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There is a growing range of products that you can use to manage your menstrual flow. Your choice of product depends on what feels most comfortable to you, how heavily you are bleeding, and the activities you are planning, and the cost. It can also relate to your cultural or religious beliefs.
Pads are rectangles of material that you attach to your underwear to absorb your menstrual blood. On days when your period is light, you can use a smaller pad. On other days, you will need a bigger pad. It is important to change your pad every three to four hours. This will stop bacteria from building up and possibly causing an infection. Most people use disposable pads but more people are using reusable pads
Panty liners are thin pads that you stick inside your undies. They can be helpful to prevent stains if you have spotting at the start and end of your period. It’s normal for vaginal discharge to leak into your undies at any time of your cycle. A panty liner can keep you feeling fresh and dry. They work best when you change them every three to four hours.
Period undies are a new product that look and feel just like your usual undies. They are made out of layers of fabric that absorb period blood while keeping you dry. You need to rinse the blood out before putting them into the wash. While most brands can’t be put in the dryer, some say theirs can be, using a low-medium setting. Because you can use them again and again, they can save you money and are much better for the environment than some other products.
Tampons are made of absorbent fabric that have been pressed into a small tube. You put this into your vagina, using your fingers or an applicator. Depending on how heavy your flow is, you need to change your tampon every four to six hours. To take a tampon out, pull on the string that hangs outside your body. If you can’t find the string, don’t panic! You will need to carefully find it in your vagina. Tampons can’t get lost inside your body, because the opening of the cervix is too tiny for them to fit through. It’s very important to change tampons often. If left in too long, they can cause an infection.
A menstrual cup does not absorb blood. Instead, it catches it. It is made of a soft, flexible material, like rubber. You need to empty the cup two or three times a day so that it does not overflow. When your period finishes, you need to sanitise it so it is safe to use the next time. Menstrual cups may look like a diaphragm, which is a contraceptive device that is used to stop pregnancies. But that is not what it is! Please don’t try to use it this way.