Beyond Pads: Explore your Options

Image source: spot.ph

In the lifetime of an average woman, we experience 450 periods. From the age of 13 to about 50,  a window of 3 to 7 days for every month of our lives is dedicated to the transformative dance of our uterus and the tide of hormones, emotions, and physical changes.  It is the most natural phenomenon that accompanies our womanhood. Whether you're an adventurer seeking freedom, an eco-warrior fighting for a greener future, or simply looking for comfort and convenience, there is a menstrual product out there that will suit your needs and empower you to take charge of your cycle!

1. Sanitary Pads 

Sanitary pads, also known as menstrual pads or sanitary napkins, are good old trustworthy friends for many of us. It has been made commercially available for over a century. The pads are typically equipped with multiple layers of absorbent materials (e.g., rayon, cotton, and plastic) to soak up the menstrual blood and have an adhesive side that is to be attached to the inner linings of underwear.

Pros: 

• Widely available at any supermarkets, pharmacies, or convenience stores.
• Very easy to use. 
• Offer various types, sizes, thicknesses, and absorbances to cater to individual needs such as flow levels. 
• Overnight sanitary pads can be worn during sleep

Cons: 

• Disposable sanitary pads have to be discarded after each use and they are not biodegradable. This contributes to the build-up of environmental waste.
• Not cost-effective. While the cost of one package is not too steep, sanitary pads cannot be reused. The lifetime cost of a package or two of sanitary pads every few months can add up to a significant amount.
• Require regular changing at approximately every 4 hours to prevent bacteria growth and odour.
• May cause minor irritations. Some types or brands of sanitary pads might be subjectively bulky or uncomfortable to certain users. 

2. Tampons  

Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina canal to collect menstrual flow. Just like sanitary pads, tampons are available in different absorbency levels. Additionally, tampons also come in two main types of applicators: applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons. Applicator tampons have a plastic or cardboard applicator that helps with insertion, while non-applicator tampons are inserted directly using a finger. 

Image source: mooncup.co.uk

Tampons should be inserted into the vagina using the applicator or finger until the tampon is comfortably positioned near the cervix. The tampon expands to absorb menstrual flow once inside the vagina. It is important to ensure that the tampon is placed properly to prevent discomfort and leakage– this takes practice and getting used to. To remove a tampon, gently pull the string downwards until the tampon is fully outside the vagina.

Pros: 

• Better discretion compared to sanitary pads. Tampons being sleeker in size are less conspicuous compared to sanitary pads. 
• Less bulky in comparison to sanitary pads, allowing more freedom for movement during physical activities. 
• Can be worn even during water-based activities such as swimming.
• Offer a wide range of absorbances for different flow levels, catering to different individual needs. 

Cons: 

• Higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if the tampon is not changed regulary.  While this condition is rare, it is fatal and often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampon use in young women. It is caused by overgrowing of the bacteria in the vagina in the presence of a blood-soaked tampon. 
• The symptoms are high fever, flu-like symptoms, widespread rash, and difficulty in breathing. To reduce the risk, use the lowest absorbency tampon you can and change your tampon every 6-8 hours. However, it is to be noted that tampon use does not directly cause TSS.
• Takes multiple practises to insert the tampons correctly. Insertions of tampons into the vagina have also been reported to be uncomfortable by some women. 
•  Leakage is common. Often, an additional panty liner is needed. 
• Just like sanitary pads, tampons are disposable and non-biodegradable. Thus, it is not an environmentally-friendly or cost-effective option.

3. Menstrual Cups 

The truth is, menstrual cups are not new inventions! They have always been around since the early 1930s but it wasn’t until recently that the use gained large popularity. Menstrual cups are typically made of medical-grade silicone, latex rubber, or elastomer. They are bell-shaped and flexible.

Image source: saalt.com

To insert a menstrual cup, fold it and then insert it into the vagina. Once inside, the cup opens up and forms a seal against the vaginal walls, collecting menstrual fluid. The cup should be positioned below the cervix but not too low. 

To remove a menstrual cup, it is gently squeezed or pinched at the base to break the seal and then pulled out. The contents of the cup can be emptied into the toilet, sink, or a designated container. After emptying, the cup should be rinsed with water before reinsertion. At the end of your cycle, sterilise the cup with hot water. Just like your sanitary pads and tampons, menstrual cups come in different sizes to accommodate variations in cervix height and flow. 

Pros: 

• One menstrual cup can last you 10 years. Hence, as long as you sterilise your cup properly after each cycle, you can use it for a decade. This makes menstrual cups the most eco-friendly and cost-effective option among all menstrual products. 
• Can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow.
• When properly inserted and sealed, many women reported fewer leaks and a much more comfortable experience compared to tampons or sanitary pads.
• Suitable to be worn during various activities, including swimming.
• They are discreet. 

Cons:

• The initial learning curve for insertion and removal. 
• Emptying and cleaning the cups can be inconvenient in public restrooms.
• May not be suitable for individuals with sensitivity to silicone or latex.

4. Menstrual Discs

Not many have heard of menstrual discs. Its mechanism is rather similar to menstrual cups, just that the design is different. Menstrual discs have a round or oval shape with a flat, flexible rim. They come in different sizes to accommodate variations in vaginal anatomy and flow. Some brands offer multiple sizes, while others have a one-size-fits-all design. They are typically made of silicone. 

Image source: saalt.com

Unlike menstrual cups, the disc is designed to be placed higher in the vaginal fornix, behind the cervix to collect menstrual flow. Insert a menstrual disc, it is folded and squeezed into a more compact shape. It is then inserted into the vagina, aiming towards the back, and pushed back until it is positioned behind the cervix. Removal involves hooking one of your fingers behind the rim of the disc and pulling it out.

Pros: 

• Can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the flow. 
• Suitable to be worn during various activities, including swimming.
• The mental disc is inserted into a location higher in the vagina, resting on the base of the cervix. Such a position allows the disc to collect menstrual fluid without interfering with sexual activity or being felt during use– this is the most significant advantage of using a menstrual disc that the other menstrual products could not offer. 
•  They are discreet. 

Cons: 

• Not as widely available as the other options.
• Some users have reported uncomfortable experiences of having felt constant pressure against the cervix when they use a menstrual disc. 
• Unlike menstrual cups, the disc is another unsustainable option as it is disposable and non-biodegradable. 
• While the mental disc is only for one-time usage, its cost is pricier than the other disposable menstrual products such as menstrual pads and tampons. Thus, it is not budget-friendly. 

5. Period Panties

These look and feel just like your normal underwear. However, they have built-in multiple absorbent layers of fabric, including an inner absorbent layer made of materials like cotton, microfiber, or bamboo charcoal. These layers are designed to quickly absorb and wick away moisture, keeping you feeling dry and comfortable. Period panties can hold varying amounts of fluid, depending on the brand and style. Most period panties are reusable and can be washed and worn again. After use, they should be rinsed or soaked in cold water to prevent staining and then washed using a gentle detergent. Some brands also offer specific washing instructions to maintain the effectiveness and longevity of the absorbent layers.

Pros: 

• Very easy to use and very convenient 
• Many period panties incorporate leak-proof technology to prevent any leakage or staining. This can include additional layers or barriers that provide extra protection, especially during heavier flow days or overnight use.
• Period panties are often designed with breathable fabrics that help reduce odour and promote air circulation. They are made to be comfortable and can provide a more breathable alternative to disposable pads.
• Period panties are reusable. They are an eco-friendly choice that can help minimise the use of disposable menstrual products.

Cons: 

• To ensure you're adequately prepared for both day and night during your period, it's important to create a collection of multiple period panties that will meet your needs. Having a sufficient supply is essential, thus the initial cost may appear high.
•  If you experience heavy menstrual flow, you might consider using a pad or tampon in conjunction with your period underwear on your heaviest days to ensure complete leak protection.

All in All

With a wide range of menstrual products available, it's important to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Don't be afraid to explore new options and step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's menstrual pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, or other innovative products, each has its unique benefits. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your menstruation experience and discover what works best for you. By choosing the right product, you can feel confident, liberated, and in control. Always remember, it's your body, your cycle, and your empowerment to choose what works best for you. 

This article is written by Ke Feng, Bpharm(Hons) DOC2US,
reviewed by Dr. Lee Siew Ling, MD (DOC2US). 

References: 

1. Chavez-MacGregor, M., van Gils, C. H., van der Schouw, Y. T., Monninkhof, E., van Noord, P. A., & Peeters, P. H. (2008). Lifetime cumulative number of menstrual cycles and serum sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women. Breast cancer research and treatment, 108(1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-007-9574-z

2. International Planned Parenthood Federation. (2020). Periods products: What are the options? Retrieved from https://www.ippf.org/blogs/period-products-what-are-options

Written By

Ke Feng, Bpharm(Hons) DOC2US

Reviewed By

Doc2us Medical Board