Menstrual Hygiene products: Find Your Best Fit

To find what works for you may entail a moment of trial and error on a few products or a combination of products.

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you need to wear a particular outfit but all you have as a menstrual hygiene product is just a pad or some other thing that might still be visible in. There are not only pads in our markets. Say hello to trendy hygiene products such as smaller (different sizes) pads, menstrual cups, tampons and period panties. Once inserted, tampons offer invisible protection and they allow you to go swimming whilst on your period but it is advised to not keep it in for more than 8 hours. Pads are adhesive and rest on the inside of your underwear to absorb your flow. It is advised that you change pads every 4 to 5 hours no matter the volume of your flow so as to avoid bacteria growth and odor. Tampons and pads now have organic types for bio-conscious persons. A menstrual cup is a silicone sanitary product that you insert into your vagina, ready for your menstrual blood to flow right into. It is easy to use and cost effective as it can last for up to 10 years if you clean it properly. Period panties are made with extra layers and special fabrics in the crotch area to absorb menstrual blood. Wash them, re-wear them, and wash them again. Reusable pads are designed to fit in your underwear, snap securely in place, and absorb your menstrual flow. You need to change it every 2 to 3 hours. To clean it, you have to rinse, soak it with mild detergent, wash and dry it on a line.

Also, you may have a preference when it comes to your choice of underwear generally, health experts advise women to wear cotton panties as they are breathable and reduce the risk of infections. If you're going to use a menstrual cup, then you can wear any type of underwear because the cup fits inside the vaginal area thus, no blood flows out as everything is collected in the cup for about 10 to 12 hours. The tampon which is also inserted can be worn with a good cotton pant but note that it is to be changed after 6 to 8 hours. If you fail to change it on time, blood may lick out of it and stain your outfit. You may want to carry a spare one along especially if you have a heavy flow or will have to spend the day out. With pads, adhesive makes it easy to stick on just whatever material or shape of panty but remember that the volume of your flow. In any case, avoid very tight fitting dresses when you wear a pad as it may print out and attract attention to you.

In summary, know that all menstrual hygiene products are created equal, and all are considered safe by doctors when used properly.

Doreen Sere Penn with blogs (Grove Collaborative)