How to Choose Menstrual Products?

When you get your period, you need something to absorb the blood. There are a lot of different products out there. It may take some experimentation to find what works for you.

Most girls use one or more of these:

• Sanitary napkins(or pads)

• Tampons

• Menstrual cups

What is Sanitary Napkins?

The sanitary napkins are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that are attached to the inside of a girl's underwear to absorb menstrual blood. They are also sometimes called pads or sanitary pads. Some sanitary napkins have extra material on the sides. These "wings" fold over the edge of the panty to help hold the pads in place and prevent leaks.

There are many different types of sanitary napkins, including:

• super

• slender

• overnight

• scented

• maxi

• mini

ome girls have heavy menstrual bleeding, while others have lighter bleeding. And most girls have light days and heavy days. Pads can vary in size or absorbency. You want to try and find a pad that's big enough that you don't have to worry about leaks, but small enough to be comfortable. It may take some experimentation to find pads that work for different times of your cycle.

Some sanitary napkins are scented or contain deodorants. But these can irritate the vagina or cause an allergic reaction in some girls. 

Xili Hygiene Negative Ion Sanitary Napkins do not add any fragrance and have deodorant function, caring for women's health and making women feel comfortable during menstruation.

How Do You Use Sanitary Napkins?

Pads should be changed every 3-4 hours, even if your flow is light. Regular replacement prevents bacterial growth and eliminates odors. If the flow is high, the pad may need to be replaced more frequently to ensure it does not leak.

There are two types of nursing pads that do the same job, but are used in slightly different ways.

• Disposable sanitary napkins. Most sanitary napkins have an adhesive strip on the bottom. You peel off the strip of paper covering the adhesive, and press the pad into the crotch of your underwear. If the pads have wings, wrap them around the bottom of the crotch.

To remove a sanitary napkin, remove it from your underwear and wrap it in toilet paper. Put it in the trash, please don't try to flush the mat down the toilet as the toilet may clog and make a mess.

• Reusable sanitary napkins. It must be cleaned and disinfected after each wearing, otherwise, it is easy to cause bacteria to breed and cause vaginal diseases. They are available in natural health stores and online. These pads can be snapped or clipped to girls' underwear. Some girls may use these pads because they feel they are better for the environment or save money. This is entirely a matter of personal preference.

What Are Tampons?

Tampons absorb blood in the vagina. The tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's compressed into a small tube. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbent capacities for heavier and lighter periods.

Tampons are also available with or without deodorant. There's no need for deodorant in a tampon, though, as regular tampon changes will usually get rid of any odors. Deodorants in tampons can irritate the vagina and may cause allergic reactions in some girls.

Some tampons come with an applicator. The applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that introduces the tampon into the vagina. Other tampons are inserted with the fingers.

Some girls find the slim applicator-style tampons easier to use when they first start their period. Applicators with round tops are especially helpful for beginners. When using a tampon for the first time, try using it on a heavy flow day. This will make it easier for the tampon to slide in.

How Do You Use Tampons?

Use the applicator or your fingers to place the tampon into the vagina. After washing your hands, carefully follow the directions that came with your tampon and make sure to relax.

It's important to change your tampons every few hours and use the absorbent type that's right for you. Change the tampon every 4-6 hours or when it becomes soaked with blood.

The tampon has a string attached to one end that can be worn outside the body. To remove the tampon, gently pull on the string until the tampon comes out. Wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the trash.

Do not flush tampons down the toilet. Even though the box says tampons are flushable, tampons can still cause problems in some plumbing.

Because you can't see your tampons, you need to remember when it's time to change them. If you forget to change it, your underwear or clothing may spot or leak.

If it's time to change your tampon and you can't find the string, don't worry! The tampons are still there. Reach in with your finger to find the string. This may take a minute to do, as the string can be a little hard to hold.

Some girls worry about the tampon getting lost inside them. But that's not going to happen. The vagina holds a tampon, and the opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is too small for the tampon to pass through.

It is important to change tampons frequently. Tampons that have been left in for too long will not be lost. But girls may experience discharge, odor, or infection. And never put a tampon in and leave it on all day or overnight, even if you have a mild period. Doing so puts the girl at risk for a rare but very dangerous condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

Like a tampon, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina. The cup doesn't absorb the blood, but catches it before it leaves the vagina. Menstrual cups are made of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone.

You can't see when the cup is full, so empty it several times a day (or, if it's a disposable cup, just throw it away). The instructions that came with the cup explain how to do this.

Because some menstrual cups look like a diaphragm, girls may wonder if a menstrual cup can be used for birth control. But menstrual cups don't prevent pregnancy.

How to Decide What to Use?

Whether to choose a period protection is up to you. Some girls love tampons because they fit easily in a purse or pocket. Tampons and cups are also helpful for girls who like sports like swimming, since you can't wear pads in the water.

Some girls prefer pads because they're easy to use and it's easier to remember when to change them because you can see them soaked in blood. Some girls who menorrhagia use tampons and pads or pads to prevent leakage.

Many girls switch back and forth depending on:

• their situation

• where they're going to be

• their menstrual flow

• time of day (day or night coverage)