Feminine hygiene

A menstrual pad with wings

The elements of a tampon with applicator. Left: the bigger tube ("penetrator"). Center: cotton tampon with attached string. Right: the narrower tube.

Reusable cloth menstrual pad with Kokopelli motif.

A menstrual cup

Menstrual panty

Disposable:

• Menstrual pad: Made of absorbent material that is worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. They are made of cellulose and are available in many different absorbencies and lengths. They may have wings and/or an adhesive backing to hold the pad in place.[2][3][4]
• Pantyliner: Similar to a menstrual pad, they are smaller, thinner and used for lighter periods, intermittent bleeding and vaginal discharge, or as a supplement to a tampon.[2][3]
• Tampon: Inserted inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be used while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbency.[2][3][4]

Reusable:

• Menstrual cup: Made of silicone, natural rubber, or plastic; is inserted inside the vagina to catch blood and/or uterine lining.[5] Most are reusable: they are emptied when full and can be washed or boiled.
• Cloth menstrual pad: Worn inside underwear; can be made of materials such as cotton, flannel or terry cloth.[5]
• Period underwear (AKA period panties): Can refer to either underwear that keeps pads in place, or absorbent underwear that can take the place of tampons and pads.[5]
• Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.[6]
• Towel: large reusable piece of cloth, most often used at night (if nothing else is available), placed between legs to absorb menstrual flow.

Areas of concern:

• Toxic shock syndrome: The use of tampons or menstrual cups can rarely cause a dangerous condition called toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections.[7] To help prevent toxic shock syndrome, the lowest needed absorbency of tampon should be used and tampons should be changed at least every four to eight hours. Minipads should be used for light menstrual flow.

• Women may have difficulty with staining of their garments or sheets during menstruation. This can be mitigated by wearing dark or black underwear or pants and sleeping on top of a towel at night.

• Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.[4]
• Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.[8]

Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria.[9] Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity.[10]

Menstrual hygiene product dispenser

Tampon tax is a shorthand for sales tax charged on tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The cost of these commercial products for menstrual management is considered to be unacceptably high for many low-income women. At least half a million women across the world do not have enough money to adequately afford these products. This can result in missing school or even dropping out. In some jurisdictions similar necessities like medical devices and toilet paper are not taxed. Several initiatives worldwide advocate to eliminate the tax all together. In some countries, such petitions have already been successful (for example parts of the UK and the United States).[23][24][25]

The Federal Bureau of Prisons in the United States announced that women in its facilities would be guaranteed free menstrual pads and tampons. In section 411 of the First Step Act which was passed on May 22, 2018 states, "The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall make the healthcare products described in subsection (c) available to prisoners for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the healthcare needs of each prisoner".[26]

Some girls and women may view tampons and menstrual cups as affecting their virginity even though they have not engaged in sexual intercourse.[4]

For those with autism, using pads before menstruation begins may help reduce sensory issues associated with menstrual hygiene products. Prior education and practice may help familiarize an individual with body changes and the process of using products associated with menstruation.[27]

Menstruation may occur despite paralyzation; product use depends on the individual's personal preference.[28]

Sanitary napkins could be made of woven cotton, knitted or crocheted and filled with rags.[35] They could be homemade for personal use or mass-produced and sold, such as in towns that had a textile industry.[36]

The menstrual receptacle was the very earliest hygiene product to be launched as menstrual protection in Sweden, as early as 1879. It was made of rubber, like many of the hygiene articles of the time, and resembled a bowl-shaped casing that would sit on the outside of the abdomen. The menstrual receptacle is not considered to have gained much popularity.[37]

The first half of the 20th century also saw the development of early intravaginal menstrual products similar to the menstrual cup, with an early patent dating from 1903.[38]

Menstrual belts were another form that menstrual protection took and began to appear in the late 19th century. They were made so that the pad itself was contained in a special holder that was fastened around the waist with a belt. The pads in these designs are referred to as "suction pads" in Swedish patent documents, such as the "Suction pad for menstruation" patent from 1889.[39] The price for a menstrual belt could be between 2.75 – 3.50 SEK and pads had to be purchased for about 4–5 SEK each, depending on the size of the pack. From the price information available, menstrual protection was likely a costly purchase that was not available to everyone.[32]

The sanitary belt can be seen as a modern version of the menstrual belt, but more like a girdle. The function of the belt is to hold the pad in place while giving the user greater freedom of motion.[40] In Sweden, the product was introduced in the 1940s and was in use until the 1960s.[41] In the 1970s, the adhesive strip on the underside of the pad was introduced, allowing it to be attached to the underwear and held in place without the use of a girdle, safety pin or belt.[42]

• Cup[43]
• Pad[43]
• Panty[43]
• Sponges[43][44]
• Nothing[44]
• Sheep's wool[44]
• Underwear[44]
• Raw cotton[44]
• Sanitary belt and napkin holder[44]
• Crocheted sanitary napkins[44]
• Clouts[44]
• No belt[44]
• Baby diapers[44]
• Adult diapers[44]
• Plants[4]

• Malmberg, Denise (1991). Skammens röda blomma – menstruationen och den menstruerande kvinnan i svensk tradition [The red flower of shame?: menstruation and the menstruating woman in Swedish tradition] (in Swedish). Uppsala University. ISBN 9789150608830.