There are many different menstrual products on the market and we are so happy about that! There is something for everyone and menstruation is gradually becoming a more discussable topic. We have listed the most popular menstrual products for you.  

 

• Sanitary pads / Period pads

Sanitary pads are perhaps one of the best-known menstrual products. Sanitary pads have an adhesive strip at the bottom that you use to stick the pad in your underwear. This keeps it from sliding. Depending on the size you buy, you will need to change sanitary pads regularly. Not only for blood loss, but also for the formation of bacteria. Sanitary pads are a good option if you prefer not to insert anything into the vagina. The disadvantage is that you cannot swim with period pads.

In recent years, many sustainable period pad alternatives have also appeared on the market. These are period pads that you can wash out, often made of a fabric that breathes better than disposable sanitary pads.

• Tampons

In the 1970s, the Tampon became more famous. You insert a tampon into the vagina to absorb your menstrual blood. You can remove the tampon by means of the string. The advantage of the tampon is that it is not visible and you can swim with it.

It is also important to change tampons every 4 hours on average because of bacteria that can form on it toxic shock syndrome (TTS) can cause.

• Menstrual cup

A menstrual cup is a silicone cup that you fold and insert into the vagina. The cup unfolds in the vagina and sucks a vacuum. The cup then collects the menstrual blood. Because no oxygen can reach it, bacteria cannot form and you can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. This makes it a lot healthier to use than tampons. The menstrual cup has become very popular in recent years due to its durability. One cup lasts for years.

Menstrual cups come in different shapes and sizes. Find out how to choose a menstrual cup here.

A variation of the menstrual cup is a menstrual disc. This one is a bit flatter. One of the advantages of a menstrual disc is that penetration during sex is possible.

• Menstrual underwear

Menstrual underwear is underwear that collects your menstrual blood. It looks like normal women's underwear, but you can do it without any other protection during your period. This is due to the special materials it is made of.

You wear menstrual panties during your period without needing extra protection. However, you can too in addition to other menstrual products use, for example if you have a very heavy period or simply want some extra security. For example, women sometimes combine menstrual underwear with the menstrual cup if they still have to get used to using it.

You can read the pros and cons of menstrual underwear here.

• Menstrual cycle

A menstrual sponge is actually a more flexible version of a tampon. Menstrual sponges have no string. You insert the sponge and it closes the cervix. A menstrual pad offers longer protection than a tampon. There are both disposable and reusable menstrual sponges.

 

• Free bleeding

Free bleeding is a feminist movement in which menstrual blood is not collected. This is usually done to break the taboo around menstruation, but it can also be a liberating experience. You may feel more connected to your body and think more about your period.