Menstruation is a vital and natural aspects of a woman’s reproductive health. Women utilize various menstrual products to maintain hygiene, manage period pain and keep themselves comfortable. The market for these products has evolved significantly in recent years with vast alternatives for menstrual products available in the markets. Many of these not only provide increased levels of comfort and convenience but are also economical and eco-friendly.

When it comes to menstrual hygiene products, it is crucial to recognize that every woman has unique menstrual requirements and preferences. Factors like ease of use, eco-friendliness, sustainability, safety, and easy access should be taken into account while selecting these products.

This article delves into the diverse range and types of available menstrual aids and products along with their alternatives and sheds light on each one’s pros and cons.

Traditional Menstrual Products

Disposable Sanitary Pads

They are most commonly used worldwide. Made from a combination of plastic, wood pulp, and super-absorbent polymers, they are widely available and easy to use, but their disposition generates a significant amount of non-biodegradable waste.

Tampons

Tampons are inserted directly into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. They are available in a range of absorption capacities, making them adaptable to varying rates of discharge. While tampons might be more agreeable than pads for some, their usage has been associated with a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

Should you find the process of inserting a tampon cumbersome, consider using a reusable applicator that facilitates easy placement into the vagina. When purchasing disposable sanitary products like pads or tampons, opt for those which have not been bleached with chlorine and are made of organic cotton without the inclusion of harmful chemicals.

Eco-friendly Menstrual Products

Contemporary research suggests that more women are turning towards eco-friendly menstrual products

Menstrual cups

The usage of menstrual cups has surged in popularity recently, owing to their environmentally-friendly attributes and economic benefit. Manufactured from medical-grade silicone or rubber, these cups are designed to be placed within the vagina for collecting menstrual blood.

They offer protection for up to 12 hours and can be reused following thorough washing, thereby offering sustained protection without creating any waste products. It may present an initial challenge for some users to adapt to using menstrual cups; however, with consistent practice and adherence to cleanliness standards, they hold the potential of revolutionizing your period care routine.

Reusable cloth

These pads offer a sustainable and comfortable alternative to disposable sanitary pads. Made from absorbent fabrics such as bamboo or cotton, they can be reused for several years with proper care. They are available in different sizes and absorbances to suit different flow intensities. Unlike disposable pads that come with a sticky adhesive, reusable pads are fastened on your underwear with Velcro or snaps.

As these pads contribute significantly less waste to landfills, they make a better choice for environmentally conscious women.

Innovative Menstrual Products

Period Panties

Period Panties are underwear specifically designed to absorb period flow without the need for other menstrual products. They have multiple layers of absorbent material which keeps you feeling dry and comfortable. Period panties have varied absorbency levels, and style/size options catering to different menstrual needs. This option provides an additional layer of protection against leaks and can be a convenient choice for days with lighter flow.

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual Discs are crescent-shaped devices made from medical-grade materials that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike menstrual cups, they are designed to sit higher in the vaginal canal, making them less noticeable during use. Menstrual discs can hold more fluid than tampons and it is considered a great tampon alternative as they are a viable option for women with a heavier flow.

Scientifically Proven Menstrual Pain Relief Devices

Besides maintaining proper hygiene during periods, a woman also needs a menstrual pain relief machine to get relief from unbearable and irritating period pains. Such devices provide instant, soothing, and long-lasting relief from menstrual pain and allow women to go about their daily tasks without hiccups.

Based on TENS technology (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), this sort of device emits comforting electrical pulses via adhesive electrode patches. These pulses obstruct pain messages from the brain and trigger the release of hormones called endorphins to soothe your menstrual cramps and make those days bearable.

Features to Consider Before Buying Period Pain Relief Devices

Type of Technology

Check what technology or method the period pain device uses. The key period pain relief devices are heat therapy-based, TENS-based, and Vibrations type devices.

Portability

The device should be easy to carry around for work, travel, outdoors, etc. Also, you should be able to wear and move around in the home comfortably.

Long-lasting battery

Most menstrual pain relief devices have attached batteries that need charging. Fast charging and a long-lasting battery will make your life easier.

Medically safe

The device must not have any potential side effects and should not hamper your other bodily functions.

Comfort and Design

The device must adorn an aesthetically pleasant design and ergonomically comfortable built-in shape.

Effectiveness

Look for devices that are clinically proven to mitigate period pains.

Other Tips to Consider While Using  Period Products

• Talk to your doctor about alternatives to disposable pads that might work for you
• Try using the alternative at home on the day of light flow
• Use the alternative with a panty liner or thin pad to avoid leaks
• Stop using the alternative if you experience any side effects
• Modern and contemporary period pain relief products are safe and have added advantages over traditional ones

Accessibility and Menstrual Equity

Menstrual equity refers to the accessibility and affordability of menstrual products for all individuals. But in several regions worldwide, these menstrual products are not conveniently available to all females, a significant concern underscored in an article by Harvard Medical School. The lack of access makes maintaining appropriate menstrual cleanliness difficult, leading to health complications, absence from educational or professional environments and an overall diminished life quality.

Today, these menstrual products are available free of cost or at subsidized rates in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Besides this effort, governments, organizations, and activists are working to address menstrual equity issues with further initiatives like community-based menstrual product production and distribution to empower women in marginalized communities.

Wrapping Up

The availability of diverse menstrual product options and alternatives has revolutionized the way women manage their periods. Women can now choose from a diversity of menstrual products from traditional disposable pads and tampons to innovative menstrual cups and period panties as per their comfort, lifestyle, and environmental concerns. With ongoing efforts to address menstrual equity and the continuous evolution of menstrual products, the future looks promising for improved menstrual care for all women.

Gradually, women are shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly options which reduce waste and also empower them to take charge of their menstrual care.