7 period products that make your life easy!

A person gets about 450 periods in a lifetime. Nowadays concerns around period products sustainability are rightfully increasing.             

1. Sanitary Pads: 

Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that can be stuck in the panties and also have extra wing like material on their sides. These "wings" fold over the edges of the underwear so as to hold the pad in place and prevent leaking and discomfort.

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Various types of sanitary pads are:

• super
• slender
• overnight
• scented
• maxi
• mini

Some girls get heavy periods. And most girls have light days and heavier days. Pads could vary by size or by absorbency. 

How Do You Use Pads?

Pads are required to be changed every 3 to 4 hours, even when one has a light flow. Pads should be changed regularly so as to avoid bacteria buildup and foul odor. When the person has a heavier flow, one might need to change pads more often to make sure one does not leak.

Two different pads perform same jobs:-

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• Disposable pads. When the pad has wings, one wraps these around the bottom of the crotch. 

To remove the pad, unstick it from the underwear and wrap it in toilet paper. Put it in the trash could or in the special disposal box that's found in most bathroom stalls. 

• Reusable pads. These pads are washed after each time one wears them. They are sold in natural health stores and online. These kinds of pads get clipped to the underwear. Girls might use these pads because they feel they are better for the environment or to save money. 

2.  Tampons

Tampons absorb blood from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it is compressed into a small tube. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbances for heavier and lighter periods.

Tampons also could come with or without deodorant. There is no need for deodorant in a tampon, though, because changing tampons regularly commonly gets rid of any odor. The deodorant in tampons causes allergy and irritation in vagina. Some tampons come with an applicator. The first time one uses a tampon, try to do so on a heavier flow day. This would make the tampon slip in easier.

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How to use Tampons?

A tampon is inserted into the vagina using an applicator or a finger. It's very important to change tampons every few hours and that one wears the absorbency type that is right for one. Change a tampon every 4 to 6 hours or when it is saturated with blood.

Tampons have a string at one end that stays outside. Pull the tampon string carefully and when the tampon comes out wrap it in a paper and dispose off.

Do not flush a tampon down the toilet. Even when the box says a tampon is flushable, tampons could still cause problems in some plumbing systems.

Because one could not see a tampon, one will need to remember when it is time to change. when the person forgets to change it, one might get spotting or leakage on the underwear or clothing.

If it is time to change the tampon and one could not find the string, worry not! The tampon is still there. Reach in with the fingers to find the string.

Some girls worry that tampons could get lost inside their bodies. But there is no way this might happen. The vagina holds a tampon in place and the opening of the cervix is too small that it cannot get through.

It is important to change tampons often. A tampon that is left in very long would not get lost. But a girl might get a discharge, odor or an infection. Using the same tampon for a very long time might lead to the risk of rare but very dangerous disease called toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

3. Menstrual cups

You put the cup inside the vagina and the cup collects the blood rather than absorbing it.

Unlike period pads and tampons, that one throws away after they've been used, menstrual cups could be washed and used again. Some people choose to use them because they are reusable. Thus, tampons are a cheaper and environment friendly option. It could also collect more blood than a tampon.

It's important to make sure one empties the menstrual cup based on the manufacturer's instructions and wash the hands, and the menstrual cup, before each use so as to reduce the danger of toxic shock syndrome.

4. Period pants

Period pants are designed to be worn during the period like everyday pants. They absorb period blood like any other menstrual product. They are environmentally friendly as they could be washed and used again.

One will need to have quite a few pairs so that one has got enough to get one through the period. one will also need access to a washing machine so that one could wash them once one has used them.

There are different absorbances depending on how heavy the bleeding is. They can be used alone or along with other period products whichever suits the user. It takes time to getting used to them and are required to be changed after every 4 to 6 hours. The prices can be compared before purchasing.

5. Menstrual discs

Silicone or plastic menstrual disc is inserted into the vagina, and rests on the base of the cervix. Like the menstrual cup, it could stay in for up to 12 hours, and works by collecting blood in the disc – and again, similar to the cup, learning the proper usage might take some time.

Menstrual discs are not reusable thus they are not eco friendly.

6. Panty liners

Panty liners are just like pads but they are less bulky. They are designed for light flow days and could help protect the clothing without the bulky feeling. 

They have an adhesive side that sticks to the underwear, and they absorb menstrual blood.

7. others

Other commonly used period products include:

• Hair trimmers — Menstrual blood could stick to pubic hair and irritate the skin. one could carefully trim or shave some of the pubic hair to prevent excessive sticking. 
• Intimate gel wash — When the person is prone to yeast infections, try a gel wash designed to balance out the pH. 
• Wet wipes — They offer a quick and portable option for freshening up when the person is on the go, especially when one has a heavy flow.

Comfort and satisfaction with period products: 

Most people are able to use cups and tampons irrespective of virginity. Some people do not want to insert anything in the vagina, in that case pads or period panties would be preferred. They could be purchased online or at many department stores. 

Environmental impacts of period products: 

The environmental impact of a product could be estimated through a life cycle assessment.                 

Outcomes of poor menstrual hygiene?

Good menstrual hygiene helps one go about the day with ease and keeps one healthy that a poor menstrual cycle might lack. Have more doubts on hygiene and issues? Talk to Gytree experts to get the right guidance.

Proper menstrual hygiene helps prevent:

• Urinary tract infections — Microbes could grow in old menstrual blood and cause inflammation of the vulva, vagina, and urethra, which could lead to a urinary tract infection. When the person uses reusable cloths to absorb the period blood, make sure to properly wash them. Change the pad or tampon regularly, and gently clean the vulva with warm water when needed. 
• Genital rashes — Old blood could dry and stick to sensitive tissues, causing rashes on the genital area that might be itchy, swollen, and  very painful.
• Reproductive tract infection — Good hygiene could help prevent reproductive tract infections like yeast infections. Untreated infections could travel up the vaginal couldal and damage the cervix. 

In some areas, women are not able to practice good menstrual hygiene. Many women develop menstruation related problems in India especially in rural areas because they do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene. Thus providing education about the same is very important.