The first menstrual product I used was a pad, Always pad to be specific. I remember my Mum bought the blue night pack and pink day time pack for me. It was what my friends and all the girls I knew also used.
Later, we began to explore other brands, but still, it was sanitary pads. Everyone used pads, right? It didn’t occur to me that pads were a fairly recent invention, I didn’t know that the women before my generation used tissue paper, cotton wool and even cloths. Those other products were out of the question, it had to be just sanitary pads.
I didn’t know of the existence of tampons until I was in University. Then, my periods had gotten heavier. I was going through two/three packs of pads every period. Plus, I was constantly getting my clothes, underwear and beddings soiled. I had to sleep in a certain position and wake up cramped all over. The pads were also causing my inner thighs to peel and give me a rash.
It was really not a pleasant situation. So, when my friend suggested tampons, even though I didn’t like the idea of inserting stuff into my vagina, I decided to give it a try. It was the best decision I ever made. Tampons were more comfortable. On my heavy days, I paired the tampons with a pad. I became more confident certain that my clothes wouldn’t be soiled. I slept better at night too, there was no need to sleep in a certain position. I no longer soiled my clothes and beddings. It was freedom.
Now, the major disadvantage of tampons is the Toxic Shock Syndrome, but this is so rare that it is almost negligible. However, because of its existence, I always change my tampons at least every 6 hours, I set an alarm to change it at night. Most people don’t do this, but I am Ms very careful. After all, prevention is better than cure and with TSS, people die quickly.
These days are way more options than pads and tampons. There are period discs, cups, reusable tampons, pants etc. While I haven’t been brave enough to try these newer options, the traditional tampon is still my go-to period product. I think as women we should explore more of these newer options to find things that suit our needs.
It is 2020, while we can’t make period cramps, bloating, fatigue and all the other troubles that come with period vanish, we can at least be comfortable during periods.
What do you think? Are you willing to explore?