{"id":75985,"date":"2025-09-23T23:02:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T23:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/period-choices-pads-menstrual-cups-pants-and-tampons\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T23:02:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T23:02:00","slug":"period-choices-pads-menstrual-cups-pants-and-tampons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=75985","title":{"rendered":"Period Choices: Pads, menstrual cups, pants and tampons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 kSquvq\">\n<div data-testid=\"hero-image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/30d4\/live\/7fe18ea0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Getty Images Woman holding pad and menstrual cup \" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-536eff7b-0 jFVvLh\">Finding the right period product for you can be a difficult task<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">For many of us, our first lessons about periods were brief and practical, often limited to learning how to use pads or tampons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Alongside these traditional options, there&#8217;s now a wider range of products available, including reusable options such as menstrual cups, period pants and washable pads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Making the choice about which one is best for you can be overwhelming. You might wonder how these products work and whether they&#8217;re foolproof enough to put the fear of bleeding through your clothes at bay. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Dr Tempest, a consultant gynaecologist at the University of Liverpool, spoke to Radio 4&#8217;s Sliced Bread about how each product works and the pros and cons to help you decide which might suit you best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"sc-f98b1ad2-0 fsBZby\">Menstrual cup<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 geRyoc\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250905-110137-f27f908f49-web-2.29.1-3\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 iMuqLZ hide-when-no-script\" aria-label=\"image unavailable\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/5268\/live\/e8b3c660-9555-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Woman holding a pink menstrual cup on blue background \" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Menstrual cups are small flexible cups made of medical-grade silicone. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">You fold and insert them into the vagina, where they collect blood rather than absorbing it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Dr Tempest says there are different types of cups available to buy based on how heavy your flow is or whether you&#8217;ve had children.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Hygiene is also really important so make sure you wash your hands before you insert the cup and clean the cup between uses, she adds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"pros\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">The most eco-friendly period product <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Holds up to three times more blood than a tampon <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can be worn for up to 12 hours <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Reusable for years &#8211; they can last up to 10 years but between two and four years is the average <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Cost effective over time <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"cons\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Takes practice to insert and remove <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">May take time to find the right fit <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Messy to empty, especially in a public toilet <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Needs sterilising between cycles <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Larger upfront cost which can be around \u00a320 to \u00a325<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"sc-f98b1ad2-0 fsBZby\">Period pants <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 geRyoc\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250905-110137-f27f908f49-web-2.29.1-3\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 iMuqLZ hide-when-no-script\" aria-label=\"image unavailable\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2ac2\/live\/580760d0-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Beige pants\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Period pants are underwear with built-in absorbent layers. You wear them like normal pants then rinse, wash and dry them for reuse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">They&#8217;re particularly popular for sleeping or on lighter days. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Leakage worries are normal but Dr Tempest says they are reliable for most people and have a built-in waterproof layer and odour lining.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"pros\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Looks and feels like regular underwear <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">No shifting around and last between six and eight hours<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Reusable and eco-friendly &#8211; they last between two and three years <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can be layered with other products for extra protections <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"cons\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can have an expensive upfront cost &#8211; prices start from around \u00a310 and go up to \u00a350 <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Requires washing and drying between uses <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">May not be absorbent enough for heavy flows <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Inconvenient for travel without access to laundry <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Will need to carry a used pair home with you if changing them during the day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"sc-f98b1ad2-0 fsBZby\">Reusable pads<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 geRyoc\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250905-110137-f27f908f49-web-2.29.1-3\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 iMuqLZ hide-when-no-script\" aria-label=\"image unavailable\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6de1\/live\/12a45110-9556-11f0-a9d0-b91ec0b66439.png.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Three reusable period pads on a pink background \" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Reusable pads look similar to disposable ones but are usually made from cotton or bamboo and fasten around your underwear with poppers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Instead of throwing them away, you rinse, wash and dry them to use again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"pros\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Pros <\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Softer and more comfortable to wear than plastic-based pads <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Eco-friendly so popular if you&#8217;re wanting a more sustainable option<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Variety of sizes and absorbencies <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Cost effective over time<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can last between three and five years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"cons\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Need to be washed after each use <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Requires planning &#8211; they must be dried properly between uses says Dr Tempest as damp fabric against your skin can increase the risk of infection<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Bulkier than disposable pads<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Less convenient if you&#8217;re out of the house as you&#8217;ll need to carry the used ones home with you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"sc-f98b1ad2-0 fsBZby\">Disposable Pads<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 geRyoc\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250905-110137-f27f908f49-web-2.29.1-3\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 iMuqLZ hide-when-no-script\" aria-label=\"image unavailable\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/b1ca\/live\/81f1e0b0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Sanitary pads\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Disposable sanitary pads are the most commonly used period product &#8211; they stick into your underwear, absorb blood externally and are wrapped and binned after use.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Dr Tempest advises changing pads regularly (every four to six hours) and they shouldn&#8217;t be worn for more than eight hours as they can irritate the skin if worn for too long. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"pros\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Simple to use <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Widely available in many different sizes from ultra-thin to thick night pads<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Good for overnight protection<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can be more comfortable for beginners <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"cons\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Can feel bulky or shift out of place <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Not practical for water-based sports, such as swimming<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Environmentally harmful &#8211; an average pack of pads holds the same amount of plastic as five carrier bags according to Dr Tempest<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">More expensive than reusable options over time &#8211; women spend around \u00a35,000 on period products over a lifetime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"sc-f98b1ad2-0 fsBZby\">Tampons <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 geRyoc\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-86c96223-1 evkFpM\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250905-110137-f27f908f49-web-2.29.1-3\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 iMuqLZ hide-when-no-script\" aria-label=\"image unavailable\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c701\/live\/79ccc3a0-987a-11f0-af33-49fc1d1f447a.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Tampons\" class=\"sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi\"\/><span class=\"sc-86c96223-2 hqrvRC\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-3b6b161a-0 jdlrvG\">\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Tampons are also commonly used and inserted into the vagina, where they soak up blood before it leaves the body.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Dr Tempest stresses that they must be correctly disposed of.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\">Every day, 2.5 million tampons are flushed down the toilet when they should be placed in a bin. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"pros\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Discreet and small enough to carry in a pocket<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Good for sports and swimming <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Range of absorbencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-9a00e533-0 bJoRPJ\"><b id=\"cons\" class=\"sc-d16436d-0 kPzeuB\">Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-6f869981-0 bYhyhr\">\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Requires insertion which some people may find uncomfortable <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Low risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if worn for too long <\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">Environmentally unfriendly<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-734a601e-0 NnDUj\">More expensive over a lifetime compared to reusable products <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cgl1z3jxy56o?at_medium=RSS&#038;at_campaign=rss\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getty Images Finding the right period product for you can be a difficult task For many&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68026,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[3595,7634,5079,7633,7635,2197,7636],"class_list":["post-75985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","tag-choices","tag-cups","tag-menstrual","tag-pads","tag-pants","tag-period","tag-tampons"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.0 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Period Choices: Pads, menstrual cups, pants and tampons - Gulf Times | News by the minute<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Gulf Times: Latest news across the GCC from UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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