Laura Bardell is a registered counsellor working with HFACT and a former midwife.
Knowing how to manage bleeding hygiene, what products are available and how to use them when first starting your periods can increase your confidence and help you feel better prepared to care for yourself.
An option is to create a period kit that you can easily access at home, school and when traveling. This can help you to feel ready for when your periods begin and can remain an important resource in the years to come!
PERIOD PRODUCTS
There are many options for period hygiene. It can be useful to identifying products you feel comfortable using before your period starts, purchasing them and including them in your period kit so they are ready when your period begins.
To being with you may not feel comfortable with all of the options available for period hygiene and some take a little bit of time and practice before you become familiar with how to use and care for them. It can be helpful to talk with a trusted adult or health professional about the options available to you and practice using them at home or with additional layer of protection at first.
Some of the available period hygiene products are:
Sanitary pads
Price range for packet of 14 regular pads – $5-10. Available at pharmacies, supermarkets and through free period product programs in public schools. (1)
Pads vary in size, shape and absorbency and are placed on the inside of your underwear where they absorb blood as it exits the body.
Pads need to be changed at least every 4 hours or when full to ensure hygiene and comfort.
After removal, pads should then be disposed of into sanitary or household garbage bins.(2)
Sanitary tampons
Price range for packet of 14 regular tampons – $5-10. Available at pharmacies, supermarkets and through free period product programs in public schools.(1)
Tampons are inserted into the vagina where they absorb blood before it exits the body.
Tampons need to be changed at least every 3-4 hours or when full and disposed of into sanitary waste or household garbage bins.(2)
Not everyone is comfortable wearing tampons and it can take some practice before feeling confident wearing them. Using a tampon applicator, wearing a pad or period underwear or only wearing tampons at home to start can help build confidence.
Period underwear
Price range for one pair of regular reusable period underwear – $20-$30. Available in some pharmacies and supermarkets and online.
Period underwear look and feel like regular underwear but are made up of absorbent layers which soak up blood as it exits the body.
Period underwear varies in style and absorbency but often has a larger capacity than standard tampons and pads.
Period underwear needs to be changed regularly to ensure comfort and freshness.
Once removed, if possible, they are best rinsed straight away with cold water until water runs clear. They can then be stored in a wet bag or plastic bag until they are able to be washed in a regular cold cycle in the washing machine.
Period swimwear is also available.
Menstrual cups
Price range for 1 reusable menstrual cup – $20 – $50. Available in some pharmacies and supermarkets and online.
Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups usually made from silicon that are inserted into the vagina where they form a seal with the vagina walls catching blood before it exits the body.
Menstrual cups vary in size, style and shape and will need to be chosen based on individual characteristics but offer a much larger capacity than tampons and pads.
Removal of menstrual cups involves breaking the seal by pinching the bottom of the cup before pulling out gently, this is best done over a toilet or in the shower. After removal cups can be washed and reused.
Like tampons, learning to use a menstrual cup can take time and practice. Wearing them with a pad or period underwear can make the wear feel more comfortable when first starting.
As menstrual cups rely on suction to stay in place, they are not recommended for people who have an intrauterine device (IUD) or those with pelvic floor dysfunction.(3)
Menstrual discs
Price range for one reusable disc – $30 – $70. Available online.
Menstrual discs are similar to cups, but have a flatter, wider design. Discs are also inserted into the vagina where they catch blood but are held in place by their position in the vagina, not suction, making them suitable for those with IUDs.
Discs offer an even greater capacity than cups and due to their wider design may be more appropriate for those who frequently pass large blood clots.
Discs are often softer and more flexible than cups and therefore can be more comfortable for the wearer.
Learning to use a disc is often easier than a cup, however removal can be a bit messier and is best done over a toilet or in the shower. After removal discs can be washed and reused.
Period kits
Making a period kit that includes your chosen period hygiene products before your period starts and keeping it somewhere easily accessible at home, school and when travelling can make beginning your period less daunting. Keeping your period kit well stocked and replacing items as you use them will also help ensure that you always have the items you need.
Other useful items for period kits:
A bag to store everything in – this could be a Ziplock bag or any other bag of your choosing
Reusable handwarmers/heat packs
Wet bag, plastic bag or Ziplock bag for storage of ready to wash clothing or period products
Spare change of clothing including underwear
Wet wipes, cloths, tissues
A small water source to use for cleaning hands or reusable products if needed – not all bathrooms have easy access to the sink and water so this can be a handy edition to a period kit. A small reusable water bottle works well for this purpose
Single dose pain relief or other medication as required.
Knowing what products are available for period hygiene and creating a period kit will help you feel more prepared and ready to care for yourself when your period starts. For further support with period care products reach out to your local HTC.
