How to Choose Period Products

Choosing which menstrual products to use is a decision everyone makes on their own. Healthcare providers don’t recommend one type more than another.

Instead, OB/GYN providers recommend that everyone choose what suits them the best.

“When choosing period products, people will prioritize cost, sustainability, comfort, and ingredients,” said Marissa Levine, DO, an OBGYN provider at OB/GYN – Ridgeway.

Our OBGYN providers share several types of period products and list their benefits and drawbacks.

Types of period products

Tampons

Tampons are one of the most commonly used period products. These are inserted into the vagina using an applicator and removed via an attached string.

Pros:

• Less irritation
• Lower cost compared to other products
• Better dryness compared to other products
• Lasts 6-8 hours on average, longer than other products
• Disposable

Cons:

• Uncomfortable for some women to insert
• Not reusable (for environmentally friendly consumers)

“Products like tampons may not be the best option for women who have heavier periods with clots,” said Dr. Levine. “Those clots don't tend to soak into the tampons very well.”

Sanitary pads

Pads are another commonly used menstrual product. These liners sit inside your underwear and soak up menstrual blood, preventing leaks.

Pros:

• More comfortable for women who find inserting products to be uncomfortable
• Lower cost compared to other products
• Disposable

Pads are absorbent but still need to be changed every 3-4 hours, which is more frequent than other period products. They may also have leakage more often than other products.

Cons:

• Lasts 3-4 hours on average, needs to be changed more frequently
• Not reusable (for environmentally friendly consumers)

Menstrual cups or discs

Menstrual cups and discs are made of silicone. They are inserted into the vagina and collect the blood during your period.

Menstrual cups form suction with your vaginal walls to stay in place; menstrual discs come in various sizes and sit in place.

Pros:

• Less likely to leak, less irritation
• Reusable (for environmentally friendly consumers)
• Lasts up to 12 hours

Cons:

• Uncomfortable for some women to insert
• Higher cost

Period underwear

Similar to a pad, period underwear absorb your menstrual blood without the need to insert anything. Made in a variety of designs, period underwear have more absorbent fabric and moisture wicking to make them comfortable to wear.

Pros:

• No insertion needed
• Reusable (for environmentally friendly consumers)

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other products
• Irritating feel for some women

“Reusable products like menstrual cups or period underwear will be more expensive upfront, but in the long run, because they are reusable, they do tend to help women save cost,” said Dr. Levine.

Concerns about using new period products

If you are using a new type of product, there isn’t any risk of changing from one type of product to another. Whatever works best for you is the right product for you.

For any women who are just starting to use tampons, Toxic Shock Syndrome is a concern to be aware of. If tampons are left in for longer than 8 hours, there is an increased risk of this acute on-set illness, which is characterized by fever, low blood pressure, a sunburn-like rash, and vital organ failure.

Any questions about your period or any period products can be asked of your OBGYN provider.

“If you are bleeding or soaking through any period product consistently in less than an hour, you should contact your OBGYN as soon as possible,” Dr. Levine said.