If you grew up in Singapore then you may remember that sometime around Primary 5, your form teacher quietly ushered all the girls to another classroom where a friendly lady from some feminine hygiene product company cheerfully greeted you and proceeded to share her knowledge about the menstrual cycle and what to expect.
You were then presented with some sort of goody bag with a pamphlet and a few products in preparation for that big day when you “turn into a woman”.
The feminine hygiene products given to you were most likely disposable sanitary pads and when the time came for Aunt Flo to pay you a visit, you probably reached for these handy pads and never looked back ever since.
But did you know that there are many other options available out there for you and your daughter to manage your periods? Some are eco-friendly, some can be DIY and some are even a little unconventional!
Feminine Hygiene Products That You Can Use to Manage Your Period
Which feminine hygiene product did you use when you first got your period?
Disposable Pads
Commonly found in Singapore, disposable sanitary pads or sanitary napkins are absorbent pads with an underlying adhesive layer that you line your underwear with to absorb the menstrual blood and is disposed of, then replaced throughout the day.
They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and the different special features may include:
- Wings – These “wings” are extra flaps at the side of the pads with adhesives to help keep them in place and not bunch up in the middle as you go about your daily activities.
- Side gathers- This feature is to help prevent any side leakage so you can have a peace of mind and not worry about staining your pants.
- Blue absorption layer – This blue strip in the middle of the pad acts as an extra absorption layer for those with a heavy flow and who need a bit more protection.
- Extra long – This pad is longer at the back and good for night use when you are lying down or sleeping, as it will prevent any leakage.
How often should you change your pads?
No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up. So make sure to change your pad every 3 to 4 hours (and more often if your period is heavy) to maintain good hygiene and prevent bad odours. This is especially true if you’ll be playing sports or doing physical activities.
Pros: Easy to find, convenient, and with many varieties to choose from.
Cons: Not good for the environment, added monthly cost, slightly uncomfortable to some, bulky in your underwear.
Image Source: iStock
Reusable Cloth Pads
For those who want something a little more environmentally friendly, you may want to consider using reusable cloth pads, which can be ordered online, or you can even make it yourself!
Some women also opt for cloth pads as they are worried the disposable feminine hygiene products may contain odour neutralisers, artificial fragrances, artificial colours, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene (PET), polypropylene and propylene glycol (PEG).
These are all harmful contaminants that have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, vaginal dryness and even infertility.
Vans, an Artist who makes and uses her own DIY cloth pads explains that they’re actually comfortable to wear and quite easy to make as you can just find the templates online then cut it out on any fabric of your choice and start sewing.
“I think a lot of what stops people from trying alternatives (for feminine hygiene products) is the stigma behind periods and period blood – that it’s dirty etc, and it makes people hate their bodies and their periods.”
Pros: Better for the environment, economical, quite comfortable, comes in lovely prints and patterns.
Cons: If you’re outside, you need to bring along a “wet bag” to store your used pads and keep it in your purse the whole day; and you have to soak the used pads in cold water first before you can throw them in the wash with the rest of your laundry. It can be quite inconvenient if you look at it that way.
You can easily make your own reusable cloth pads
Tampons
Although tampons can easily be found in Singapore, some women do not feel very comfortable using them.
Dyana B., a preschool teacher, recalls that right before she went on an overnight camp at Pulau Ubin during her secondary school days, she got her period, and not wanting to miss out on any fun in the water, she tried using tampons for the very first time.
“It was kind of difficult trying to figure out how to insert it and my mother kept trying to tell me instructions from the other side of the bathroom door – which was not very helpful because she’s never used tampons before either!
I felt uncomfortable wearing it but didn’t want to miss swimming or sailing with all my friends.”
After a while, Dyana developed a fever, had a mild rash and felt lethargic so was brought to her family doctor who discovered that she was suffering from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious medical condition that can be caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci. The syndrome can be life-threatening, especially when caused by streptococci.
TSS is often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons, as the bacteria can grow on the tampon and release toxins in the vagina. Leaving a diaphragm in the vagina for more than 24 hours can also increase the risk slightly.
In addition to tampon use, TSS can also occur from infected surgical wounds, post-delivery uterine infections, and other situations involving infections by these bacteria.
Symptoms of TSS develop suddenly and escalate rapidly over a few days. They may include a high fever, red and sore throat, red eyes, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and delirium. A characteristic rash that resembles sunburn can appear on the body, including the palms and soles, and skin peeling may occur.
Organ failure can also happen, leading to dangerously low blood pressure, impaired kidney, liver, heart, and lung function, and an increased risk of bleeding. The severity of symptoms and prognosis vary depending on the cause, with staphylococcal TSS being generally less serious than streptococcal TSS.
However not all women will get TSS when using tampons and it is recommended that you change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, and no longer than that.
Pros: Discrete and no bulkiness in your underwear, can be used when swimming or in water.
Cons: Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a little costly, some find it difficult to use, hard to gauge whether you need to change it, not recommended to be used overnight.
Tampons are also widely available in Singapore
Menstrual Cups
Silicone menstrual cups, an ancient feminine hygiene solution, have gained popularity as an alternative to pads and tampons. These durable cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood and can be reused after washing.
There are some women who have also found an interesting way to make full use of the fluids collected and turn it into plant fertiliser for the garden!
Pros: Pretty comfortable, economical, reusable, and better for the environment.
Cons: Inconvenience of having to properly sterilise the cup at the end of your period before storing it, and some may find it difficult to insert comfortably.
Menstrual cups are actually more comfortable than they look!
Period Panties
If you’re tired of clumpy pads or inserting foreign objects each month, period panties are a comforting option. They’re absorbent, and leak-resistant, and come in various colors, patterns, styles, and absorbency levels.
The washable, leak-proof fabric and customisable absorbency can supposedly hold up to two tampons’ worth of menstrual blood.
You might be worried that it will leak and leave an embarrassing stain on the MRT seat when you’re on the way home from work, but apparently, they work pretty well and you won’t even feel any uncomfortable wetness throughout the day.
Pros: Looks and feels good, discrete, reusable, and better for the environment.
Cons: Not easily available in Singapore, may come in limited sizes, and you have to soak them in cold water first before tossing them in the washing machine.
Leak-proof period panties come in all sorts of different colours, styles and sizes
Will You Ever Try Free Bleeding
This controversial choice to abstain from using any feminine hygiene products and just literally let things flow is called “free bleeding” and has been in the spotlight as of late when bold campaigners in the UK held a protest against the Tampon Tax levy.
Although rumoured to be a recent elaborate anti-feminist hoax in 2014, this whole concept of free bleeding has actually been around for much longer, such as described by an author, Sarah, of a blog called All About My Vagina, back in 2004. She writes,
“I hadn’t thought much about ‘free bleeding’ because it seemed very obviously impractical to me to refrain from any kind of menstrual product and just bleed all over things during magic time.
It seemed like a lot of laundry and public concern would ensue. I couldn’t think of any motivation to consider the idea, nor could I see any practical way to implement it even if I did decide it was a great plan.”
Free bleeding was even captured by a photographer in 2012 for a fashion spread which showed different women doing normal everyday activities, but with blood-stained underwear showing.
Pros: Saves you a lot of money every month, no risk of contact with harmful chemicals from using any feminine hygiene products, better for the environment.
Cons: Generally not widely accepted in our society (so be prepared for a lot of rude stares and negative remarks), stains your clothes and bedsheets (which we all know is a pain to wash out!) or pretty much everywhere that you sit on (it’s probably best to avoid white sofas).
In a nutshell, here are the pros and cons of different feminine products you can use during your monthly period:
| Menstrual Product | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Napkins | Easy to use and widely available | Can feel bulky and uncomfortable |
| Absorbent and good for heavy flow | May cause skin irritation or rashes | |
| Disposable and convenient | Adds to environmental waste | |
| Reusable Cloth Pads | Environmentally friendly and sustainable | Requires washing and maintenance |
| Soft and comfortable against the skin | May stain and need special care | |
| Cost-effective in the long run | Might not suit heavy flow days | |
| Tampons | Compact and discreet to carry | Can cause vaginal dryness or discomfort |
| No external leakage and suitable for active lifestyles | Risk of toxic shock syndrome (if not changed regularly) | |
| Allows for comfortable swimming and sports activities | Can be challenging to insert for beginners | |
| Menstrual Cups | Reusable and eco-friendly | Learning curve for proper insertion and removal |
| Can be worn for up to 12 hours | Not suitable for those uncomfortable with internal products | |
| Reduces odour and messiness | Suction seal might break and cause leaks | |
| Period Panties | Washable and eliminates the need for additional products | Limited absorption for heavy flow |
| Leak-proof and good for backup | Expensive compared to other options | |
| Comfortable and can be worn throughout the day | May not fit well for all body types |
Whether it’s pads, tampons, cups, special underwear or even free bleeding, it’s good to know that girls and women have so many different choices of feminine hygiene products now to try out and see which would work for us and make our lives a little easier when it’s that time of the month!
Image Source: iStock
Tips for Staying Clean and Healthy When You Have Your Period
While feminine hygiene is very important all throughout the year to make sure you avoid infections and unwanted odours down there, you need to work double time when you’re feeling icky because of your monthly period.
Proper menstrual care not only ensures comfort during menstruation but also reduces the risk of infections and psychosocial distress. Here are some tips to make sure your menstrual hygiene is in tip-top shape:
1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power! Lack of menstrual knowledge can lead to anxiety and misconceptions. Take the time to educate yourself about menstruation, its purpose, and the changes your body goes through during this time. Understanding your menstrual cycle empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
2. Use Clean Menstrual Absorbents: During your period, it’s essential to use clean and hygienic feminine products, such as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Change them regularly to avoid bacterial growth and the risk of infections.
3. Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing menstrual products. Proper hand hygiene reduces the chances of introducing harmful bacteria into your vaginal area.
4. Maintain Proper Menstrual Waste Disposal: Properly dispose of used menstrual products in trash bins designated for this purpose. Avoid flushing feminine products down the toilet, as it can lead to blockages and environmental issues.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water during your period helps flush out toxins from your body and can alleviate bloating and discomfort.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can positively impact your menstrual health. Adequate nutrition supports overall well-being during your cycle.
7. Practice Proper Genital Hygiene: Keep your genital area clean and dry during your period. Gently wash with water and mild soap and avoid using scented products or douches.
8. Manage Menstrual Pain: If you experience menstrual cramps, consider using a heating pad or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, as advised by your healthcare provider.
9. Track Your Menstrual Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle using a calendar or a menstrual tracking app. This helps you anticipate when your period will arrive and identify any irregularities.
10. Be Prepared: Always carry extra menstrual products with you, especially when you’re away from home. Being prepared ensures you can handle unexpected changes in your flow.
11. Maintain Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce menstrual symptoms like cramps and mood swings. Moderate exercise can improve blood circulation and promote overall well-being.
12. Seek Medical Advice for Irregularities: If you experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or unusually heavy bleeding, consult a healthcare professional for advice and possible underlying causes.
13. Practice Self-Care: Menstruation can be emotionally challenging for some women. Practice self-care during this time by engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
14. Avoid Myths and Taboos: Dispel myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. Open discussions and breaking stigmas contribute to improved menstrual health for everyone.
Remember, every woman’s body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to your body’s signals and take care of yourself during your period. By following these menstrual hygiene tips, you can have a more comfortable and healthy experience down there.
CDC,
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