How To Choose Your Period Product

Menstrual products aren’t one-size-fits-all — and they shouldn’t be. What works for your best friend or a TikTok influencer might not feel comfortable for you. Your body, flow, lifestyle, and personal preferences all play a role. Understanding the different types of products (and their pros and cons) can make your period more manageable, more comfortable, and sometimes even healthier.

The Main Types

Pads

Pads are one of the most widely used menstrual products in the world — and for many, the first product they ever try. They’ve been around in disposable form since the late 1800s, and their external use makes them a popular choice for teenagers, people new to menstruation, or those who simply prefer not to use internal products. They’re also a go-to for overnight protection thanks to their coverage and ease of use.

How they work: Adhesive-backed absorbent pads that stick to your underwear, worn externally. They come in different lengths, thicknesses, and absorbency levels.

Best for: Light to heavy flow, people who don’t want to insert anything, teens who are just starting their period, overnight use.

Not ideal for: Swimming, very tight clothing (visible outlines), or those prone to chafing.

Tampons with Applicator

Applicator tampons are especially popular in countries like the US, where convenience and hygiene during insertion are a priority for many users. The applicator can make them easier to insert for beginners or people with a heavier flow, and their discreet size and effectiveness make them a favourite for sports, swimming, and everyday wear.

How they work: Cotton or rayon cylinders inserted into the vagina using a plastic or cardboard applicator. They absorb menstrual fluid before it leaves the body.

Best for: Moderate to heavy flow, swimming, active lifestyles.

Not ideal for: People who find applicators uncomfortable, or those prone to vaginal dryness.

Tampons without Applicator

Non-applicator tampons tend to be more common in Europe and Australia, and are often chosen by people who want less waste or more direct control over insertion. They’re small, discreet to carry, and often come wrapped individually. While they require more comfort with your own anatomy, many experienced tampon users find them faster and simpler to use.

How they work: Same as above, but inserted with your fingers instead of an applicator.

Best for: Those comfortable with insertion, people who want less waste or prefer a more discreet product.

Not ideal for: Anyone uncomfortable with touching their body during insertion.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups have surged in popularity over the last decade, particularly among people looking for eco-friendly, cost-effective options. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, making them appealing for those with busy schedules or overnight use. Cups do require a learning curve for insertion and removal, but many users find the comfort, capacity, and reduced waste worth the adjustment period.

How they work: Flexible, reusable silicone or rubber cups inserted into the vagina to collect (not absorb) menstrual blood. Removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted.

Best for: Eco-conscious users, those who want longer wear (up to 12 hours), moderate to heavy flow.

Not ideal for: People uncomfortable with insertion/removal, those with certain pelvic floor conditions without medical guidance.

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are newer on the market and still less common than cups or tampons, but they’ve developed a loyal following for their unique benefits — especially the ability to have mess-free period sex. They sit higher in the vaginal canal than cups, which can make them feel “invisible” during wear. Many find them ideal for heavy flow, though placement can take practice.

How they work: Flexible, round discs placed at the vaginal fornix (just past the cervix) to collect blood. They can be disposable or reusable.

Best for: Longer wear, mess-free period sex (disc sits higher than a cup), heavy flow.

Not ideal for: Those who find placement fiddly or have difficulty with removal.

Period Underwear

Period underwear has become a mainstream option in the last decade, thanks to advances in fabric technology and a growing demand for sustainable solutions. It’s particularly popular for light days, spotting, or as backup to another product. Many users also choose it for comfort at home or overnight, and teens often like it for the no-fuss, “just wear and wash” convenience.

How they work: Specially designed underwear with absorbent layers built in. Worn like normal underwear, then washed and reused.

Best for: Light to moderate flow, backup with another product, or people wanting a low-maintenance option.

Not ideal for: Very heavy flow days without backup, travel without washing facilities.

Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are a modern take on a centuries-old concept. They’re often made with soft fabrics that reduce irritation, and they appeal to those who want an eco-friendly alternative to disposables. While they require washing after use, many find them more breathable and comfortable than standard pads, especially for lighter days.

How they work: Fabric pads secured to underwear with snaps, washed and reused.

Best for: Eco-conscious users, those prone to irritation from disposables.

Not ideal for: Situations without washing access, very heavy flow without frequent changes.

The bottom line

The “best” menstrual product is the one that works for your body, lifestyle, and comfort level. You might use different products for different days of your cycle, or even different times of the day. And remember — if something causes pain, irritation, or just doesn’t feel right, you can always try another option.