Navigating Menstrual Hygiene in Summer: Pads, Tampons, or Absorbent Underwear?

Summer heat can be uncomfortable, and it can become even more unbearable during menstruation. Today, we’ll explore which feminine hygiene products can help ease your period and maintain comfort during the summer months.

Pads

Using pads may not be the best option for the summer period. Increased sweating can cause them to become damp more quickly, leading to sticking to the skin and additional discomfort. Moreover, the wings can cause more chafing than usual, leading to irritation. However, if you prefer this method, we recommend choosing “breathable” pads that should be changed every 2-3 hours.

Pros:

Ease of use: They are as easy to put on as they are to take off, and no additional skills are required, unlike with tampons.
Variety: There are enough diverse models on the market to suit your needs. You can choose pads of the required size, absorbency, and shape.

Cons:

Limited use: When using pads during menstruation, you will have to choose your clothing more carefully. They are not suitable for sports, activities, or swimming.
Hygiene challenges: In the summer, pads need to be changed more frequently than usual to avoid bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
Unreliability: They can often detach or shift, which can lead to leakage.

Tampons

This method of leak protection is the most popular among women in hot weather. They are completely invisible even under the thinnest layer of clothing, prevent infection when swimming, and reliably retain menstrual flow. However, there are some nuances: ideally, you should change the tampon after each time you exit the water, as contaminants and microorganisms from the water can enter the body through the pull string. A solution could be using tampons without a string, such as those from the brand FREEDOM. They are made of special foam material, and instead of a pull string, the tampon-sponge has a slit. With clean hands, the tampon can be removed as needed after a few hours (ideally every 2-4 hours, with a maximum of 8). An additional advantage of FREEDOM tampons is their exceptional softness. This hygiene product is virtually unnoticeable, making it a great option for the beach and active leisure.

Pros:

Convenience: Tampons allow for a more active lifestyle. You can exercise and even have sex with them, if using appropriate models.
Hygiene: The skin remains clean when using tampons, and there is no odor.

Cons:

Difficulty with insertion: To avoid feeling the tampon inside, it must be inserted correctly, which can be quite challenging for beginners.
Cannot be used overnight: It is not advisable to leave tampons inside for more than 8 hours.

Absorbent Underwear

Few people know that during menstruation, you can do without the usual personal hygiene products by using absorbent underwear that prevents leaks. These underwear models are made of natural fabrics, allowing the skin to breathe and stay dry. Additionally, the possibility of irritation and bacterial growth is reduced to zero. Another undeniable advantage is that many brands now produce swimsuits that work on the same principle. You can relax on the beach and even swim in them.

Pros:

High absorbency: One pair can replace the use of two tampons, allowing you to forget about where and how to change your hygiene product for the entire day.
Economical: Even three pairs of underwear will not cost you more than a year’s supply of pads.

Cons:

Quantity: If you decide to try this type of menstrual hygiene product, purchase several models at once so that you can send one pair to the laundry and wear another. And if you are a fairly spontaneous person and not always sure that you will wake up at home, you will have to carry spare underwear with you.
Difficulty in purchasing: Such underwear can currently only be purchased online, meaning you will have to wait for their delivery.

Menstrual Cups

Another good and fairly eco-friendly way to ease menstruation in hot weather. A significant advantage of cups is their capacity, which is twice that of pads and tampons, and their duration of use, which can be up to 8-12 hours, making them ideal for overnight use. However, there are also drawbacks: after use, the cup must be thoroughly washed, which is inconvenient if you are traveling with limited access to running water.

Pros:

Economical: One cup can last you several years, saving you money on purchasing pads or tampons.
Convenience: When inside, the cup does not increase in size and does not press against the vaginal walls.
Health: This type of hygiene during menstruation is excellent for women with allergies. You can find a cup made of hypoallergenic materials that will not cause discomfort.

Cons:

Difficulty with insertion: As with tampons, cups require some skill to use. If not inserted correctly, a woman will immediately feel discomfort.
Contraindications: Virgins cannot use cups.