The Ultimate Guide to Period Products: Finding What Works for You

Every person experiences their period differently, which is why there are so many options for period care. Whether you’re looking for convenience, comfort, or sustainability, there’s a product out there that suits your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular period products and how they compare.

1. Pads

Best for: Beginners, overnight use, and those who prefer external protection. Pads are one of the most common period products and come in a variety of sizes, absorbencies, and materials. They have an adhesive backing that sticks to your underwear, absorbing menstrual flow externally. Some are disposable, while others are reusable cloth pads that can be washed and reused.

Pros: Easy to use, available everywhere, no insertion required. Cons: Can feel bulky, may shift during movement, and needs to be changed frequently.

2. Tampons

Best for: Active lifestyles, swimming, and discreet protection. Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body. They come in various absorbencies and applicator types, including plastic, cardboard, and applicator-free options.

Pros: Compact, less noticeable, allows for swimming and sports. Cons: Needs to be changed every 4-8 hours, risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if left in too long, requires proper insertion.

3. Menstrual Cups

Best for: Sustainable and long-wear protection. Menstrual cups are flexible, reusable cups made from medical-grade silicone or rubber. They collect, rather than absorb, menstrual flow and can be worn for up to 12 hours. To use, they must be folded and inserted into the vagina, where they create a leak-proof seal.

Pros: Eco-friendly, cost-effective, can be worn for long periods. Cons: Requires cleaning and sterilization, may take time to learn how to insert and remove properly.

4. Period Underwear

Best for: Comfortable, backup protection, and sustainability. Period underwear has built-in absorbent layers to soak up menstrual flow, eliminating the need for disposable products. They can be worn alone on lighter days or as backup protection with other products.

Pros: Reusable, comfortable, great for overnight use. Cons: Needs washing after each use, initial cost can be high.

5. Menstrual Discs

Best for: High-capacity protection and mess-free intimacy. Menstrual discs function similarly to menstrual cups but are designed to sit at the base of the cervix rather than in the vaginal canal. They can hold more fluid than tampons or pads and can even be worn during sex without mess.

Pros: High capacity, can be worn up to 12 hours, allows for intimacy. Cons: Can be tricky to insert and remove, less widely available.

6. Reusable Cloth Pads

Best for: Eco-conscious individuals looking for an alternative to disposables. These washable pads work just like regular pads but are made of fabric materials that can be cleaned and reused for years.

Pros: Environmentally friendly, cost-effective over time, comfortable. Cons: Requires washing and drying, may not be as convenient when out and about.

Which One is Right for You?

Your choice of period product depends on your lifestyle, comfort level, and personal preferences. Some people prefer to use a combination, such as tampons with period underwear for backup or a menstrual cup for heavy days and pads for lighter ones. The key is to find what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident during your cycle.

At Period Bae, we believe that period care should be stress-free and tailored to your needs. That’s why our subscription boxes offer a variety of period essentials, so you can try different products and discover what works best for you. 💖