Menstruation is a part and parcel of every healthy woman’s reproductive age. It is highly significant and forms the basis of human existence. But while it must be accepted and celebrated because of the same, it is often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. In such a situation, the lack of menstrual health awareness can lead not only to loss of health due to unhygienic menstrual practices but also promotes a sense of low self-esteem and negative body among young women. To overcome this, we need a thorough menstrual guide in place that can help us learn more about this beautiful natural phenomenon so that we can bust the myths associated with it and promote the right knowledge among the population. Only then can we ensure good reproductive health of young girls and women and teach them to be proud of their bodies, be confident, and work and play as equals in society.
The foremost way to bring about this revolution is to make menstruators aware of the various menstrual products available in the market which they can use for managing their periods and staying healthy and hygienic during this time. So, let us move on to learn about such products.
Menstrual Hygiene Products
Menstruation is a natural biological process that repeats itself every 28 to 35 days, as a part of a more complex menstrual cycle. Your menstruation or periods are characterized by a loss of bloody fluid which is a combination of blood, mucous and uterine tissue that are discharged in the absence of pregnancy. As this fluid can cause discomfort due to wetness, lead to infections and can also stain your clothes, you need a hygienic way to manage it properly. This is where menstrual hygiene products come into the picture. These products are designed to absorb or collect menstrual fluid, ensuring comfort, sanitation, and confidence during your periods. There are different types of menstrual products like pads for periods, tampons and more which you can choose to best fit your preference and requirements.
and convenience. Let us explore the various types of period products, their uses, and the benefits they offer.
Sanitary Pads
Also known as sanitary napkins or simple pads, sanitary pads are one of the most commonly used menstrual products. Teaching about their use, benefits, and application is thus a vital part of any menstrual guide. Sanitary napkins are soft pads made of highly absorbent fabric. They have an adhesive side which you need to stick to the gusset of your underwear to use them. Menstrual pads come in various sizes and thicknesses, to meet the demands of different flow levels.
Benefits:
● Widely available and very popular
● Convenient and simple to use
● Portable; can be easily carried in your purse
● Risk of discomfort or infection is relatively low if changed regularly
● Availability of numerous types and designs such as scented and unscented options, antibacterial pads, ultra-thin pads etc.
Tampons
Tampons are another popular period product. They are small, cylindrical-shaped structures that are made of absorbent material like cotton or rayon. Tampons need to be inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood.
Benefits
● Freedom of movement- Tampons allow you to participate in various physical activities, including swimming and other sports, without concern of them getting displaced or leaking.
● Discreet and comfortable- Once inserted correctly, you cannot even feel a tampon inside.
● Portable- Being very small, you can discreetly carry or dispose of it
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups have gained immense popularity in recent years owing to their eco-friendly, reusable and cost-effective nature. They are fabricated using medical-grade silicone and are very flexible and comfortable to use. They need to be inserted into the vagina where they collect menstrual blood.
Benefits:
Eco-friendly- Menstrual cups can be reused for several years in a row which reduces the environmental impact of disposable products.
Cost-effective- Since you can repeatedly reuse a menstrual cup, you can save a lot of money on disposable menstrual products.
Extended wear- As opposed to pads for periods or tampons which need to be changed every 4-6 hours, menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, providing longer protection.
Period Panties
A modern innovation in menstrual hygiene, period panties are the most convenient and comfortable of all period products. They are special underwear specifically designed to absorb the menstrual fluid, eliminating the need of using any other products.
Benefits
Leak-proof protection- Period panties provide protection against leaks and stains.
Environmentally friendly- Being reusable, they reduce waste and contribute to sustainable menstruation practices.
Comfortable and discreet- Since they look and feel just like regular underwear, they are completely discrete and extremely comfortable.
Menstrual Discs
With menstrual health awareness, you can also learn about lesser-known products like menstrual discs. They are like menstrual cups but have a distinct design which also makes their usage slightly different. They need to be placed at the base of the cervix for use. This allows you to have a mess-free and comfortable period, especially if you have a low-lying cervix.
Benefits:
Reduced mess- Menstrual discs offer a very less likelihood of leakage when compared to tampons or pads.
Suitable for low cervix- Those who have a low cervix may find menstrual discs more comfortable than other internal products.
Organic and Biodegradable Options
In recent years, organic and biodegradable menstrual hygiene products have become increasingly popular. These products are designed using naturally occurring materials and so break down more quickly in the environment after their disposal.
Benefits:
● Reduced environmental impact- Such products help to reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution.
● Hypoallergenic- As they are made with natural materials, they are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is essential for your health and well-being. The wide range of period hygiene products available on the market today offers choices specifically to meet your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles. From traditional pads and tampons to eco-friendly options like menstrual cups and period panties, every period product has its unique features, uses and benefits. We hope that this menstrual guide has helped you become aware and understand these options well, and now you can have a comfortable, healthy and confident period experience. Remember, menstrual hygiene is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of self-care and empowerment.