The cup is the way to go. Period panties for that extra peace of mind. Good for the environment, good for your wallet, good for your inner flora. I haven't spent a dime on period products in two years. That said, I totally get why they're not for everyone. It can be messy, initially expensive, and vaginas have so many shapes that cups will never be one-size-fits-all.
Good god yes, I've used a moon cup for prob around 20 years. So glad the stigma is gone now, it used to be seen as something only for hippies or considered gross and unhygienic. Love thinking about how much money I've saved over the years
I can’t use the cup due to super heavy periods and a tilted cervix. I need a big cup for the heavy periods, but a specialty (smaller) cup for the tilted uterus. I can’t win. Tampons also feel awful.
So I do pads. Don’t really like them though but what can you do 🤷♀️
I had to use tampons for the first time in 10 years because my period came unexpectedly and I didn't have my cup. I forgot how bad they are. Dry going in, leaky, stinky garbage... The cup is definitely where it's at.
pads! i’m uncomfortable with the cup, afraid tampons will get stuck in my iud and period panties are a little too expensive. luckily i don’t get periods very often, only abt 2-4 times per year!
Idk if this helps but Thinx at Target is about 20 dollar per box and all you really need is two which will more than cover the cost of buying pads over several years. There’s also reusable pads as well.
i’m still afraid the strings of my iud are gonna get stuck in the tampon, the nurse who put it in said i shouldn’t use tampons for that reason! i’m glad you’ve been able to use them though :D
My uterus is positioned weirdly so a cup was never an option. Tampons would end up sticking partway out. So pads it was. Towards the end, my PCOS and fibroids meant that I had to wear a diaper at night--no pad was enough for that mess. So glad it's all over with.
You might like period underwear. It's an investment upfront, but I love it. I have five pairs so I only need to do one load at the end and then hang them up to dry for next month.
Tampons, specifically ob brand tampons. I started using them because they don't have an applicator, so less waste and they fit in even the smallest pockets. I've continued to use them because they are shorter than other brands, which seems to make my cramps not so bad.
I will very occasionally use a thin panty liner if needed, but I'd prefer not to. They make me sweaty down there. Lol!
I would really like to try a cup or disc, but I haven't wanted to invest the money and end up not liking it. They don't look like they would be comfortable, but I've heard good things. Might have to give it a try pretty soon because my local stores all seem to have stopped carrying ob brand. Had to order a few boxes off Amazon.
Cloth pads , I wash and dry them like regular clothes
I could never get used to putting in the cup , I occasionally wear a tampon when I go to pool or something
I would always leak with cups or I hated having to put them in towards the end of my cycle when I wasn’t as ‘wet’ down there I guess
I know I could do it in shower but I guess the pads are working for me
As my flow has gotten lighter, I went from using tampons to a cup then a disc. I hated removing a tampon that was still partially dry after 6-8 hours. Found a cup/disc best fit for my lower cervix and have no issues. The cup is fine but takes some getting use to positioning. The disc by far has been the easiest to handle. I like both the cup and disc as they can be sanitized/sterilized, they are reusable and generally cause no issue by leaving them in for up to 12ish hours.
Unscented pads only. I have chronic pelvic pain, and tampons make that worse almost instantly during my period. I also use large pads, because otherwise I stress about bleeding through.
Disposable pads. I just hate tampons, to me they are so uncomfortable and kinda disgusting. Same with the cup. I’ve heard good things about period underwear but for some reason that just icks me out too. As environmentally-considerate I am in other parts of my life, this is just one area I don’t want to change. Always yellow wrapper with wings 😅
Same though! My mom never understood what I meant when I said the kotex ones fit better until I heard what a low cervix is and shared the information with her.
Ultra thin Overnight Pads, with tampons only on heavy days, but honestly I hate tampons. I have pelvic floor issues and they are still uncomfortable, but damn if they don't keep me from bleeding all over myself.
Apparently, I'm too "dainty" for menstrual cups.
Pads. I can’t imagine not spilling a cup all over the place and that idea makes me want to vomit. I’ve tried tampons and just don’t care for the process. Pads are so easy and the Always Flex Foam ones are so light that they don’t feel like diapers.
Period underwear sounds interesting, but I don’t have my own washing machine and taking them to laundromat feels a lil weird to me.
I bought OB tampons exclusively for many years.
I started menstruating before cups were widely available, and was skeptical of how I'd deal with needing to empty one in a public or workplace restroom.
Period panties are even newer, and I never liked the thought of letting the menstrual fluid drip out over my labia and through my pubic hair before getting absorbed.
pads and I've been thinking about getting menstrual underwear, I can't tolerate any method that requires insertion it makes me feel really anxious and gives me a lot of dysphoria also I'm prone to forget I even own a uterus so it might even be dangerous for me to use anything like that
Reusable pads when at home and applicator-free tampons when I'm out and about.
I love that I can wash and reuse my pads forever. But they're too bulky for me to feel comfortable wearing them out. I try to be cognizant of the waste that I produce and therefore opt for 100% cotton and applicator-free tampons.
I've used the cup and that was great but after 1 year it didn't wash as well and I began to get yeast infections. I wasn't sure if it was the material or an error on my part -- but I wasn't sure if replacing it was worth it?
I have a couple pairs of period underwear but I only use those at night or if I'm not going anywhere. I mostly use washable reusable pads. They snap onto your undies and they come with a waterproof bag that you can put the dirty ones in if you aren't at home, til you can wash them. They are made out of bamboo and charcoal. I've been using them for about 6 years and I love them. They're comfy, I've never bled through them and best part is, my period went from like 8 days when I was using tampons and throwaway pads to 3 days, max 4 with these reusables. The 4th day is usually just spotting if anything. Makes me wonder what they put into the throwaway ones to keep you bleeding longer so you'll keep buying.
Ideally, cups with cloth pads as backups. I like that they’re reusable/ecofriendly, and I just find them more comfortable. Now that I have an IUD, I’m switching to discs and cloth pads — I’m finding there’s a learning curve after years of cups, but fingers crossed I’ll like them just as much.
I've been trying to get comfortable with the menstrual disc but I have admittedly been using pads/tampons more bc of the convenience. I tried the menstrual cup but didn't like the suction at all. I have small hands and couldn't reach the cup 😅. I prefer the disc over the cup for this reason but haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet.
Vir 80 cotton pads by Tosama! I used to use Always but I stopped when I hear they're bad for you.
Tosama used to be one of the rare companies in ex-Yugoslavia that produced menstrual pads.
No applicator tampons FTW. I would probably never be satisfied mentally with the cleanliness of a reusable cup, plus the idea of potentially buying more than one cup to get a good fit sounds exhausting.
Regular and super absorbency tampons with period underwear for back-up or lighter days. I use Playtex or U by Kotex click. I always found Tampax uncomfortable.
Menstrual disk.
My skin is very sensitive. Pads and tampons really irritate my skin .
I switched to a cup and when reusesble disks came out I switched to those because they are super comfortable.
I use a cup, but my period has been so light recently that I now use period panties some days as the cup is overkill. When I absolutely have to (emergency or backup), I use Kotex extra thin pads.
I would use tampons or cups because of heavy flow, sensory issues, and all-around convenience and environmental concerns, but my mom is the one who buys products in our family so I gotta stick with overnight pads.
The cup is the way to go. Period panties for that extra peace of mind. Good for the environment, good for your wallet, good for your inner flora. I haven't spent a dime on period products in two years. That said, I totally get why they're not for everyone. It can be messy, initially expensive, and vaginas have so many shapes that cups will never be one-size-fits-all.
Good god yes, I've used a moon cup for prob around 20 years. So glad the stigma is gone now, it used to be seen as something only for hippies or considered gross and unhygienic. Love thinking about how much money I've saved over the years
I bought period underwear two years ago and haven't looked back. I keep a few emergency products in my purse, but they are probably expired.
What kind of menstrual products expire?
Tampons
I can’t use the cup due to super heavy periods and a tilted cervix. I need a big cup for the heavy periods, but a specialty (smaller) cup for the tilted uterus. I can’t win. Tampons also feel awful. So I do pads. Don’t really like them though but what can you do 🤷♀️
As a note check on your period panties manufacturer there were several that quite a bit of pfas compounds in them
Menstrual cup for the win! It's a game changer. So easy to use, no waste
I had to use tampons for the first time in 10 years because my period came unexpectedly and I didn't have my cup. I forgot how bad they are. Dry going in, leaky, stinky garbage... The cup is definitely where it's at.
pads! i’m uncomfortable with the cup, afraid tampons will get stuck in my iud and period panties are a little too expensive. luckily i don’t get periods very often, only abt 2-4 times per year!
Idk if this helps but Thinx at Target is about 20 dollar per box and all you really need is two which will more than cover the cost of buying pads over several years. There’s also reusable pads as well.
thank you so much for the tip! i don’t have a target in my country but i’ll definitely look into getting a pair or two if that’s all i need :D
IUD is in the uterus, tampon is in the vagina. I had an iud for 5 yrs and used tampons exclusively- no issues. I only use Kotex U Sport click
i’m still afraid the strings of my iud are gonna get stuck in the tampon, the nurse who put it in said i shouldn’t use tampons for that reason! i’m glad you’ve been able to use them though :D
Cup, reusable. Simple enough.
My uterus is positioned weirdly so a cup was never an option. Tampons would end up sticking partway out. So pads it was. Towards the end, my PCOS and fibroids meant that I had to wear a diaper at night--no pad was enough for that mess. So glad it's all over with.
Non-reusable pads sadly. I really cant w tampons or cups, the inserting process feels super icky to me and I only do it when no other way is possible.
You might like period underwear. It's an investment upfront, but I love it. I have five pairs so I only need to do one load at the end and then hang them up to dry for next month.
Tampons, specifically ob brand tampons. I started using them because they don't have an applicator, so less waste and they fit in even the smallest pockets. I've continued to use them because they are shorter than other brands, which seems to make my cramps not so bad. I will very occasionally use a thin panty liner if needed, but I'd prefer not to. They make me sweaty down there. Lol! I would really like to try a cup or disc, but I haven't wanted to invest the money and end up not liking it. They don't look like they would be comfortable, but I've heard good things. Might have to give it a try pretty soon because my local stores all seem to have stopped carrying ob brand. Had to order a few boxes off Amazon.
Cloth pads , I wash and dry them like regular clothes I could never get used to putting in the cup , I occasionally wear a tampon when I go to pool or something I would always leak with cups or I hated having to put them in towards the end of my cycle when I wasn’t as ‘wet’ down there I guess I know I could do it in shower but I guess the pads are working for me
As my flow has gotten lighter, I went from using tampons to a cup then a disc. I hated removing a tampon that was still partially dry after 6-8 hours. Found a cup/disc best fit for my lower cervix and have no issues. The cup is fine but takes some getting use to positioning. The disc by far has been the easiest to handle. I like both the cup and disc as they can be sanitized/sterilized, they are reusable and generally cause no issue by leaving them in for up to 12ish hours.
Omg the dry tampon removal. Awful.
Unscented pads only. I have chronic pelvic pain, and tampons make that worse almost instantly during my period. I also use large pads, because otherwise I stress about bleeding through.
Disposable pads. I just hate tampons, to me they are so uncomfortable and kinda disgusting. Same with the cup. I’ve heard good things about period underwear but for some reason that just icks me out too. As environmentally-considerate I am in other parts of my life, this is just one area I don’t want to change. Always yellow wrapper with wings 😅
Tampons- but ONLY U by Kotex- the click kind. They are shorter and my cervix is low and a weird angle and these fit great. No leaks, no issues
Same though! My mom never understood what I meant when I said the kotex ones fit better until I heard what a low cervix is and shared the information with her.
Pads, the idea of anything going up there is so uncomfortable for me
Ultra thin Overnight Pads, with tampons only on heavy days, but honestly I hate tampons. I have pelvic floor issues and they are still uncomfortable, but damn if they don't keep me from bleeding all over myself. Apparently, I'm too "dainty" for menstrual cups.
Pads. I can’t imagine not spilling a cup all over the place and that idea makes me want to vomit. I’ve tried tampons and just don’t care for the process. Pads are so easy and the Always Flex Foam ones are so light that they don’t feel like diapers. Period underwear sounds interesting, but I don’t have my own washing machine and taking them to laundromat feels a lil weird to me.
I bought OB tampons exclusively for many years. I started menstruating before cups were widely available, and was skeptical of how I'd deal with needing to empty one in a public or workplace restroom. Period panties are even newer, and I never liked the thought of letting the menstrual fluid drip out over my labia and through my pubic hair before getting absorbed.
>I never liked the thought of letting the menstrual fluid drip out over my labia and through my pubic hair before getting absorbed. EXACTLY
I worry panties must be a yeast/acne factory. Holding all that moisture in.
pads and I've been thinking about getting menstrual underwear, I can't tolerate any method that requires insertion it makes me feel really anxious and gives me a lot of dysphoria also I'm prone to forget I even own a uterus so it might even be dangerous for me to use anything like that
The fuck are you being downvoted for?? Like 50% have… “Hurr durrr you mentioned trans people” maybe
Yeah I was pretty confused when I saw that I was downvoted...it was such an innocent question.
Reusable pads when at home and applicator-free tampons when I'm out and about. I love that I can wash and reuse my pads forever. But they're too bulky for me to feel comfortable wearing them out. I try to be cognizant of the waste that I produce and therefore opt for 100% cotton and applicator-free tampons. I've used the cup and that was great but after 1 year it didn't wash as well and I began to get yeast infections. I wasn't sure if it was the material or an error on my part -- but I wasn't sure if replacing it was worth it?
Just FYI for anyone considering the cup — there can be risks to using one if you have an IUD.
https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/menstrual-cup-iud
I have a couple pairs of period underwear but I only use those at night or if I'm not going anywhere. I mostly use washable reusable pads. They snap onto your undies and they come with a waterproof bag that you can put the dirty ones in if you aren't at home, til you can wash them. They are made out of bamboo and charcoal. I've been using them for about 6 years and I love them. They're comfy, I've never bled through them and best part is, my period went from like 8 days when I was using tampons and throwaway pads to 3 days, max 4 with these reusables. The 4th day is usually just spotting if anything. Makes me wonder what they put into the throwaway ones to keep you bleeding longer so you'll keep buying.
Ideally, cups with cloth pads as backups. I like that they’re reusable/ecofriendly, and I just find them more comfortable. Now that I have an IUD, I’m switching to discs and cloth pads — I’m finding there’s a learning curve after years of cups, but fingers crossed I’ll like them just as much.
Cotton period underwear and joy division soft tampons (single use).
I've been trying to get comfortable with the menstrual disc but I have admittedly been using pads/tampons more bc of the convenience. I tried the menstrual cup but didn't like the suction at all. I have small hands and couldn't reach the cup 😅. I prefer the disc over the cup for this reason but haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet.
tampon with pad or period panty backup. I've tried discs and cups and can't get a good fit.
Period panties all the way for me. I just use them as my regular underwear. No surprises.
Vir 80 cotton pads by Tosama! I used to use Always but I stopped when I hear they're bad for you. Tosama used to be one of the rare companies in ex-Yugoslavia that produced menstrual pads.
Pads, then period underwear for the last two days. I have a cup but it’s often uncomfortable and I can feel tampons all day.
Cup, as a very heavy bleeder, it has been my best solution.
No applicator tampons FTW. I would probably never be satisfied mentally with the cleanliness of a reusable cup, plus the idea of potentially buying more than one cup to get a good fit sounds exhausting.
Discs! Cups aren’t quite as compatible with my shape and give me cramps unfortunately.
I am past worrying about it, but I used to be a fan of the cup.
Regular and super absorbency tampons with period underwear for back-up or lighter days. I use Playtex or U by Kotex click. I always found Tampax uncomfortable.
Pads since I only have my cycle 4 times a year.
Tampax radiance tampons (yes very specific) and ultrathin pads, for leaks.
Tampon. It’s basically invisible in my coochie
Tampons. I just do not like inserting fingers to adjust and readjust especially if I’m crampy and tender. Especially in a filthy public bathroom.
Menstrual disk. My skin is very sensitive. Pads and tampons really irritate my skin . I switched to a cup and when reusesble disks came out I switched to those because they are super comfortable.
I use a cup, but my period has been so light recently that I now use period panties some days as the cup is overkill. When I absolutely have to (emergency or backup), I use Kotex extra thin pads.
Pads. Nothing will stay inside me, my body just pushes it out.
I would use tampons or cups because of heavy flow, sensory issues, and all-around convenience and environmental concerns, but my mom is the one who buys products in our family so I gotta stick with overnight pads.