Family Encyclopedia >> Sports

Tampons, cups, towels:here are some tips to help you choose

Towels, classic or washable, an easy solution

Before you start wondering if you need a tampon or a cup for sanitary protection , why not consider the most basic option first, namely sanitary napkins? These panty liners have greatly improved over the past decades and are still as easy to use as ever. All you have to do is put one in your panties during your period and it will take care of absorbing your menstrual flow. Due to their simplicity and accessibility, sanitary napkins and panty liners are among the most widely used feminine hygiene products.

There are currently different types of sanitary napkins . While some women feel more comfortable with a tampon or a cup, others prefer to turn to:

  • Classic sanitary napkins: these are disposable protections that guarantee optimal absorption. However, accidents can happen, such as leaks or uncomfortable odors, especially if you don't replace the pad after a few hours;
  • Washable sanitary napkins: same principle as their classic counterparts, except that these are washable and reusable. They are therefore more ecological.

Tampons, what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Back to the "towel, tampon or cup" question, you can also choose the tampon route. However, many are hesitant about this hygienic solution, due to the many rumors circulating about the chemical composition of tampons. In itself, the tampon is an interesting alternative to sanitary napkins. More discreet, it is inserted directly into the vagina and is completely forgotten while it absorbs the blood of the rules. The small string that protrudes can nevertheless be annoying, not to mention the frequency of replacement of the tampon which is 4 to 6 hours.

However, although tampons are interesting, especially for menstruating women who wish to swim or practice sports, their use presents a high risk of toxic shock which raises questions about the safety of feminine hygiene products. . Whether it is a classic tampon, made from chlorine-bleached cellulose, or an organic tampon without harmful substances, the risks of toxic shock and irritation remain largely present. Otherwise, if you opt for tampons, you will have to pay the price. Obviously, between pad, tampon and cup, tampons are far from being the most economical.

The menstrual cup, discreet and eco-friendly

If you prefer internal protections to avoid the feeling of flow, the tampon or the cup are your best allies. However, only one of them is considered eco-friendly, and that is the famous menstrual cup. This small medical silicone cup is also inserted into the vagina to directly collect menstrual blood and other vaginal discharge. As a result, the cup is completely invisible, no string protrudes from it like tampons, and it can last up to 8 hours before being removed, emptied and cleaned. In addition, this solution is attractive for its economical, reusable and easy-to-use side.

However, the cup has a slight drawback. Like tampons, the cup poses the risk of toxic shock, a problem that can prove fatal if neglected. Similarly, whether it is the tampon or the cup, neither is worn at night. Overall, the cup, and other reusable solutions, represent a good long-term investment to better experience your period.