Menstrual Protection has changed: What’s Right for you, and where does

We all know the basics about tampons and menstrual cups, but how often do we really consider our options? This Modibodi blog post aims to shed some light on what products may be best suited to you and why.

Menstrual cup

An upside down bell shaped device made from a nontoxic material such as silicone and inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood. It can be used for several years and is very durable, although disposable versions are available. Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, cost around $20-40 and can be bought either online or at select retailers.

Why should I use a menstrual cup?

If you….

Have sensitive skin or are worried about chemicals → perfect for women with eczema, thrush or allergies as it is made with non-allergic silicone, contains no bleaches, artificial fragrances, or absorbency gels.

Are trying to watch the wallet → as they are reusable and designed for long term use they can last for years!

Are environmentally cautious → the average woman disposes of around 125-150kg of tampons, pads and applicators in her lifetime – which contributes to a lot of landfill. The reusable nature of menstrual cups means less of a harmful environmental footprint.

Are naturally dry → tampons can be known to absorb up to 35% of the vaginas natural moisture

Don’t like having to change a tampon often → you can go up to 12 hours without emptying a menstrual cup depending on your flow

Get a menstrual cup here as part of the best selling Modibodi Period Pack

Tampons

Made from either chemically treated synthetic or cotton pressed together in a cylindrical shape and inserted into the vaginal canal to absorb menstrual fluid. They come in various sizes and absorbencies and can be bought at grocery stores or pharmacies, varying in price from $5-$20.

Why Should I use a Tampon?

If you….

Because your mother told you to→ The tampon has been around for many years and together with disposable pads will often be the first product suggested to you by your mother. Why, because up until a few years ago there were no other options for protection.

Are unsure of your vaginas natural shape → inserting a menstrual cup requires specific placement and a more “hands on” approach, tampons can be a great alternative for initial self exploration and figuring out how your body works.

Are worried about mess or not comfortable with bleeding → with practice, the emptying of a cup becomes simple, but initially it can be tricky to figure out and daunting to think of having to change in public. Tampons provide a quicker alternative if you’re in a rush.

Alternatively there is period underwear (read on)

Where does Modibodi fit into all this? The scoop and benefits of Period underwear

Every woman has been plagued by the same nightmare at some point in their life, the thought of wearing a pair of cute new underwear you just bought, or your beloved white skirt or jeans… and you have a leak.

Well, gone are the days when nothing could be done to stop the persistence of your period in making itself known and the constant “leakage freakage.” We all know we just feel better about ourselves when we look pretty underneath our clothes, which is why Modibodi has decided that your period days don’t have to be reserved for your dingy old pairs of panties. Period underwear is a game changing invention aimed at either providing an extra protective layer between you and your clothing, or providing a total sustainable replacement to disposable hygiene, ensuring you look great, and feel comfortable and confident.

Not only can you wear them throughout the day, but it can also be difficult sleeping at night when on your period, and some women are uncomfortable with using a cup overnight (tampons should not be used for longer than 4hrs at a time due to the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome). While pads are an option, they often move around while you sleep, are not very sustainable, and lead to leaks, so period underwear safeguards this.

Why you should use period underwear

Feels and fits like normal underwear
Variety of styles, sizes, colours and absorbencies
Durable, reusable and discreet
Suitable for day and night
A must more sustainable option to pads and tampons
Simple to use and forget fearing leaks, see the patented Modifier Technology in action here

There is no right or wrong answer, or set rules about who should be using tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear (though we are personally biased towards more sustainable options) – but as with most things in life it simply comes down to personal preference.