There is no single menstrual product that is right for everyone. The best choice depends on a person’s age, menstrual flow, lifestyle, comfort, access to clean water and sanitation, cost, cultural preferences and personal needs.
Today, there are many safe and effective menstrual products available, including disposable pads, reusable pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear. Each has its own advantages and limitations.
Understanding the different options, how they work and how to use them safely can help individuals manage their periods with confidence, comfort and dignity.
Why Choosing the Right Product Matters
Using a suitable menstrual product can:
• improve comfort during menstruation;
• reduce the risk of leaks;
• allow participation in school, work, sports and everyday activities;
• improve confidence and wellbeing;
• support good menstrual hygiene; and
• reduce long-term costs and environmental waste when reusable products are used.The best menstrual product is one that is safe, comfortable, affordable and appropriate for an individual’s needs.
Types of Menstrual Products
- Disposable Menstrual Pads
Disposable pads are absorbent products worn inside underwear to absorb menstrual blood externally.
They are available in different sizes, thicknesses and absorbency levels for light, moderate or heavy menstrual flow.
Advantages
• Easy to use.
• Suitable for first periods.
• No insertion into the body is required.
• Widely available.
• Available in different absorbencies.Limitations
• Must be replaced regularly.
• Create environmental waste.
• Can become costly over time.Safe Use
- Disposable pads should generally be changed every 3–4 hours, or sooner if they become soaked.
- Always wash your hands before and after changing a pad.
Reusable Menstrual Pads
Reusable menstrual pads are washable cloth pads designed for repeated use.
When washed, dried and stored correctly, they are safe, hygienic and can last for several years.
Advantages
• Cost-effective over time.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Comfortable for many users.
• Produce less waste than disposable products.Limitations
• Require access to clean water and soap.
• Must be dried completely before reuse.
• Require proper storage when away from home.Safe Use
- Wash reusable pads with clean water and soap after use.
- Allow them to dry completely before storing them in a clean, dry place.
- Never use damp pads, as moisture encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Tampons
Tampons are absorbent products inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood before it leaves the body.
They come in different absorbency levels and may be suitable for sports, swimming and other physical activities.
Advantages
• Discreet and comfortable for many users.
• Suitable for swimming and exercise.
• Less visible under clothing.Limitations
• Require correct insertion and removal.
• Must be changed regularly.
• Not everyone feels comfortable using them.Safe Use
• Wash your hands before and after inserting or removing a tampon.
• Use the lowest absorbency needed for your menstrual flow.
• Change tampons every 4–8 hours.
• Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
• Do not use tampons between menstrual periods.Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious bacterial illness that has been associated with prolonged tampon use.
To reduce the risk:
• change tampons regularly;
• never exceed the recommended wear time;
• use the lowest absorbency necessary; and
• seek urgent medical attention if you suddenly develop a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, confusion or a widespread rash while using a tampon.Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are flexible cups made from medical-grade silicone, rubber or similar materials. They are inserted into the vagina, where they collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it.
Most menstrual cups can be reused for several years if cared for correctly.
Advantages
• Cost-effective over time.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Can usually be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on menstrual flow.
• Hold more menstrual blood than many pads or tampons.Limitations
• May require practice to insert and remove.
• Need access to clean water for washing.
• Some users may find them uncomfortable initially.Safe Use
- Wash your hands before inserting or removing the cup.
- Empty and clean the cup according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sterilise reusable cups between menstrual cycles if recommended by the manufacturer.
Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are flexible devices inserted into the vagina near the cervix to collect menstrual blood.
Unlike menstrual cups, they sit higher in the vagina and may be disposable or reusable depending on the product.
Advantages
• Comfortable for many users.
• Can often be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on menstrual flow.
• May be suitable during sexual intercourse, although they are not contraceptive devices.Limitations
• Require practice to insert and remove.
• Not widely available in some countries.
• Can be messy to empty during heavy flow.Safe Use
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for insertion, removal and cleaning.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the disc.
- Although rare, TSS has also been reported with menstrual discs, so they should not be worn longer than recommended.
Period Underwear
Period underwear contains specially designed absorbent layers that collect menstrual blood.
Some people use period underwear alone during lighter periods, while others combine it with another menstrual product during heavier flow.
Advantages
• Comfortable.
• Reusable.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Looks and feels like ordinary underwear.Limitations
• Requires washing after each use.
• May not provide enough protection for heavy menstrual bleeding without an additional product.Safe Use
- Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the underwear is completely dry before wearing it again.
Cloth
In some communities, clean cloth is used to manage menstruation.
When clean, absorbent cloth is washed thoroughly with soap and clean water, dried completely in direct sunlight where possible and stored in a clean, dry place, it can be a safe menstrual product.
However, using dirty, damp or unwashed cloth may increase the risk of skin irritation or infection.
How to Choose the Right Menstrual Product
The best menstrual product depends on your individual circumstances.
Consider:
• your age;
• how heavy your menstrual flow is;
• your daily activities;
• access to clean water and sanitation facilities;
• cost;
• environmental impact;
• comfort;
• cultural or religious preferences; and
• any medical conditions.It is perfectly normal to try different products before deciding which one suits you best.
Tips for Good Menstrual Hygiene
Regardless of which product you use:
• wash your hands before and after changing or handling menstrual products;
• change or empty products regularly;
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions;
• store reusable products in a clean, dry place;
• avoid sharing menstrual products with others; and
• dispose of single-use products responsibly.Good menstrual hygiene supports comfort, dignity and overall reproductive health.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a healthcare professional if you:
• experience pain when inserting or removing internal menstrual products;
• develop persistent itching, burning or irritation;
• notice an unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge;
• experience unusually heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through a menstrual product every hour for several consecutive hours;
• have persistent leaks despite using the correct product; or
• develop symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), including a sudden high fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting or confusion while using a tampon, menstrual cup or menstrual disc.TSS is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Myths and Facts
Myth: One menstrual product is best for everyone.
Fact: The best product depends on an individual’s needs, lifestyle and preferences.
Myth: Reusable menstrual products are unhygienic.
Fact: When washed, dried and stored correctly, reusable products are safe and hygienic.
Myth: Expensive menstrual products are always better.
Fact: A product does not need to be expensive to be safe or effective.
Myth: Internal menstrual products always cause infections.
Fact: Tampons, menstrual cups and menstrual discs are safe when used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which menstrual product is best for a first period?
Disposable or reusable pads are often recommended because they are simple to use and do not require insertion. However, the best choice is whichever product the individual feels comfortable using.
- Can I use different menstrual products during the same period?
Yes. Many people use different products depending on their menstrual flow, activities or personal preference.
- Are reusable menstrual products safe?
Yes. They are safe when washed, dried and stored correctly.
- Which menstrual product is the most environmentally friendly?
Reusable menstrual pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear generally produce less waste than disposable products because they can be used repeatedly.
- Can I sleep while using a tampon or menstrual cup?
Yes, provided you follow the recommended wear times. Tampons should never be worn for longer than 8 hours, while many menstrual cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance and your menstrual flow.
Key Messages
• There is no single menstrual product that is best for everyone.
• Choose a product that is safe, comfortable, affordable and suits your lifestyle and menstrual flow.
• Good menstrual hygiene includes washing your hands, changing products regularly and caring for reusable products correctly.
• Reusable menstrual products are safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly when used properly.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious. Follow recommended wear times for internal menstrual products and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop.
• If a menstrual product causes pain, persistent irritation or unusual symptoms, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.Related Articles
• Menstrual Hygiene 101
• Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
• Managing Your Period at School
• Using Reusable Menstrual Pads SafelyKnowledge Hub Series: Period Talk Uganda – Evidence-Based Menstrual Health Resources