Periods are a natural part of our life and we believe that they should be celebrated, whether you’re on your 1000th period, or you are still waiting for your period to arrive. Periods come with the ability to create life (if you choose to), but they also come with a lot of questions, like what products should I use to help me manage my period?
When it comes to period products, you have options! We’re talking about pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period panties, and more. There’s no right or wrong answer for what products you should use, it comes down to what you’re most comfortable with. For many women, their product choice might change over time, or change according to their current activity (swimming anyone?). Let’s learn more!
Periods are different for everyone, and the same goes for what products you use. While your friend may use a pad, you might prefer a tampon. If you’re unsure which product to use, or want to play the field a little and see which one works best for you, then we’ve got you covered.
Pads
Pads are external products, they are a form of protection that sit on top of your underwear and outside your body. One side of the pad (the back) is sticky and attaches to your panties. The other side is soft and absorbent and is designed to catch and absorb your period. Pads come with or without wings depending on the sort of comfort you’re after. If you have the option, we recommend using 100% organic pads. Made of only cotton, organic pads are free of pesticides, chlorine, bleach and are better for your body and the environment (did we mention they’re biodegradable)?!
Worldwide, pads are the most popular period product and considered to be the most comfortable, especially when you’re just starting out. Many women use pads right up until they kiss their period goodbye. But, did you know there isn’t just one standard pad? There’s actually a lot of different options you can choose from.
There's different types of pads
Periods are almost never straightforward and are different for everyone. One women might experience a light flow, while others experience a heavy flow, finding the right pad for your flow, will help you have a more comfortable period.
Pantyliners are the thinnest version of a pad and usually used during light periods, or for discharge and spotting that often occurs on in between days. Liners hold up to 8oz of liquid and need changing most often. They’re not very absorbent, but instead, are easy to change throughout the day to keep you feeling fresh! Life hack: If you’re travelling and forgot to pack extra underwear, changing your liners every few hours can get you through a day or two!
Regular pads have a medium absorbency, are medium length and medium thickness. They’re the most popular and most commonly used. Regular pads hold up to 5-8ml of period blood and generally need changing every 4 hours.
Maxi / overnight pads are used for heavy flows or overnight for maximum protection. They can hold up to 10-15ml of period blood. Maxi pads tend to be longer, and stay in place while you’re sleeping to avoid any leaks. If you have a heavy flow, these pads will help you stay comfortable throughout the day. They’re also a great back up if you might not have access to a bathroom for several hours and want to avoid any unexpected leaks!
At Blume, we offer all three sizes of pads in 100% organic cotton. Because synthetic ingredients don’t belong anywhere near your uterus.
Reusable pads
The most eco-friendly version of the pad is reusable. A reusable pad is similar to a normal pad and worn in the same way (outside your body, sitting on top of your underwear). Like a disposable pad, it absorbs your period and needs to be changed throughout the day. After every use, wash the pad and it’ll be ready for the next time. Reusable pads also come in various sizes.
Tampons
Tampons are internal products that are made out of cotton or rayon and are worn inside your body to absorb your period, kind of like a plug. When worn correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel a tampon inside of you, making movement during activity, or sports easier (including swimming)! Tampons can be used with or without an applicator. We recommend using 100% organic cotton tampons. Most tampons are made up of synthetic fibers and cotton grown with pesticides. At Blume, our tampons are made of organic cotton, free of ingredients you can’t pronounce and safe for you.
Tampons come in multiple absorbency types, include light, holding 4ml of blood, regular which holds up to 5ml of blood, super which holds up to 10ml of blood and super plus! At Blume, we offer Regular and Super tampons.
You might change the absorbency of your tampon depending on the day of your period.. For example, if you’re wearing a light tampon, and notice you’re leaking within 2 hours, it might be a good indicator to switch up to regular. As you get to know your flow at the start, middle, and end of your period, you can choose products accordingly and have the right selection of products on hand.
Applicator:
An applicator is a tool to help you insert your tampon, and has become popular amongst women who don’t want to insert the tampon with their fingers.You can use cardboard or plastic applicators!
How to insert a tampon:
First things first - it’s always important to choose the right tampon for you. Always start with the lowest absorbency and work your way up as you find the right product for your flow and body. First things first, always wash your hands before inserting a tampon.
Next, find a position that’s comfortable for you, some people find it easier to insert a tampon with a leg raised on the toilet seat or in a squatting position.
If you’re using an applicator:
- Use the rounded part of the applicator to find your vaginal opening
- Aim towards your back and insert the outer tube of the applicator into your vagina
- Push the small inner tube into the applicator to push the tampon into your vagina
- Pull out the applicator and leave the string hanging outside for easy removal
Without an applicator:
- Create a little pocket for your finger at the back of the tampon (where the string is)
- Find your vaginal opening with your tampon tip and push in, aiming towards your back
- Continue pushing so the base of the tampon is at least 1 inch inside of you
- Leave the string hanging out for easy removal
Change your tampons every 4-6 hours, even if it’s not full!
This may just be the most important rule of tampons. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but very real condition that can occur due to the bacteria on your tampons. Not changing your tampon often enough increases your chance of TSS, so it’s important to change often.
Period underwear
Have you ever just wanted to lounge around in your undies when you have your period, and not have to worry about a tampon, or a pad, or a menstrual cup? Well, you can! Another product to help you manage your periods and still feel comfortable is period underwear.
There’s no need for extra protection, period underwear is made with built-in technology to absorb your period, and can hold up to two tampons worth of blood. There are many different absorbencies, so it’s important to choose the right pair for your period flow. And just like the reusable pads, make sure to wash them after every use.
Menstrual cup
A menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped cup that is worn internally and sits low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing your menstrual flow.
It’s made of silicone and is completely eco-friendly as it creates very little waste. You can wear your menstrual cup for up to 12 hours before giving it a wash, and you can reuse it straight away! After every period, it’s important to sanitize your menstrual cup in hot water to avoid bacteria build up that can lead to TSS.
Who knew there were so many period products? When choosing the right product for you, focus on what makes you feel comfortable and what best suits your flow.
Ready for a better period? Shop Blume period products and start using Blume organic pads and tampons today.
