top of page

The BEST Period Protection Products - My Personal & Professional Opinion

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I often get asked about the best ways to handle periods. Since nothing is TMI in my world I’m happy to help you find the right period protection for the different phases of your cycle and life. 


So, let's break down the most common products on the market, lay out the pros and cons and talk about what product is best or worst for who.


1. Disposable Pads:

  • Pros: They're readily available in most stores, easy to use, and offer various sizes and absorbencies to fit your needs.

  • Cons: They can feel bulky and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Some people also find that they cause irritation or chafing. 

  • Best For:

  • Women with vaginismus who aren’t comfortable with internal products

  • Young women just starting menstruation who aren't comfortable with internal products

  • Worst For

  • Those with sensitive skin, vulvodynia or are prone to yeast infections as the material of the disposable pad and persistent moisture can make symptoms worse 

  • Pro Tips: 

  • Look for pads made out of organic cotton (cotton is an all-natural, breathable fabric that absorbs moisture) and are free of fragrances, chlorine and other harmful chemicals. We like Claene.

  • Change your pad frequently, every couple of hours or every time you empty your bladder.  This will keep your skin cleaner, drier  and prevent the growth of bacteria, especially in warmer climates like Miami! 


2. Period Underwear:

  •  Pros: These are super convenient and easy to use. They feel just like regular underwear but have an absorbent layer that keeps you feeling dry and comfortable. They're also reusable, making them eco-friendly.

  • Cons: They can be a bit pricey upfront, but considering they're reusable, they can save you money in the long run. There are not many (if any) brands that have “no-show” seams, so panty lines will be a thing! Unless you go with the thong variety, like these, which leads us to our next point.  Some people may find them less effective on heavy flow days and prefer to use them as backup with another method.  Cleaning and caring for them properly is essential to prevent odor and bacteria buildup.

  • Best For:

  •  Young women just starting on their menstrual journey,

  • Women with lighter periods.

  • Women who want a comfortable effective back-up as opposed to pads or panty liners on heavy flow days. 

  • Women with vulvodynia, vaginismus or severe prolapse that can not tolerate other period products 

  • Worst For

  • Women with very heavy menstrual flows.

  • Women that HATE panty lines and taking extra steps when doing laundry!

  • Pro Tips:

  • Do your research, recently some period underwear was found to have perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals that are found in waterproof and nonstick products. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to negative effects on the immune system and an increased risk of certain cancers. Look for an underwear that is PFAS free.  Saalt is a reputable brand that is highly rated by users.

  • Rinse them before throwing them in the wash, wash separately or hand wash, especially on heavier flow days, to prevent staining other clothes.


3. Tampons:

  • Pros: Tampons are discreet, convenient and typically mess free, allowing for more freedom of movement during activities like swimming or exercising. They come in different absorbencies and are usually comfortable when inserted correctly.

  • Cons: Inserting tampons incorrectly can be uncomfortable or even painful.  When a tampon gets full, it starts to press against the vaginal walls and can cause feelings of fullness and/or pain.  And if removed before it’s fully saturated it can cause A LOT of pain, IYKYK!  Some people also worry about the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although it's rare with proper usage. 

  • Best For: Women with vulvodynia and who are comfortable with internal products but not comfortable using internal products without applicators.  

  • Worst For:  Women with vaginismus, vaginal atrophy, and vaginal dryness.  Women with prolapse can also report discomfort or report that they have difficulty keeping them in place.

  • Pro Tips:

  • Like pads, look for ones made out of organic cotton and that are free from fragrances, chlorine and other harmful chemicals, like Lola or Cora

  • Use the correct absorbancy for your flow amount. This can prevent leaking and the aforementioned pain with removal

  • If you have prolapse (POP) tampons might not be for you, but if you’d like to use them try using a slightly wider and shorter one.  You might have to try different brands before finding the one that is right for you. 

  • Change your tampon after you empty your bladder and after bowel movements.  Urine and/or feces can get on the removal string and creep into your vaginal canal leading to infections!

  • Change your tampon frequently!  This will keep you clean, dry, safe from TSS and the feeling of fullness and pain when they get overly saturated.


4. Menstrual Cups

  • Pros: These reusable cups are environmentally friendly since they produce less waste compared to pads and tampons. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, and many people find them more comfortable than tampons once they get the hang of insertion.

  • Cons: There's a learning curve when it comes to inserting and removing menstrual cups, which can be intimidating for some. They also come in various sizes, and finding the right fit may take some trial and error. Additionally you need to empty and clean them after every use, so changing them in a public restroom is not really a good option!

  • Best For:  

  • Women with vulvodynia.  

  • Women who wish to produce less waste, and have the time and means to properly clean, dry, and sanitize cups between use.  

  • Women who want to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom to change.  

  • Worst For

  • Women with vaginismus and vaginal atrophy, as this product like a tampon has to be inserted and sits in your vaginal canal and can be irritating. 

  • Women with POP might also find it hard to keep them in place. Although no clinical trials have proven that vaginal cups cause or contribute to prolapse; the cups are held in place by suction and some women with POP have reported feelings of discomfort and/or worsening symptoms after use. 

  • Pro Tip

  • Take the Put a Cup in It Quiz to find the best size for you!

  • Don’t just pull on your cup to remove it, this can cause damage to your body!! If you’re new to using cups make sure you follow instructions on how to properly insert and remove it.

  • Remove the cup in the shower when possible, this will avoid potential messes! 

  • Consider purchasing a product like the Saalt Steamer that will clean and sanitize your cup with the push of a button! 


5. Menstrual Discs:

  • Pros:  Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups in that they can be worn for up to 12 hours, but are shaped differently. They're inserted into the vaginal canal and sit at the base of the cervix to collect menstrual fluid. Many users find them comfortable and effective, with some even reporting fewer leaks compared to other products.  They come in reusable and disposable options, great for those concerned with waste and those that don’t want to deal with the cleaning and sanitizing.  They can be worn during penetrative intercourse for mess free period sex, if that's your thing!  

  • Cons: Like menstrual cups, there's a learning curve involved in inserting and removing menstrual discs. Finding the right position and angle may take some practice. They also come in various sizes, and finding the correct fit is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. Additionally, like menstrual cups, emptying and cleaning them in public restrooms might be challenging for some users and is NOT recommended.  

  • Best For: 

  • Women with vulvodynia. 

  • Women with cystocele (bladder prolapse) and rectocele (rectum prolapsing into the vaginal canal) menstrual discs can be more effective and comfortable than tampons and cups. 

  •  Women who don’t like the feeling of something sitting inside their vaginal canal (as they sit above it, at the base of the cervix)

  • Worst For: 

  • Women with vaginismus and vaginal atrophy, even though they sit above the vaginal canal, they still need to be inserted and this can be painful for women with those conditions.  

  • Women with uterine prolapse, as there is nowhere for the disc to sit. 

  • Pro Tips:

  • Take the Disc Quiz from Put a Cup in It to find the best fit for you.

  • On heavier days, they will leak with bowel movements but usually go right back into place.

  • Remove the disc in the shower when possible, this will avoid potential messes!

I’ve put all the most important points in the chart below for your reference.

MY current favorite period protection products are disposable menstrual discs in combination with period protection underwear.  I find the discs provide me with the most protection and least amount of hassle.  Only having to change 1x/day and not having to worry about cleaning or sanitizing at the end of my CRAZY, ACTIVE, LOOOONG DAYS works really well for me.  I do pair it with the Saalt “leakproof seamless thong” because I do find that occasional disc leaks happen and I prefer the feel of the period underwear than panty liners.


That is my personal preference.  My professional opinion is that ultimately, the best period protection option for you depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and individual needs. It might take some experimentation to find what works best, and that's okay! It's essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being during your period.


If you're ever experiencing discomfort or pain related to your period, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional or pelvic floor physical therapist like myself. We're here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure you feel your best, even during that time of the month.


Stay confident, stay comfortable, and embrace your body's natural rhythms!

Commenti


bottom of page