If your period sucks, it’s possible you aren’t using the right products. So many of us live with discomfort, leaks, cramps, inconvenience, and recurring infections. Did you know your menstrual care products may be to blame? Many people report that after switching to a new product, their period symptoms significantly improve.

You deserve to have products that are effective, comfortable, and safe. If you think your period could be better, read on. In this blog post, I’ll give a brief pro and con list for 6 popular alternatives to traditional pads and tampons.

Tampons

Tampons are the most common choice for period care in the US. Tampons are inserted into the vagina, where they absorb menstrual blood for 4-8 hours. It’s very important to remove them within 8 hours of insertion to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening infection. Tampons are great at absorbing fluid- but maybe a little too great. Vaginas naturally produce a small amount of constant lubrication. Tampons absorb moisture indiscriminately, meaning they can cause dryness, irritation, and micro-abrasions inside of the vagina, which could lead to infection.

An estimated 55% of people use conventional tampons. When I say conventional, I mean non-organic, disposable products. This distinction is important in part because the manufacturers of period care products are not required to list ingredients on their packaging. Most tampons are made of a cotton and rayon blend. Cotton is grown on a farm, using conventional pesticides and fertilizers. Rayon is made of cellulose fibers from wood pulp. Rayon must be cleaned from contaminants before it can be used to make tampons. Each company uses its own process, but generally the cleaning is done by bleaching the material through one of two processes: chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. It’s notable that the chlorine bleach process could generate a low level of dioxin (a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor), but the FDA says this this is such a small amount, it should not be harmful. We currently have no research about the possible effects of pesticides, fertilizers, and dioxins through tampon use. What we do know is that the vagina is made of mucosal membranes and is one of the most absorptive areas of our bodies.

Pros- They are more affordable (most people spend around $5 per period), as well as accessible at most drug stores and supermarkets.

Cons- Tampons can absorb too much moisture, leading to disrupted pH balance. Conventional tampons could contain endocrine disruptors. Make sure the tampon is whole when you remove it as they very occasionally do break.

Resources for further reading: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/organic-tampons

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/history-of-the-tampon/394334/

http://time.com/4422774/tampons-toxic-cancer/

Organic Tampons

Organic tampons are becoming more widely available and popular. Organic tampons are made of cotton grown without fertilizers or pesticides. Most are sold without applicators, or with applicators made of plant material, cardboard, or BPA-free plastic. Organic tampons tend to be a bit more expensive, too.

Pros- Organic tampons are relatively affordable and accessible. They are worn inside of the body, which can make some activities more comfortable.

Cons- Tampons absorb all moisture, which can lead to disrupted pH of the vagina. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention that the average person uses 11,000 tampons per lifetime. If you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, this is something to consider.

Resources: http://www.natracare.com www.cora.life www.honest.com

Pads

Pads are the second most common period care product on the market in the US. For many people, pads are the first period care product used. Some people find pads more comfortable because they are worn on the inside of the underwear and do not require insertion. Many young people and people with anatomical differences prefer them.

Pros- Pads are relatively affordable (around $5 per period), and very accessible. Lots of people prefer them for comfort.

Cons- Conventional and organic pads are made of the same materials and with the same processes of conventional tampons. Additionally, the main ingredient in most conventional pads is plastic. In case you skipped ahead, you may want to go back and read the explanation above.

Resources: www.thisisl.com and www.natracare.com are my favorite organic pad companies.

Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are gaining in popularity. Cloth pads are usually made from an absorbent material (terry cloth) core and a soft (flanel) cover. Cloth pads can be purchased or made at home. Purchasing cloth pads is a bit of an investment up front, but because they are reusable, most people agree they are more affordable than disposable options in the long run. Most cloth pad users say they last years. If you’re a bit crafty, there are tons of great resources and patterns online for making your own cloth pads. One really neat aspect of making your own is that you can determine the absorbency and very unique shape that you want your pad to be.

Pros- There is significantly less waste ending up in landfills with cloth pad use. Pads can last a long time. You know all of the ingredients in them if you make them.

Cons- They can be laundered just as any soiled garment, but most people prefer to soak them first. They are more expensive than disposable pads, but they’ll also last longer.

Resources: Check out www.lunapads.com; or search on Etsy

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small cups made of medical-grade silicone or latex (neither of which are endocrine disruptors). They are inserted into the vagina and work by collecting, rather than absorbing, menstrual blood. If the cup is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. Most menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours safely, but please follow the recommendation of the manufacturer. While the insertion of any product into the vagina can pose a risk for TSS, there are fewer documented cases of TSS with menstrual cup use than with tampon use.

Pros- Because menstrual cups do not absorb moisture, they help to maintain regular vaginal lubrication and pH. Menstrual cups need to be emptied at least every 12 hours, rinsed with cold water, and re-inserted.

Cons- Menstrual cups are a bit expensive up front (an average estimate being $30), but are re-usable for up to ten years. Some cup manufacturers recommend using a mild, unscented soap or boiling the cup after each cycle. It can be really tricky to use cups on a day when you won’t have access to a private bathroom (rinsing out in the mall or office bathroom might not be comfortable for you).

For most people, the biggest complaint of cup use is the learning curve. I’ll be totally honest here: it can be difficult to remove a menstrual cup at first. If you’ve never had a baby, and/or you have a naturally high cervix, this can happen. And there are really few things more terrifying that realizing there is something in your vagina that you can’t remove. But here’s the thing-- you can.

A few tips: Go to www.putacupinit.com and take their quiz to see which cup is right for your anatomy and needs. There are a million youtube tutorials for folding techniques that can make insertion easier. If you’re having difficulty removing a cup, calm down, squat down, and bear down (using those pelvic floor muscles), you’ll be able to reach it. Also, it’s completely necessary to insert two fingers to do this, and the only way to remove it is by first squeezing the bottom of the cup together to break any suction. If you have an IUD, uterine prolapse, or fibroids, ask your doctor if cups are a good option for you.

Resources: seriously, go to www.putacupinit.com right now.

Period Underwear

These underwear come in different absorbances and styles from a range of companies. They are moisture wicking, and most people report feeling dry all day. They are typically worn all day (or night), and then rinsed out before being tossed in your washer like any other item (though most companies suggest you hang-dry them). Most are made with some antimicrobial properties.

Pros- These undies are comfy. Most people describe them as feeling like a swimsuit bottom rather than a diaper. They are reusable for up to two years.

Cons- Period underwear are an investment up front, at $20-40 per pair and are only available online.

Resources: Check out www.Lunapads.com or www.shethinks.com

Sea sponges

These are natural, from-the-ocean sponges. They are trimmed, cleaned, and inserted into the vagina to absorb blood just as a tampon would.

Pros- These are natural, and most companies use sustainable harvest methods. They are reusable for 3-6 months, come in all sizes, and can be trimmed for a custom fit. Most people say they are easier to use than a cup.

Cons- They cost around $10 each and are only available online. These are not approved by the FDA as tampons, and we don’t have much research about their safety. Because they are from the ocean, they can contain grit and need to be cleaned carefully before use. Also, just as tampons, these will absorb moisture indiscriminately which could disrupt pH. It’s possible the sponge could begin to break down over time.

Resources: www.jadeandpearl.com

Menstrual Disc

Menstrual discs are made of medical-grade polymers. According to the Flex website, “these materials are medical-grade, hypoallergenic, inhibit bacterial growth, and are free of BPA and natural rubber latex.” The disc sits much higher than a menstrual cup or tampon, just below the cervix (just where a diaphragm would sit). The disc collects, rather than absorbs, blood, and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Discs are single use and disposable.

Pros: Menstrual discs do not absorb moisture, so should not disrupt vaginal pH. Many people find them more comfortable than tampons or cups. Discs are popular because they can be worn during penetrative sex.

Cons: It’s tough to find these in stores, although I do see the brand Softdiscs occasionally. These are about twice the cost of tampons ($11 for a 14 count package of Softdiscs on Amazon or $25 for a 12 count from Flex). Discs are disposable.

Resources: www.softdisc.com www.flexfits.com

Choosing a period care product is a deeply personal decision. We each have our own list of priorities and criteria for those choices. My goal is to ensure that every person has access to accurate, unbiased information so that they can make the best choices for their health.

If you’d like further support in choosing the best period care product, or you’re sick of your period being a big surprise every month, contact me. I’d love to provide you with more resources or education about the menstrual cycle.

If you hate your period, your tampon might be to blame