Feminine Hygiene & Products

When it comes to feminine hygiene, many people simply want to avoid the subject, mainly because of embarrassment over the associated smells, sticky substances, and unknown stains. The goings on in the vaginal environment are, for the most part, dictated by the time of the month during a woman’s menstrual cycle, which is not only a natural physiological process, but a rite of passage that in some cultures is honored and celebrated as a transition into womanhood.

Knowing the right habits needed to maintain a healthy pH balance in the vagina helps ensure that a woman feels fresh and clean. It allows her to mature gracefully without ever feeling uncomfortable with the natural processes associated with being a woman – and also gives her the confidence in knowing how to care for herself in the healthiest, most effective way possible.

There are many ways to enhance feminine hygiene:

• regular bathing.
• wearing undergarments made of breathable material like cotton.
• eating a healthy diet, which includes a regular dose of yogurt (which contains ingredients that promote a balanced vaginal flora) and excludes large quantities of sugar and fried food.
• selecting products that won't irritate vaginal flora, e.g. hypoallergenic soap, non-perfumed creams.

In addition to these items, a key factor in good hygiene and healthy vaginal pH is an understanding of the available options for feminine hygiene - and how to use them.

Definition of Feminine Hygiene Products

These are personal care products used by women during a period to absorb their menstrual flow. Some are used internally, some externally; they can range in material and style, depending on country of origin and the manufacturer of that particular brand. Some of the most well-known brands of tampon and sanitary napkin include Always, Stayfree and Kotex.

As menstrual products are worn either internally, or right next to the skin, many women are concerned about the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, particularly bleach, dioxins (a type of environmental pollutant), perfumes, oils, and synthetic fibers. Manufacturers are responding to these concerns by designing products with body safe materials and producing them within safe guidelines.

Most tampon manufacturers now use a chlorine-free bleaching process to clean their tampon fibers, a much safer purification method than using bleach that contains chlorine. In terms of the concern over dioxins, the FDA regulates the safety of the materials used in the production process and makes sure that levels are at an acceptable range. And when it comes to fragrance, many companies recognize the concern over irritating additives and thus make available fragrance-free, body-friendly brands.

Disposable Products

These menstrual products are popular because of their convenience and ease of use. They are reasonably affordable; however, they can create a lot of waste. Disposable products that are worn internally are considerably more discreet, more comfortable, and don’t give off a noticeable smell sometimes associated with external sanitary napkin use.

1. Sanitary Napkins/Pads

• adhere to the underwear via an adhesive strip on the underside of the pad.
• are used to absorb menstrual flow and vaginal discharge.
• range in absorbency, length and shape; e.g. regular, maxi, super maxi, and night-time.
• other options include wings/tabs that wrap around the sides of underwear to minimize leaks.
• thinner varieties can be used as a backup for tampon use.

2. Tampons

• are usually made of cotton.
• are worn internally and held in place by the vaginal muscles.
• can be inserted with or without an applicator, and are removed by pulling on a short cord that hangs outside the body.
• are popular choice for wear during physical activity or when wearing tighter clothing.
• can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if worn longer than manufacturer recommendations.

3. Disposable Menstrual Cups

• are worn internally and collect menstrual fluid.
• look similar to diaphragms, are made of soft and flexible materials (usually polyethylene).
• may be worn during sex, but not a contraceptive device.

4. Feminine Wipes, etc.

• are convenient cleansing cloths for use during menstruation, or for an everyday 'freshen-up'.
• are pH balanced so as not to be too acidic or alkaline – and so specifically suited for 'intimate care'.
• are generally available in tubs - or individually wrapped ('wipes to go').

Reusable Products

While disposable products are convenient, they also have their drawbacks. Using tampons does increase one’s risk of TSS, and pads put some people off because of the amount of waste they produce - as they’re not biodegradable. There is also a greater long-term financial cost of using disposables. Many women are looking to reusable menstrual products that are more environmentally responsible and cost effective.

1. Menstrual Cups

• are shaped like a bell and worn internally.
• are generally made of rubber, silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
• collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.
• are economical.

2. Sea Sponge Tampons

• are worn internally, like a tampon, to absorb menstrual flow.
• are made of natural sea sponge that can be reused for up to six months.
• contain no synthetic fibers and are environmentally sustainable.

3. Reusable Menstrual Pads

• are similar to disposable sanitary napkins/pads but are washable.
• are made of fabric like cotton, flannel or hemp.
• are popular because they are chemical, perfume, and allergen free.

4. Towel or Drop Sheet

• a washable piece of material that is used as a primary, or secondary, way to absorb fluid by being placed between the legs - usually at night.

5. Padded Panties

• extra material that is sewn into underwear to absorb menstrual fluid.

Final Thoughts

For more articles related to feminine hygiene and products, check out 7 Tips for Sex in the Shower and Menstrual Sex.