While tampons have been around since the 1930s, they remain one of the most common menstrual products today. You can easily keep them concealed in your purse or pocket, unlike pads that take up space in your bag. But if you’re sick of tampons and are looking for something new, here are some alternative menstrual products.
1) Teen Period Pants
Period pants are absorbent underwear that is worn while menstruating. Unlike tampons and pads, they’re reusable, and you can wash them in a machine-friendly cycle. They also come with an optional waterproof liner for added protection. According to WUKA, “Teen period pants absorb up to 4 tampons worth of blood, that means a whole day’s worth of period protection.”
2) Menstrual Cups
Consider a menstrual cup if you’re looking for an alternative to tampons and pads that lasts for years and is more environmentally friendly. Menstrual cups are small silicon or rubber cups inserted into your vagina during your period. It collects fluid rather than absorbing it as a tampon does. Women typically change them every 6–12 hours, depending on how heavy their flow is.
Although menstrual cups are a bit pricier upfront than tampons and pads, they can save you money in the long run. For example, one user saved $600 in one year by switching to a menstrual cup.
3) Period Underwear
Period underwear is essentially a pair of shorts or a legging designed to hold up to three tampons worth of blood. It’s also machine washable and useable after multiple periods before needing to be washed again.
When it comes to alternative menstrual products for tampon and pad users, many women make a change simply for comfort. For those who don’t need to worry about leakage but are still uncomfortable with traditional feminine hygiene products during their periods (which is most of us), period underwear offers another option that might be more comfortable than what you’re used to.
4) Menstrual Discs
Try disposable menstrual discs if you’re a little freaked out by reusable menstrual products (and no shame if you are—it’s not a common topic in our sex-ed curriculum). As their name suggests, they look like CDs with wings; they slip into your underwear to collect blood flow and can be disposed of each day. The product is called Flex Discs, and we found them on Amazon for about $8 for ten discs—much cheaper than tampons or pads.
5) Reusable Pads
Reusable menstrual pads may be a new concept for many women. In addition to being an environmentally friendly way to deal with your period, reusable pads come in a variety of fun fabrics and patterns. Some even have high-quality medical-grade materials that can reduce odor and prevent chafing. Reusable menstrual pads are great for those who swim or exercise regularly throughout their cycle.
The pads snap together and come in a washable bag that you can stash in your gym bag or purse. So if you’re worried about leaks or stains ruining your fancy undies, reusable pads are an easy fix.
There are so many options for alternative menstrual products on today’s market. When you shop around and find something that works best for you, there is no reason to use a tampon again.
Flavia