Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Those products that are used during menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products. Products used may include sanitary napkins or sanitary towels, tampons, pantyliners, menstrual cups, and period panties. Feminine hygiene products also include products meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soap. Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria. Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity. Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads, period panties, and sponges are reusable feminine hygiene products.
Types
Menstrual hygiene products
Disposable:
Pantyliner: Sticks to the inside of underwear to absorb blood and uterine lining during menstruation, sometimes worn with a tampon or for light discharge.
Sanitary napkin : Can be worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. Available in many different absorbencies and lengths, with or without wings.
Tampon: Worn inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be worn while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbencies.
Reusable:
Menstrual cup: Worn inside of the vagina to catch blood/uterine lining.
Cloth menstrual pad: Worn inside of underwear.
Period panties: Absorbent underwear.
Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.
Cleansing products
Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.
Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.
Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.
Risks
The different products may carry some health risks, some of which might be proven, others speculative.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: A rare illness that may occur when tampons are worn for long periods of time, although not directly linked to tampon use but caused by poison linked to bacteria of the Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus type.
Irritation: Can be caused by fragrances, neomycin, tea tree oil, benzocaine. Inflammation can also be a risk associated with some products.
Yeast infection: A fungus.
Society and culture
In low-income countries, women's choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms.
Costs and tax
Tampon tax is a shorthand for sales tax charged on tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The cost of these commercial products for menstrual management is considered to be unacceptably high for many low-income women. At least half a million women across the world do not have enough money to adequately afford these products. This can result in missing school or even dropping out. In some jurisdictions similar necessities like medical devices and toilet paper are not taxed. Several initiatives worldwide advocate to eliminate the tax all together. In some countries, such petitions have already been successful.
Access to products in prisons
The Federal bureau of Prisons in the United States announced that women in its facilities would be guaranteed free menstrual pads and tampons. In section 411 of the First Step Act which was passed on May 22, 2018 states, "The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall make the healthcare products described in subsection available to prisoners for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the healthcare needs of each prisoner".
Other social views
For those with autism, using pads before menstruation begins may help reduce sensory issues associated with menstrual hygiene products. Prior education and practice may help familiarize an individual with body changes and the process of using products associated with menstruation. Menstruation may occur despite paralyzation; product use depends on the individual's personal preference. Some girls and women may view tampons and menstrual cups as affecting their virginity even though they have not engaged in sexual intercourse.
