Menstrual Hygiene Made Simple: Which Period Product is Right for You?

Periods are a normal part of life, but the experience is different for every person. Some people have short, light periods, while others may experience heavy flow or longer durations. That’s why menstrual care can’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Today, there are several period product options, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, comfort, and health needs.

To help you make an informed decision, Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, Director of IVF & Fertility at Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, explained the most commonly used period products, their benefits, disadvantages, and how to use them safely.

1. Sanitary Pads: The Most Popular Choice

Sanitary pads are absorbent sheets that stick to your underwear and soak up menstrual blood. These are the most widely used menstrual products in India and are available in both disposable and reusable forms.

Pros:

• Easy to use, especially for beginners.
• Do not require insertion, so they feel less invasive.
• Available in various sizes for light to heavy flow.
• Widely available in both urban and rural areas.

Cons:

• Disposable pads generate a lot of plastic waste.
• Not changing pads every 4-6 hours can lead to rashes, infections, and even urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Some scented pads may cause skin allergies or itching.

Safety Tip:

Change your pad every 4-6 hours to maintain hygiene. If using reusable cloth pads, wash them thoroughly and dry them under sunlight.

2. Tampons: Discreet and Convenient

Tampons are small cotton cylinders inserted into the vagina to absorb blood directly. They come with or without applicators and are popular among active women.

Pros:

• Great for physical activities like sports and swimming.
• Small, easy to carry, and comfortable once you get used to them.
• Help reduce odour as the blood is absorbed internally.

Cons:

• Must be changed every 4–8 hours. Leaving a tampon in for too long can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – a rare but life-threatening infection.
• Some women may feel uncomfortable using tampons due to personal, cultural, or medical reasons.
• There are common myths in India about tampons affecting virginity, which is not true.

Safety Tip:

Always wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Choose the right absorbency for your flow and never use one for more than 8 hours.

3. Menstrual Cups: The Eco-Friendly Solution

Menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped cups made of medical-grade silicone that collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it. You insert the cup into the vagina, and it can be reused for years with proper care.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time.
• Can hold more blood than pads or tampons.
• Can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time.
• Don’t dry out the vaginal walls like tampons can.

Cons:

• Learning to insert and remove the cup takes practice.
• Not suitable for everyone, especially women with a low cervix or vaginismus.
• Requires access to clean water and privacy for washing, which may not be available in all households.

 Safety Tip:

Sterilise your cup before and after each period. If you’re trying a cup for the first time, consult your gynaecologist and follow a step-by-step guide.

4. Period Panties: The Comfort-First Option

Period panties are specially designed underwear with built-in absorbent layers that can absorb menstrual blood. They can be worn alone or as backup with other products like cups or tampons.

Pros:

• Comfortable and non-intrusive, feel like regular underwear.
• Great for young girls, older women, or those with light flow.
• Reusable and environmentally friendly.
• Helpful for overnight protection.

Cons:

• May not work well on very heavy flow days.
• More expensive upfront compared to pads.
• Need to be washed and dried properly to avoid infections.

Safety Tip:

Use period panties for lighter days or as backup. Wash them with warm water and let them dry completely in sunlight.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Your choice of menstrual hygiene product should match your lifestyle, comfort level, health, and access to clean facilities. Here’s a quick comparison to help:

Product	Best For	Reusable	Requires Insertion	Good for Heavy Flow	Eco-Friendly
Sanitary Pads	Beginners, rural access	Some	No	Yes	Only cloth pads
Tampons	Active lifestyles, swimming	No	Yes	Yes (super absorbent)	No
Menstrual Cups	Long working hours, sustainability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Period Panties	Light flow, overnight, teens	Yes	No	Sometimes	Yes

Expert Advice: Don’t Ignore Hygiene

Regardless of the product you choose, personal hygiene is key. Always wash your hands before and after changing menstrual products. If using reusable items, make sure they are properly cleaned and dried. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections, skin irritation, and discomfort.

Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary also recommends that doctors, schools, and families should help young girls and women understand their options and teach proper menstrual care early.

Final Word: There’s No One Right Answer

There’s no single product that suits everyone. Some people may prefer the convenience of disposable pads, while others choose menstrual cups for sustainability. What matters most is choosing a product that makes you feel comfortable, safe, and confident.

As awareness about menstrual hygiene grows, it’s important to keep talking about periods openly — not just in clinics, but in schools, families, and society. After all, periods are natural — and so is finding what works best for your body.

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Note to readers: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor before trying a new menstrual product or if you experience discomfort during your period.