Six Types of Feminine Products: Here Are Your Options

Did you know that the average woman will have around 450 periods during her lifetime? That equates to about 10 years of her entire life. The average menstrual cycle lasts from two to seven days, resulting in a large amount of money being spent on period products. 

There are countless feminine products to choose from. Gone are the days when tampons and pads were the only feminine hygiene products available. While having a lot of choices is great, it can be hard to figure out which is the best kind for you. 

We're going to talk about the six main types of feminine care products. If you have to spend a good chunk of your life on your period, you might as well be using the best feminine hygiene products available. 

1. Tampons

Tampons are one of the most popular and well-known types of feminine care products. They can be made of rayon, cotton, or a combination of both materials. Tampons are cylindrical in shape and are made from disposable materials. 

There's a wide variety of tampons available for people with light to heavy flows. You can also opt for unscented or scented options. 

If your body can tolerate a tampon, you can wear one without feeling it. You can also take part in your normal activities, like playing sports or swimming. Tampons are also convenient to transport. 

Toxic shock syndrome is one of the major concerns regarding tampons. It's a rare condition that's caused by a bacterial infection. One of the major risk factors for it is wearing tampons. 

Another downside you might encounter is the cost of using tampons. Tampons can cost anywhere from $6 to $15 for each box. 

2. Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pads go by a few different names, including:

• Pads
• Pantyliners
• Menstrual pads
• Sanitary napkins

They're another popular type of feminine care product. Pads are made from synthetic or natural fibers. They also come in different thicknesses depending on how light or heavy your flow is. 

You wear a pad externally on the inside of your underwear. Another bonus about pads is that you don't have to worry about toxic shock syndrome. 

Those with heavier periods might feel more safe wearing a pad. Some women might also pair a pad with a tampon on days where their flow is the heaviest. 

Like with tampons, a downside of pads is the continual expense. You might have to switch out your pad every few hours, creating a lot of waste. 

3. Period Underwear 

If you're looking for natural feminine products, you might want to explore period underwear. Period panties have multiple layers, making them different from normal underwear. They're more absorbent than pads or tampons. 

Some women use period panties at night for backup protection. The biggest downside of this option is the upfront cost. Period underwear could cost up to $40 for a pair and you might need to purchase multiple pairs. 

The great news about period panties is that you'll save money over time. You'll also create less waste than pads or tampons. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that period panties could absorb the same amount of blood as two tampons. You still have to change them regularly. This could potentially be messy and inconvenient if you're not at home.

4. Menstrual Cups

For those looking to create less waste and save money, check out menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are made from rubber, latex, or silicone and come in a variety of sizes. 

A menstrual cup could last for around 10 years. You can also wear it for up to 12 hours while still doing your normal activities. 

The initial cost might be a downside, with menstrual cups costing anywhere from $20 to $40. They might not be a good option for those who have a heavier flow. 

5. Reusable Cloth Pads

Another eco-friendly period product is reusable cloth pads. They work like disposable menstrual pads and come in two pieces. You can wash cloth pads and use them at another time. 

While the initial cost is around $30, you'll save money over time with cloth pads. You also won't create as much waste as you would if you were using disposable pads. 

Cloth pads are also less bulky than other sanitary pads. This makes them less visible, more breathable, and flexible. 

You might need multiple pairs of cloth pads to get you through your period. Depending upon what color they are, you might have to wash them quickly so they don't stain. 

6. Menstrual Discs

A menstrual disc is a flexible ring that sits at your cervix's base. It collects your period blood in a soft bag that's made from medical-grade polymer. You insert the disc with your fingers and it'll mold to your shape. 

You can wear a menstrual disc for up to 12 hours. People find the biggest perk of menstrual discs is that they can have sexual intercourse while they have one in. With a menstrual cup, you have to take it out before having vaginal intercourse. 

Menstrual discs also won't slip as menstrual pads will. This makes discs a great option for those who do high-impact workouts. 

The upfront cost for a pack of eight discs can be up to $15, making them more expensive than tampons. You also might find that their removal is messier than a menstrual cup. 

How Do I Know What Option Is Best for Me?

Some women get overwhelmed with the feminine hygiene products available, especially when some of them are expensive. Do your research beforehand and find the best option that fits your lifestyle. You'll also want to make sure you pick an option that's good for how heavy or light your flow is. 

Find the Best Feminine Products for You

It can be difficult navigating the various feminine products available. Each has its own pros and cons. Finding the best option available for you will hopefully make your periods easier to deal with. 

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