An organisation that advocates for menstrual equity by providing education and support to those affected by period poverty.
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Choosing and using the right products for every stage
Finding the right menstrual products can make a significant difference in how you manage your periods. Don’t be afraid to try different products to see what works best for you at this time - recognising that your menstruation needs will change over time and during different life stages.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, and what’s most important is finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the options available and how to use them at different stages of your menstrual cycle.
Menstrual products overview
There are various menstrual products designed to cater to different preferences, lifestyles, and stages of menstruation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common products.
Pads:
Types: Disposable (see below for reusable pads)
Usage: Pads adhere to your underwear to absorb menstrual flow. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, place it on your underwear, and change every 4-6 hours or as needed.
Disposal: Wrap the used pad in its wrapper or toilet paper and dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Do not flush pads down the toilet.
Stages: Ideal for all stages of menstruation, great for beginner menstruators, particularly good for overnight use and heavy flow days. Also effective for light to moderate urinary incontinence.
Cost: Disposable $2 - $8 per pack
Pros: Easy to use and widely available. Reusable pads reduce waste.
Cons: Disposable pads are sent to landfill and can be costly over time. Prone to shifting in underwear, especially during physical activity and during the night, which can cause leaks.
Tampons:
Types: Applicator and non-applicator, available in various absorbencies.
Usage: Applicator: Insert the applicator into the vagina, push the plunger to release the tampon, and remove the applicator. Non-applicator: Insert using your fingers, pushing the tampon into place. Change every 4-8 hours.
Disposal: Wrap the used tampon in toilet paper and dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Do not flush tampons down the toilet.
Stages: Suitable for medium to heavy flow days and for active days when swimming or playing sports. Tampons require some knowledge of the female reproductive system for proper insertion and removal.
Cost: $4-$10 per box.
Pros: Discreet and convenient for active lifestyles, suitable for swimming and sports.
Cons: Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if not changed regularly, not suitable for those with certain vaginal sensitivities or conditions, creates waste sent to landfill. Can leak if not inserted correctly and requires some knowledge of the female reproductive system for proper insertion.
Menstrual cups:
Types: Various sizes made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex.
Usage: Inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Fold the cup (various folding techniques available), insert into the vagina, and let it open to form a seal. Remove and empty every 8-12 hours. Clean before reinserting.
Stages: Effective for all stages, especially for heavy flow days and overnight use due to higher capacity and longer wear time (up to 12 hours). Requires good knowledge of the female reproductive system to use properly.
Cost: $20-$40 per cup.
Pros: Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time, suitable for heavy flows.
Cons: Initial learning curve for insertion and removal, requires cleaning and sterilisation between cycles, not suitable for those with an aversion to internal products and can leak if not inserted correctly or positioned properly to form a seal.
Menstrual discs:
Types: Reusable.
Usage: Placed at the base of the cervix to collect menstrual blood. Pinch the disc to insert it into the vagina, placing it at the base of the cervix. Empty every 12 hours.
Stages: Good for all stages and particularly comfortable for those with heavy flow or who prefer less frequent changes. Requires good knowledge of the female reproductive system for proper use.
Cost: $30-$60 per disc.
Pros: Can be worn for up to 12 hours, discreet, and suitable for sexual activity.
Cons: Requires cleaning, insertion and removal can be tricky for some users, can leak if not positioned correctly.
Period underwear:
Types: Various styles and absorbencies.
Usage: Wear as regular underwear, changing as needed based on absorbency (usually every 8-12 hours).
Stages: Great for light to medium flow days, as backup on heavy days, or for overnight use. A great product for Trans men and non-binary menstruators. Also effective for urinary incontinence.
Cost: $15-$30 per pair.
Pros: Comfortable and convenient, eco-friendly and reduces waste, beginner-friendly, no internal insertion required.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires regular washing and drying, may need multiple pairs for an entire cycle.
Reusable cloth pads:
Types: Various sizes and absorbencies.
Usage: Attach to underwear with snaps or wings, then wash and reuse. Change every 4-6 hours and wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stages: Suitable for all stages, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective over time.
Cost: $5 - $20 per pad.
Pros: Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time, comfortable and customisable, beginner-friendly with no internal insertion required.
Cons: Requires washing and drying, higher upfront cost compared to disposables, may not stay in place as securely as disposable pads.
Free bleeding:
Usage: Choosing not to use menstrual products, instead allowing menstrual flow to occur without absorption. Indigenous cultures have historical practices of free bleeding, often tied to rituals and ceremonies. While not universally practiced, it is embraced by certain groups and individuals for cultural, environmental, and personal reasons.
Stages: Can be practiced at home or in private spaces.
Cost: Typically no additional cost, although special clothing or bed protection may be purchased.
Pros: No cost or waste associated with disposable products, emphasises body positivity and natural menstruation, suitable for those with sensitivities or allergies to menstrual products.
Cons: Can be messy and require frequent cleaning of clothing and surfaces, not practical for all settings.
Choose the right product to manage bleeding
Flow Intensity
Light flow: Thin pads, light tampons, period underwear, or small menstrual cups.
Medium flow: Regular pads, regular tampons, medium-capacity menstrual cups or discs, period underwear.
Heavy flow: Overnight or maxi pads, super tampons, high-capacity menstrual cups or discs.
Activity level
Active days: Tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, or period underwear for comfort and discretion.
Sedentary days: Pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear for ease of use.
Comfort and convenience
Comfort: Choose products that feel comfortable and non-irritating for you.
Convenience: Consider how easy it is to change and clean the product, especially when on the go.
Environmental impact
Eco-friendly options: Reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear to reduce waste.
Convenience: Disposable products (pads, tampons) are easier to manage outside the home – particularly where there are limited washing facilities.
Tips to manage your menstruation
Tracking: Use a menstrual app or calendar to track your cycle and anticipate your period.
Preparation: Keep a variety of menstrual products on hand to cater to different flow days.
Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after changing menstrual products to prevent infection.
Comfort: Wear comfortable, breathable underwear and clothing during your period.
About: This information was produced by The Period Place to help you understand and manage your menstrual health. If you have any questions or need further support, please visit www.theperiodplace.org for more resources and information on menstrual health.
Disclaimer:This information is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
