Oh, hey there! If you’re nodding along, you’ve probably ridden the same hormonal rollercoaster that visits us ladies once a month. You guessed it—I’m talking about our menstrual cycle. And here’s a little whisper of truth: choosing menstrual products hasn’t always been easy… or comfortable.
Navigating the 80s: Maxi Pads & Madonna Tunes
The 1980s—an era of neon leg warmers, catchy Madonna hits, and for me, the reign of the maxi pad. As an early teen, figuring out menstrual products felt like navigating a minefield. Pads were bulky, awkward, and came with a constant low-grade fear of leaks. Still, they were the option, so we made it work.
College & the Tampon Transformation
Fast-forward to college, where independence and busy schedules changed everything. Tampons felt discreet, freeing, and far better suited for running between classes, workouts, and real life. For a long time, they were my go-to—and for plenty of people, they still are.
Today: More Choices Than Ever
Now? We’re in a completely different era. Menstrual products like pads, tampons, cups, discs, and period underwear give us options our younger selves couldn’t have imagined.
That abundance is empowering… and also a little confusing. If all these options feel overwhelming, it helps to start with the basics. Periods are normal—let’s talk about it. This guide is here to make it simple, clear, and judgment-free—so you can choose what works for your body, your lifestyle, and your comfort.
Pads 101: From Liners to Overnight
Pads remain one of the most commonly used menstrual products because they’re familiar and easy to use.
What they are
External absorbent products worn in underwear. Common options include:
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Pantyliners (light days or backup)
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Regular or daytime pads
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Heavy or overnight pads
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Reusable cloth pads
How often to change
A good general rule is every 3–6 hours, or sooner if you feel dampness or notice odor.
Pros
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Easy to use (especially for teens or first periods)
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No insertion required
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Helpful postpartum or for people who prefer external products
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Widely available
Cons
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Can feel bulky depending on brand and flow
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Not ideal for swimming
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Disposable pads create ongoing waste
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Cloth pads require washing and storage planning
On especially heavy days, some people pair a pad with period underwear for extra backup and peace of mind.
Tampons: Freedom, Fit & What You Should Know About TSS
Tampons are popular because they’re discreet and practical—especially if you’re active.
What they are
Internal absorbent products available in different absorbency levels (light, regular, super, and beyond).
How often to change
Every 4–8 hours. If you’re ever unsure, change sooner rather than later.
Pros
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Discreet and portable
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Great for sports and swimming
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Widely available
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Multiple absorbency options
Cons
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Can cause dryness or irritation for some people
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Not ideal if insertion feels uncomfortable
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Small but real risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
A quick, calm note about TSS
TSS is rare, but the safest approach is simple: use the lowest absorbency that works for your flow and change within the recommended timeframe.
Menstrual Cups & Discs: Reusable, High-Capacity Options
If you’re curious about reusable menstrual products, cups and discs are worth knowing about. These options collect menstrual flow rather than absorbing it.
If your cramps tend to show up in your hips or lower back, you’re not imagining it—why menstrual cramps cause lower back pain has a real physiological explanation.
Menstrual cups
What they are
Flexible cups—usually made of silicone—worn internally to collect menstrual fluid.
Wear time
Often 6–12 hours, depending on flow and comfort.
Pros
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Long wear time
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Reusable for years
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Less waste
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Long-term cost savings
Cons
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Learning curve for insertion and removal
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Removal can feel messy at first
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Requires cleaning and sanitizing between cycles
Menstrual discs
What they are
Discs sit higher in the vaginal canal and tuck behind the pubic bone.
Wear time
Often 8–12 hours, depending on flow.
Pros
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High capacity
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Some people can wear them during sex
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Discreet once positioned correctly
Cons
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Removal can be messier
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Placement may feel less intuitive initially
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Reusable discs require regular cleaning
Period Underwear & Reusable Pads: Comfort Meets Sustainability
Period underwear has become a favorite for people who want comfort without insertion, especially for lighter days or as backup.
What they are
Underwear with built-in absorbent layers designed to hold menstrual flow.
Wear time
Varies by brand and absorbency, but many people use them for 4–12 hours. On heavier days, changing sooner is common.
Pros
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Comfortable and easy
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No insertion required
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Great as backup with tampons, cups, or discs
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Reusable and often cost-effective over time
Cons
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Changing in public can be inconvenient
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Requires washing and drying
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May soak through if worn too long on heavy days
How to Choose What’s Right for You
There’s no “best” menstrual product—only what fits you.
When choosing menstrual products, consider:
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Flow: light, moderate, or heavy
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Lifestyle: work, school, travel, exercise, swimming
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Comfort: internal versus external preference
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Budget: upfront cost versus long-term savings
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Sustainability: disposable versus reusable options
It can take a few cycles of trying different products to figure out what feels best, and that’s completely normal.
Mixing and matching is common. Choosing the right products is only part of the picture—period self-care that actually works can make a big difference in how your cycle feels overall. Many people use one product during the day and another at night, or switch depending on flow. Your period doesn’t need a single forever solution.
A Final Thought
Your menstrual journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—not your mom’s, not your daughter’s, not your college roommate’s.
We’ve moved from making do to having real choices. And that matters.
Whether you’re figuring this out for the first time, exploring reusable options, or helping someone else understand what’s available, you’re part of something bigger: women sharing knowledge so the next person has an easier time than we did.
And honestly? That’s the best kind of ultimate guide there is.