Period products are a huge market today. There is a version of a period product for each person and preference.
Pads
Pads are absorbent liners that are placed in the underwear or clothing to help absorb blood from a period. There are hundreds of versions of pad options available from absorbency, reusable vs. disposable, and what types of material the pad is made from.
Pads are easy to use and disposable. They are fairly discreet except for maybe when you open the wrapper!
Pads can come thin like liners that you use with small amounts of bleeding or large and thick for overnight use.
It is important to pay attention to your body’s response to the pad you use. Some pads have scents or colors in them that can be irritating to the vulva. If you notice irritation with or right after use, it may be that you need to use a different pad.
We recommend avoiding pads with essential oils or scents because these commonly cause irritation.
Tampons
Tampons are absorbent products placed inside the vagina to absorb period bleeding. These also come in many sizes and absorbency.
Most tampons in the US come with an applicator to help you place the tampon. A small string hangs out of the vagina for removal.
It’s important to change your tampon every few hours. Leaving a tampon in for an extended length of time can cause issues for your health.
Tampons cannot be flushed and need to be disposed of in the trash.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are cup-shaped silicone products placed inside the vagina to collect the period blood.
To insert the cup, you pinch on both sides and place it in the back of the vagina. It creates suction to prevent blood from escaping and the blood collects in the cup.
To remove, you push in on one side of the cup and gently remove the cup. Dump the period blood in the toilet, rinse the cup, and replace if needed.
You should empty the period cup every few hours.
Menstrual cups are typically reusable and can be sterilized by boiling them in between periods.
Menstrual Discs
A menstrual disc is similar to a menstrual cup except instead of using suction to adhere to the vagina, it sits behind the pubic bone to stay in place.
This also collects the blood in the disc and should be emptied every few hours.
Period Underwear and Swimsuits
There are now period underwear and swimsuits available. These clothing articles are made to absorb period bleeding and be discreet.
Menstrual Health Support in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
Haven Health helps patients navigate menstrual health, period concerns, and product choices in Greensboro, North Carolina and by telehealth across the state.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities trust Haven Health for patient-centered reproductive education and care.
If you live anywhere in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or anywhere in NC, you can meet with a provider virtually and get guidance on menstrual concerns and products that work best for your body.
Haven Health is committed to helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in managing their menstrual health.