Tampons, towels or mooncups - preference?

[Peaches_xox]

I use tampons. I just can’t bear using towels they personally make me feel so gross but I know some people don’t like the idea of tampons and the idea of putting something inside so i don’t think it’s unusual to not use them!

 

[judgejohndeed]

I don’t know if it’s unusual to have not used a tampon but I would say who cares - if you don’t want to then don’t! It’s a personal choice. When I had heavy periods I had to use tampons and pads together, on the pill I just use pads. I can’t get on board with mooncups tbh, I’m not squeamish or anything but I just don’t want to be emptying that out

 

[judgejohndeed]

Probably a really stupid question from me, but how far in do you have to push the tampon in?

If you get the ones with applicators it does it automatically because you push the applicator in until it stops basically. If you can feel it it’s not far in enough

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

I know it’s better for the environment but putting anything with period blood on it into my washing machine just gives me the boak tbh

I think my partner would be totally grossed out by it, we do separate washes but i'm imagining him now washing his boxers knowing my bloody pants went through in the previous wash!

 

[Mouseballpenlid]

I really noticed how much plastic waste I personally generated each month, with tampons, liners and the bag for putting them in at the end, it bothered me. Things like tampax pearl for example- comfier to insert, but so much plastic. And the bleaching of the cotton wadding, huge impact on the environment! Reusables are the way forward I think.

 

[WilmaHun]

I am lucky that the pill I changed to recently means I no longer get periods but when I used to get them I used to prefer using towels. I tried tampons numerous times and I just found them so uncomfortable. Like you I also read some horror stories about toxic shock which frighten me so when I used tampons it's all I could think about even though deep down I knew the chances were slim I know some people don't like the thought of using a towel but I think as long as you change it regular enough it's fine As long as you feel comfortable with what you're using then it doesn't matter

 

[Saddlesoap]

Please can someone explain how period pants work? I have tried reading up online but still none the wiser. Are they just like knickers with a space to put a pad in the ‘gusset’ area? What makes them different to normal knickers? And assume you have to wear dark colours / thick material clothes when wearing these just in case or leakage / accidents etc? Thanks so much

They have an extra thick gusset with an absorbent layer in them. The point of them is to be sustainable/reduce plastic use. Rinse in cold water then machine wash ready to use again. Like cloth nappies.

I don't think about what I'm wearing any more than I would with a pad. Like I'm not gonna wear white! I wear mime to work under my scrubs which are pretty thin material. But I don't care about VPL

 

[rainbowlemon]

With period pants are they reusable or just a use once type thing

Reusable. Just have to wash them. I use cold water to rinse first then just put them in the washing machine.

Bought from m&s and would really recommend. They were on for £12 each now 3 in a pack for £18 or £20 for heavier.

Have a photo i also posted in the M&s thread.

There’s also other brands like modibody and the cheeky wipes website.

 

[CheshireTea]

They have an extra thick gusset with an absorbent layer in them. The point of them is to be sustainable/reduce plastic use. Rinse in cold water then machine wash ready to use again. Like cloth nappies.

I don't think about what I'm wearing any more than I would with a pad. Like I'm not gonna wear white! I wear mime to work under my scrubs which are pretty thin material. But I don't care about VPL

wow thanks for taking the time to reply, appreciate it

 

[CheshireTea]

Please can someone explain how period pants work? I have tried reading up online but still none the wiser. Are they just like knickers with a space to put a pad in the ‘gusset’ area? What makes them different to normal knickers? And assume you have to wear dark colours / thick material clothes when wearing these just in case or leakage / accidents etc? Thanks so much

 

[grumpy_curry]

I used to use a cup but I pulled out my IUD with it and I can't even stand tampons now...

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

I use towels and admittedly I have never used a tampon, am in my 30s (and sexually active). Is this unusual? I don't like the idea of sticking it in there and I read some horror stories about TSS as a teenager which scarred me although rare I know.

 

[judgejohndeed]

I know it’s better for the environment but putting anything with period blood on it into my washing machine just gives me the boak tbh

 

[Melian]

I use reusable towels. Never used tampons. I've tried a mooncup and no matter how many times I tried, it wouldn't stay in. I was advised that you can try them when you're not on your period. I did that and they didn't work.

There's something about period pants that give me the ick!

 

[Apple In My Pie]

I hate pads and sometimes I find they make my sensory issues kick in but can’t bear the thought of sticking anything up there so cope with the discomfort!

 

[Skalle]

I use towels and admittedly I have never used a tampon, am in my 30s (and sexually active). Is this unusual? I don't like the idea of sticking it in there and I read some horror stories about TSS as a teenager which scarred me although rare I know.

I'm 40 and I only really started using them about 10 years ago, like you I got scared to death as a teenager about TSS!! At first I hated them and found them uncomfortable but I wouldn't go back to pads now, I think they give me more freedom. Maybe give a few diffrent ones a go? I personally find the tampax compact pearl ones the easiest!

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

I use towels and admittedly I have never used a tampon, am in my 30s (and sexually active). Is this unusual? I don't like the idea of sticking it in there and I read some horror stories about TSS as a teenager which scarred me although rare I know.

I’m 27 and never used a tampon either ! I don’t like the idea of sticking it in there haha.

 

[EmmaJane1985]

I changed to a mooncup a couple of years ago. Took a couple of cycles to get used to it but I wouldn’t be without it now. They’re so comfortable to wear and I feel cleaner than I ever did using a tampon or pad

 

[Peaches_xox]

With period pants are they reusable or just a use once type thing

Reusable!

 

[rainbowlemon]

Tampons i found so uncomfortable when i tried them when i was younger so gave up.

Used to use disposable towels until i hadn’t such a heavy period when i was used three within 2 hours. Moved to reusable towels the next day or almost 2 years. Now just let period pants mainly from M&S which was a life changing moment lol.