Tampons Pads and Cups

Tampons, Pads, and Menstrual Cups – what to use?

Pads, tampons, and cups are “feminine hygiene products” that are used by women across all age groups to absorb or collect the menstrual blood which is then discarded in a hygienic manner.

Pads

They are the commonest product used and are commonly referred to as napkins. They are worn on the underwear, some are just placed on the panty and some make stick to the panty. Pads may be one time use or reusable. The reusable ones are made of fabric that can be washed and dried.

Tampons

They are small plugs of cotton that can be inserted in the vagina. They will absorb the menstrual blood. They have a string attached at one end which is used to pull it out so that it can be discarded.

Menstrual cups

They are bell shaped and made od silicone or rubber. They are inserted into the vagina and the menstrual blood collects inside. They need to be removed, emptied, washed and re-inserted.

The Advantages of tampons and cups are

The myth – They can get lost inside — its not possible as the vagina is a blind passage. It is possible that they can get difficult to remove if kept in for a long time; and sometimes assistance may be required to remove them

How to make a choice?

Its simple. Try all options and then decide what is good for you. Most women will use different methods at different times, e.g. tampons or cups during heavy flow and during the day, pads at night. Some women feel secure wearing a pad or pantyliner along with the cup or tampon so that there is no embarrassment in case of a leak. Some women are simply happy with a pad as they are not comfortable inserting a tampon or a cup inside. So use whatever suits you.

It is important to remember