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What you should know about period products and how to choose the right option: Video

There's no shame in having a period, but there can be some confusion about which products are best. Here's what you should know.

Cody Godwin   Paste BN
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Having a period is completely normal. It’s also totally normal to have a lot of questions when it comes to the variety of products that are available. A simple stroll down the period products aisle showcases a variety of pads, tampons, liners and cups, so it’s not a surprise to be a little overwhelmed by all the options. 

When it comes to deciding what product or products are best for you, there are really only two things you need to consider: How light or heavy is your flow? And what are you comfortable with?

If you have any questions about how to use or insert any of these products, ask your doctor, a trusted adult or find credible resources online. Sometimes the companies that make the period products will have informative content on their websites. Just check the packaging for a QR code or URL.

These products are safe for teens and adults to use. Plus, you can even find compact packaging or fun designs to make you feel comfortable and confident during that time of the month.

Watch this video for a breakdown of some of the most popular period products.

Period products

Here's the good news: You don't have to choose just one type of period product. You can pick what you're comfortable with and alternate as you need to.

  • Liners.

Liners adhere to the fabric sewn into the crotch of your underwear, known as the gusset. These can be used on your really, really light days, as a backup on heavy days and in between periods for discharge or spotting.

Liners should be changed depending on how much it's absorbed and your personal preference. In addition, it’s recommended to change them more frequently if you’re sweating to prevent yeast. 

  • Tampons. 

The “sizes” on tampon boxes refer to your flow, not your anatomy. This changes throughout your period. Some days you’ll need light, on other days you might need ultra. 

Tampon sizes include: 

  • Light.
  • Regular. 
  • Super.
  • Super Plus. 
  • Ultra.

Some size ranges may vary based on brand.

If you’re leaking through the tampon or if it’s uncomfortable to remove because it’s still pretty dry, that’s a good indication you need to either go up or down in absorbency level. Some brands also offer slightly different shapes of tampons, so you may want to consider trying those out to see which works best for your body. 

There are so many styles of tampons to choose from, but sometimes, their names aren’t the most descriptive. For instance, a “compact” tampon is the same as the others. The difference lies in the applicator, which is designed to be more compact, meaning it takes up less space in your bag and is easier to disguise when you need to do a discreet tampon handoff with a friend. 

A tampon should be changed every 4-8 hours, if you’re not already changing it sooner. 

  • Pads.

Pads also have different absorbency levels, plus length options that provide more coverage when you’re lying down. 

Pad sizes include: 

  • Regular
  • Super 
  • Overnight

Some size ranges may vary based on brand.

Pads should be changed every 4-8 hours, if you’re not already changing them sooner.

Can I pee with a tampon in? 

Yes, you can use the bathroom with a tampon in. 

If you’re peeing, simply move or hold the string out of the way so it doesn’t absorb any urine. 

A similar approach should be taken when pooping to avoid any contamination. However, some people may prefer to remove the tampon before pooping as it involves using your pelvic floor muscles which can cause the tampon to scoot its way out of your vagina in the process. 

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Sustainable period options 

Period products are often one-time use items. There are some sustainable and reusable options on the market. Some of these products can be more expensive, but they may be covered by your HSA/FSA.  

  • Organic.

Organic cotton tampons and pads can be an easy swap to make if you’re looking for sustainable, but not reusable. 

  • Period underwear.

For a reusable alternative to pads, consider period underwear. Essentially, it’s underwear with a pad built-in. You wear them, rinse them, wash them and repeat. Plus, they are available in different absorbency levels, sizes for adults and teens and in a variety of colors.

Before washing, check the tag’s instructions to ensure they’re properly laundered. Some brands may recommend replacing the underwear after a certain number of washes.   

  • Cups and discs.

Menstrual cups and discs are popular swaps for tampons, however they do come with a learning curve. It takes some practice to properly get it in, take it out and clean it, while not spilling anything in the process. 

Cups are available in different sizes, so check the packaging to see which size might work best for you. Some brands may suggest opting for the smaller size if you're a first-time user or choosing the larger one if you've had 2+ vaginal births.

Menstrual cups and discs should be emptied at least twice a day and rinsed with soap and water before reinserting. Because of this, some people may prefer to use them when they’re in a place where they know they’ll have a private, single-person bathroom instead of a shared one with multiple stalls. Once your period ends, sterilize the cup or disc in boiling water and let it dry. 

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