The Deal With Feminine Hygiene

 by: Oneil Wilson

With puberty, comes great responsibility.

What with all the changes – including the way your body looks and the way it smells – happening during this exciting phase in your life! There’s nothing to worry about. These changes are a normal part of becoming a woman, but sometimes, they can be a real source of anxiety for girls. You may wonder what you can do to feel as clean as possible during your period.

Well, wonder no more. Here we have the low-down on the feminine products you can use during your period:

Pads

Once you begin menstruating, you’ll need to use something to soak up the menstrual blood – either a pad or tampon. Pads, also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins, are made of layers of cotton. Pads come in various thicknesses for heavier or lighter menstrual periods or for day or nighttime use. Some pads have extra cotton on the sides (called “wings”) that fold over the edges of your underwear to. Some come with a deodorant or deodorizing substance in them. All pads have a sticky strip on the bottom that helps them adhere to your underwear.

It is best to change pads every 3 or 4 hours, or more often when your period is heavy. This helps prevent the buildup of vaginal bacteria and eliminates odor.

Tampons

Another choice for feminine protection during your menstrual period is the tampon. A tampon is also made of cotton, but it's compressed into a tiny tubular shape. Unlike a pad, which catches menstrual blood after it leaves the body, tampons absorb blood from inside the vagina. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods, and they can also come in deodorizing scents. Tampons are also available with or without applicators - they can either be inserted into the vagina using a special cardboard or plastic tube-like applicator or with just your fingers.

Like a pad, a tampon needs to be changed every 3 or 4 hours or when it's saturated with blood.

It's very important that you change them every few hours and that you wear the absorbency type that is right for your period. Leaving a tampon in for too long increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused by a toxin made by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria which may occur from certain super absorbent tampons, especially if they are left in longer than is recommended. It can enter the body from inside of your vagina, then invade the bloodstream, releasing toxins that may cause shock and multiple organ dysfunctions.

Panty liners, also called panty shields, are similar to pads but are shorter and thinner. Panty liners are worn on very light days, or as added protection in combination with a tampon.

Cups

Another feminine hygiene option is the cup. It is a soft, little disposable cup you wear inside, out of the way, to hold rather than absorb your monthly flow. It fits over your cervix and softens at body temperature, so that when inserted it conforms to your anatomy to create a personal, comfortable fit and help prevent leakage. You can wear it for about 12 hours (or until it is full), and then empty it out, rinse it, and use it again.

It’s really up you which sanitary product you feel most comfortable using. With these products, you can still enjoy doing the things you love even when you have your period.