
Advice on Choosing Period Pads
Period pads are the most common period product used by the general population and females who initially get their periods as they are most easy to use. They are available easily in the markets and common in various sizes to fit women of variable sizes and age groups. They are also available with variable absorbance capacity to change them according to heavy or light menstrual flow days.
A thinner and smaller category of period pads is pantyliner to be used on very light flow days. They should be changed every 4- 6 hours, and the timing depends upon the menstrual flow. The period products should never be flushed into toilets, but they sometimes come with wrapping material to wrap in and throw in the bin.
Another category of period pads is reusable pads that are available and can be washed and reused.
Tampons
Period product tampons are made of cotton wool as a small tube that can be inserted into the vagina to absorb the menstrual blood. The tampon has a string at another end that is meant to pull out the tampon when it needs removal. Instructions are given with it for insertion, and if inserted appropriately, they do not feel inserted into the vagina. The tampons expand as it soaks blood. These are also available with different capacities of absorption. Therefore, these are also chosen accordingly.
- 1. Advice on choosing tampons
- 2. Change them regularly
- 3. They must be changed every 4-6 hours, considering the menstrual flow.
- 4. Remember to change the tampon if it is worn overnight
- 5. Never forget to remove the tampon at the end of periods.
- 6. Foul or unpleasant discharge indicates that the vagina still has tampons in it.
- 7. Consult the doctor if the foul discharge from the vagina persist
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Menstrual Cups
Period cups are the reusable period product to be inserted into the vagina during periods. They are environment-friendly and can collect more blood than pads or tampons. Their instructions must be followed before using them. They don’t pose the risk of tampon-like complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should women choose the right menstrual product?
Women should choose the right period products by looking into the size and absorbency level. Lighter days, medium days and heavier days of menstrual flow should be considered before choosing the period product.
What are the best menstrual pads?
According to gynecologists, the best menstrual pads are the ones that are organic and associated with the least chemical involvement in their manufacturing. The cotton pads that are biodegradable and rash-free must be chosen over other period pads with fancy fragrance and appearance due to bleaching chemicals. Some of the examples of best-to-choose period pads are:
Plush period pads (they are 100% pure Cotton )
- 1. Nua period pads
- 2. Pee-safe cotton pads
- 3. Corman organic pads
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When to consult a doctor?
If during the use of any period product, the following health issues are observed, then the doctor must be consulted:
- 1. Severe high temperature
- 2. Flu-symptoms
- 3. Fatigue
- 4. Skin rash
- 5. Diarrhea
- 6. Dizziness
- 7. Difficulty breathing
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Are reusable period products safer for use?
Yes, reusable period pads are safer in comparison to standard sanitary pads. Disposable pads have chemicals for bleaching, adhesives, and artificial fragrances that may cause rashes and irritation.
Is the cost of period products covered under insurance?
Pads and tampons are considered medical requirements, and their expenses are now FSA ( flexible spending account) eligible. The expenses can be reimbursed with HRA ( health reimbursement arrangement).
Can a woman get the period product for free?
Period products are not yet freely available in India, but some of the Indian states are working on providing access to period products like pads. Some places worldwide have taken the initiative to provide free access to period products, like New Zealand, Scotland, Washington, and New York.
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