Period Products and Staying Fresh
Approved by our medical experts
Finding what period products work for you is a big part of getting to know your period. There are loads of different period products out there. It's all about trying new things and finding what's right for you. Being on your period won’t stop you from living your best life!
Period products catch your flow, so that you can go about your day without worrying about blood.
Many people have products they prefer. Many even switch between them to suit what they're doing, wearing, or even the time of day.
Sometimes it takes time to get used to different products and find the one that’s best for you. It can feel a little unusual the first couple of times you try a new product. But over time you’ll get more confident, just follow the instructions on the packaging.
Before we go into the different products you can use, let’s find out where things are down there!
1. Your urethra – this is where your pee comes out
2. Your vagina – where your period comes out
3. Vulva – the outside area of your genitals
4. Your anus – where your poo comes out
Sounds obvious right? Wrong! Lots of people don't know exactly where things are. And, lots of people can be scared of using products in the wrong place at first.
Find out more about the body and how periods work in our What is a period blog post.
Our top 5 period pals!
These are five of the most common period products. Click on each one to find out more about them.
Tampons
These are small bits of cotton wool-like material, which are inserted into the vagina to absorb your flow.
Menstrual cups
A reusable, flexible silicone cup which is inserted into the vagina to collect your flow.
Period pants
Reusable pants which have an absorbent and leakproof layer which absorbs your flow.
Pads & Liners
Pads are made of absorbent material which you stick inside your pants. You can also get reusable ones!
There are different brands and sizes of each one. Keep trying them until you find your fit.
Whatever you use, read the instructions and make sure you change it as often as needed.
Keeping clean and fresh
Being on your period is not in any way dirty! It's a natural process which your body goes through.
But you may want to shower a little more often. It’s your choice. Listen to your body and keep yourself feeling fresh.
Our vagina is actually a self-cleaning organ. If only our bedrooms were too! So, don't use regular soaps or cleansers in or around your vagina. This could really upset the good bacteria that keeps your vagina clean and healthy.
The best thing to do is just use plain warm water, nothing else! When you do, just clean the outside bit, which is called your vulva. Never try to clean inside your vagina. That’s another way of upsetting the good bacteria living in there.
Always begin at the front of your body and wash backwards (towards your bum). This way, you won't move any unwanted bacteria from your bum towards your vagina.
During your period, wash as much as you need to feel comfortable and fresh. It's all about finding what works for you. For example, you could wash when you get up and before bed.
Where to get period products
Some places offer free period products to those who need them. Use our tool to find free period products near you!
Otherwise, there are lots of different places you can go to buy period products. Most supermarkets, pharmacies and corner shops sell them.
You can also buy products online. Some websites also offer subscriptions, so they'll post your products to you every month. You could ask a parent or carer to help you set this up.
Some of the products we mentioned are much cheaper than others. Some might seem more expensive to begin with. But if they’re reusable, they'll last you a long time. And you'll only need a few of them as you will wash and reuse them.
Some menstrual cups can last you up to 10 years! So, they'll save you a lot of money in the long run. Reusable products are also much better for the environment, as they reduce waste.
Disposable tampons and pads come in lots of styles and brands. Some cost more than others. Whatever you choose it’s important you have enough. This means you can change your products regularly. Make sure to check the packet of your product to find out how often.
If you need help getting period products, speak to a parent, carer, friend or a school nurse when you’re in school.
Everyone should feel empowered to make the best choices for them. Deciding on which products you want to use is a big part of that.
Never feel embarrassed or shy about buying or asking for advice on period products. They're a completely normal part of life for all people who bleed. Remember, be proud of that pad, tampon or cup and own your Bloody Brilliant period!
You've got this.
