Are you beginning to think about which period protection you’d like to use during your menstrual cycle?

In this blog post, we’re going to share different ways you can manage your period.

Girlhood: The Story - Period Journal & Planner

What are Single-use Period Pads & Liners?

Period pads and liners (sometimes called sanitary pads or towels) often come individually wrapped in a pack of around 16 and can easily be bought from most shops. Once unwrapped, they stick to the inside of your knickers and collect your bleed.

Pads can vary in the amount (absorbency) of blood they can hold. Period pads can be worn throughout your period, on your lighter and heavier days, and need to be changed every few hours.

Some pads have wings which stretch over the side of your knickers and wrap around underneath. The wings help to keep the period pad in place.

You can buy pads and liners both online and in the shops.

There are also organic period pads and liners available. These often cost more but contain no plastic. They are made from cotton and are biodegradable, and have no other added chemicals, such as bleach. If you’re interested in organic period protection items, head over to Myfreda, or TOTM.

What are Reusable Pads?

Reusable pads are made from either cotton or bamboo and come in a range of absorbencies, colours, and patterns.

Reusable pads don’t stick to your underwear. They have poppers on the sides which wrap around your pants and clip together.

Instead of throwing the pads into the bin, you simply hand wash them or place them into the washing machine. Once dry, you can wear them again. Reusable pads will last you around 5 years.

Bloom & Nora offer a cute range of reusable pads, you can use this guide to find your perfect pad.

What Are Tampons?

Tampons are made from cotton or rayon-based material and are placed inside the vagina and they work by absorbing your blood before it leaves your body (just like a sponge absorbs water).

Tampons are available with or without applicators. Applicators help you guide the tampon into your vagina. Each tampon has a string attached to the bottom of it and when you wish to take the tampon out, simply pull on the string and the tampon will slide out.

You can do all different activities, including swimming, whilst wearing a tampon. Tampons come in different absorbencies and can be worn for up to 6 hours. Make sure to change them regularly.

Interested in trying tampons? Check out OHNE or Daye for an organic option.

What Are Menstrual Cups?

Menstrual cups are usually made from silicone or rubber. They are flexible, bell-shaped cups that you fold and place inside your vagina.

The cups have a little grip at the end of them. When you want to remove the cup, lightly tug on the grip and it will slide out.

Menstrual cups can be worn for 12 hours and you can swim whilst wearing one. Menstrual cups are great for the environment and can last up to 10 years.

There are a wide range of menstrual cups, it may be that you need to try a couple before finding one that you’re comfortable using. Lunette and Nixit offer two different types of cups.

What Are Reusable Period Pants?

Period pants are simply a pair of pants that look like your normal underwear but have absorbent layers inside which catch your blood. Period pants can be worn on both your lighter or heavier days.

Once you’ve worn them, simply hand wash or chuck them in your washing machine, dry, and they’re ready for when you next need them. You can use a set of period pants for around 2 years.

Want to try period pants? Check out WUKA and ModiBodi, they also both offer a tween and teen range.

Choosing the Right Period Wear For You During Your Menstrual Cycle

It may take a while to decide which period wear is right for you, and that’s fine.

Reusable period protection options are great for the environment and it means you’ll no longer need to pop to the shops to restock on single-use pads or tampons.

Take your time and try a few options. Perhaps you’ll want to wear one option on your lighter days and another when your bleeding is heavier. If you’ve been using period products for a while, consider switching it up a bit and trying something new.

Wrapping It Up

There are a range of period protection options available to you, ranging from pads, tampons, cups, to period pants.

Finding the right period protection is a personal choice. Try a few and see what feels comfortable for you.

Would you like to capture your period experience and learn more about your body and periods? Check out our new Girlhood period planner and journal.

By Rebekah Louise

www.rebekahlouisewrites.com

Choosing The Right Period Protection For Your Period