There's no single right product. Lots of people use more than one, depending on how heavy their flow is or what they're doing that day.
| Product | How it works | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pads | Stick inside your underwear and soak up blood | Easy to use, overnight, first periods | Change every few hours. Not for swimming |
| Tampons | Go inside your vagina and soak up blood before it leaves your body | Sport, swimming | Use the lowest absorbency you need and change them as the pack says |
| Menstrual cups | A soft silicone cup that sits inside your vagina and collects blood | Sport, swimming, saving money | Takes practice to put in and take out. Reusable for years |
| Period pants | Underwear with built-in absorbent layers | Light days, overnight, backup with a tampon or cup | Reusable. How long you can wear them depends on the brand |
Are menstrual cups safe?
Yes. Cups leak no more than pads or tampons, and often less, and they're safe to use. Because they're reusable, they save money and create far less waste over time.
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious infection linked to leaving a tampon or cup in for too long. Follow the instructions on the pack for how long to wear it. Take it out and get medical help straight away if you're using a tampon or cup and you get:
a sudden high temperature
a rash that looks like sunburn
sickness, or feeling faint
Common questions
Can I use a tampon or cup if I haven't had sex? Yes. Using a tampon or cup has nothing to do with whether you've had sex.
What if it hurts to put in? Start with the smallest size, relax your muscles and aim towards your lower back rather than straight up. A bit of discomfort while you learn is normal, but pain every time you use one is worth getting checked.
What if I can't afford products? Ask at school or college. Many schools and youth centres now give them out for free.
When to see a doctor
you can't put in a tampon or cup at all, or it always hurts
you need to change your product every hour or two (see our article on heavy periods)
you have signs of TSS, which needs help straight away