You pull down your pants and see a patch of red on your undies.
Yep, you got your period.
While you’re getting used to the feeling of bleeding for days on end, you’ve also got to figure out which menstrual product to use? Ugh, talk about a roller-coaster ride.
Fear not, we’re here to talk about the best period products for beginners.
But, before we begin,
What Is The Menstrual Cycle?
Every month, a menstruator bleeds for a few days and this is known as menstruation, more commonly referred to as “Periods”. Every month the ovaries release an egg during ovulation, for fertilization. During this time the uterus also develops a thick lining. When fertilization doesn’t happen, this lining breaks down and exits the body along with the egg in the form of blood.
On an average, this cycle takes 28 days, with the bleeding that may last for around 4-6 days. Usually the onset of menstruation sets in at the age of 12 years. However, some menstruators might start earlier and some might start later.
Do We Get Periods Every Month?
A period is a natural and monthly occurrence in the lives of menstruators. “That time of the month” is a familiar period euphemism used among many people. In some cases, if you have irregular periods you might get your cycle every other month or once in three months. It is important to consult your gynecologist in case your periods are inconsistent.
What Products Can I Use When I Am On My Period?
Back in the day, menstrual products were very limited with pads and tampons being the most widely used products. However, with the onset of time, there are numerous products that you can pick and choose from. “The world is your oyster” quite literally applies when it comes to your menstrual products!
Listed below are the period products that you can try while you’re bleeding:
- Sanitary Pads:} Sanitary pads are the most commonly available period products. You can use sanitary pad like a pro after just your first period!. Easy and direct to use, pads come with a sticky backing that can be removed and stuck to the crotch of your panty. The ease of using a pad makes it one of the go-to period products for first time menstruators. They are comfortable and very easily available. Although, if not changed frequently, pads can often cause rashes and skin irritations.
- Tampons: Tampons are made out of super absorbent fabric and formed into a cylindrical shape. Tampons are to be inserted inside your vagina in order to soak up blood. They also come with an applicator variant for easy insertion. Tampons help you lead an active lifestyle and come with the added benefit of swimming, dancing, running and exercising on your period without worrying about a thing. However, tampons do need to be changed every 3-4 hours and there is a risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome associated with the use of tampons.
- Period Panties: Period panties are superhero panties that you can use while bleeding! Simply slip them on and go about your day. Period panties provide maximum coverage and absorption, making them a decent choice. Reusable period panties need to be washed and dried carefully to avoid any sort of infections. But don’t forget to change it every 4-6 hours.
- Menstrual Cups: Like tampons, menstrual cups are also period products inserted inside your vagina which collect blood. Made of medical grade silicone, a single cup can be used for up to 5 years making it sustainable- environmentally and financially! It is important to sterilize a menstrual cup to prevent infections, many menstruators also face a learning curve when it comes to inserting the cup initially. However, once you get the hang of it, there’s no going back.
- Menstrual Discs: Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups. Made of the same medical grade silicone, the only way menstrual discs differ is their shape. Like the name suggests a menstrual disc is in the shape of a disc which helps collect blood while you’re on your period. The best part? A menstrual disc makes period sex mess-free! Now that sounds like a huge win doesn’t it?
While it can seem overwhelming at first, it is important to take your time while choosing your period side-kick. What may work for someone else may not work for you, and that’s completely normal! It’s important to try and test the products before deciding what suits you the best. This may come from using a pad or a cup, at the end of the day, it is your comfort that needs to be prioritized. Not anyone else’s.
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✍️ This article was curated by Sarah Abraham
