It has become a routine, no, more like a habit to carry an extra and an emergency sanitary napkin. Each of your bags, be it your travel or work handbag, would contain a spare pad. And along with that you also have other essentials to save your day. Carrying sanitary products are very important. Because being extra cautious is never too bad, if not you someone else might be in need. So whether it is a cute brunch or date, your sanitiser, tissue, mints, pads, makeup and wallet, are some of your staples. If you need a better idea of what period essentials to carry, watch this video.
Period Products You Should Know About
Every woman has their own preferred period product, from cups to pads. When choosing or switching your product to another, you must remember to buy something that you are comfortable with. Click here to know more about menstrual products and which one you should pick.
1. Pads
Sanitary napkins or pads are the most commonly used period products. Yet they are wrapped in paper and stuffed in black bags to keep it a secret. But gone are those days and you can now choose from a variety in-store or online. Pads and panty liners are made of rayon and Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs), which are typically partially made of acrylic, a plastic.
How To Use:
- Remove the plastic liner and extra plastic tabs, if any.
- Stick it inside your panties/underwear right on the crotch area.
- If it has wings, stick them around the panties.
- Make sure it is in place and has stuck properly.
- For days with a lighter flow, you can use panty liners that are just like pads but smaller.
2. Tampons
A tampon is made of soft, absorbent material. It is inserted into the vagina to soak up the blood. It comes with an applicator to help you insert it correctly. Most conventional tampons are actually composed of synthetic materials like rayon and use plastic applicators.
How To Use:
- Take out the tampon from the plastic wrapping.
- Position yourself so that you can easily reach your vagina.
- Insert the tampon slowly in your vagina with the applicator.
- Once it is in, push the bottom of the applicator to further secure the tampon.
- Take out the applicator and dispose of it.
- You will be able to feel the string hanging out of the vagina.
3. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and collect blood into the cup. They can then be emptied, washed, wiped or rinsed. These are reusable menstrual products swiftly gaining popularity in India. Menstrual cups are often made of silicone, rubber or thermoplastics and the amount of period blood they can hold depends on the size.
How To Use:
- Begin with clean hands.
- Apply water or water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
- Fold the menstrual cup tightly in half.
- Hold it in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup into your vagina, a few inches below your cervix.
- Once inserted, rotate it so that it forms a seal that prevents leakage.
4. Period Panties
A pair of panties that are designed to absorb blood are known as Period Panties. They have varying absorbency levels. Some are designed for heavy flow and some are made similar to panty liners. They can even be used as extra support during days with a heavy flow.
How To Use:
- These are supposed to be worn instead of your regular panties.
Periods are messy, painful and annoying. But worrying about the right product or essentials should never bother you. If you have any questions related to menstruation, click here to get the answers. Or click here for a detailed guide. So go, rock on! And now that you are prepared, ride the wave and don’t be afraid of spotting.
