Which hygienic protection to choose?

With so many menstrual protection products available on the market, choosing the menstrual protection that best suits your body, lifestyle, age, and beliefs can be challenging. In addition to the quest for comfort and effectiveness, there's a growing concern about the toxic chemicals found in some conventional protection products. So how can you navigate the process and choose menstrual panties that are safe for your health while meeting your specific needs? In this guide, we'll shed some light on the different options available, their advantages, disadvantages, and, most importantly, their composition. So, which menstrual protection products should you choose? We'll tell you everything!

The importance of choosing the right sanitary protection

As a menstruating person, navigating the world of sanitary protection can seem both familiar and complex. Familiar because it's a habit, every month our periods come back to say hello (👋) and complex because our periods can have different flows throughout our lives (light, medium, heavy) and in recent years we have discovered that the protections we usually use are extremely toxic for our health and also very polluting. Indeed, many protections have been found to contain carcinogenic products including lindane and quintozene, pesticides that have been banned in Europe since 2000. In others, we even find... glyphosate. And the list goes on! This is why it is important to choose your sanitary protection carefully. Fortunately, many 100% healthy alternatives have emerged. But first of all, let's take a look at all the menstrual protection products available on the market.

💡 Did you know that in 2023, scientists used real blood for the first time to conduct a study on the absorbency of menstrual protection? Traditionally, these tests are carried out with water or serum. This highlights the historical lack of attention paid to women's health. This is why it is essential to be properly informed about the protection available! At Gapianne, it's our mission: to create a safe, trusted place for questions related to women's health!

What are the different menstrual protections available?

Classic protections

So-called "classic" menstrual protection is the most well-known and widespread. Although things are changing, if you take a quick trip to the supermarket, there's a good chance you'll still only have two choices: disposable tampons or disposable pads.

Disposable tampons

As we have just seen, disposable tampons are among the most commonly used solutions for managing menstruation . They are inserted inside the vagina to absorb menstrual flow.

Disposable napkins

The second most popular option: disposable sanitary napkins . They were considered a major revolution at the beginning of the 20th century due to their practicality and are still the most widely used period protection today. Placed on the outside of the panties, they absorb menstrual flow from the outside.

The new alternatives

New alternatives in menstrual protection have emerged in response to the growing demand for healthier options that are kinder to our bodies, our health, and the environment. They offer a variety of choices. You can easily find them on our Gapianne website on the “menstrual protection” page.

Reusable tampons

Reusable tampons are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable tampons. Made from natural materials like organic cotton, they are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow, then removed, washed, and reused.

Reusable sanitary napkins

These reusable pads , often made of fabric, offer a sustainable alternative to disposable pads. They attach to the panties using snaps or Velcro, then they can be washed and reused several times.

Menstrual panties

See all invisible menstrual panties >

Menstrual panties are revolutionizing period management. Incorporating discreet absorbent layers, they guarantee comfort and optimal protection. They're also starting to make a name for themselves in the menstrual protection market, particularly due to their environmental impact, as they're reusable.

👉 Find out how to wash your menstrual panties .

Menstrual cups

The Lunéale menstrual cup >

Increasingly popular, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and collect menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to 12 hours and, once removed, are emptied, washed, and reinserted.

Menstrual discs

A little less well-known, menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups. They are also inserted into the vagina. However, they are placed higher in the vagina, just below the cervix. They are sometimes disposable, sometimes reusable.

Which compositions should you favor?

It's clear that, more than the type of protection, it's its composition that matters most to your well-being. Many chemical components found in sanitary protection can cause irritation and lead to more serious health problems. In this article, we present the compositions to favor to guarantee your safety.

Organic cotton:

Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. It is therefore less likely to contain residues that can impact your health.

No perfumes or colorants:

Some products add fragrances or colorants for aesthetic reasons or to mask odor. However, these additives can be irritating or allergenic to some people.

Chlorine-free:

Chlorine bleaching can leave residues of dioxins, persistent organic pollutants, on sanitary towels. Therefore, it is best to opt for chlorine-free bleached products.

Plastic-free:

Protections containing plastic (such as some disposable pads) may be less breathable, which can create a moist environment conducive to infection. Additionally, plastic is non-biodegradable, which poses environmental concerns.

Medical silicone for menstrual cups:

For menstrual cups, choose those made from medical-grade silicone, medical-grade latex, or thermoplastic elastomer. These materials are hypoallergenic and suitable for internal use.

Certified products:

Certain labels or certifications attest to the quality and absence of harmful substances in menstrual protection, such as the GOTS label for organic cotton.

Manufacturer transparency:

Choose brands that are transparent about the composition of their products. This will allow you to be better informed and make an informed decision.

So which menstrual protection should you choose?

For the first period

The onset of a girl's first period is a significant milestone in her life (usually between the ages of 9 and 12), and the choice of menstrual protection depends on various factors such as comfort, ease of use, and individual preferences. For the first period, sanitary napkins and menstrual panties for teenage girls are two ideal options to begin her menstrual life. Sanitary napkins are frequently suggested for the first menstrual cycles because they offer unparalleled simplicity. Placed on the outside of the panties, they allow young girls to easily track their flow, thus helping them better understand and understand their cycle. In addition, menstrual panties are also an attractive solution. These protections offer secure protection while being similar to traditional underwear, which makes them easily adoptable.

For sensitive skin

For people with sensitive skin, choosing menstrual protection can be crucial to avoid irritation, itching, or other discomfort.

Composition and material are essential, especially for those with sensitive skin. Organic cotton sanitary pads stand out for their natural softness, free from perfumes, dyes, or chlorine treatments , which guarantees you no pesticide residues or other irritating chemicals. In the same vein, menstrual panties offer a skin-friendly solution. Generally made from natural materials, they minimize friction while allowing the skin to breathe, which is especially beneficial for delicate skin.

When it comes to tampons, organic cotton tampons are the most suitable for sensitive skin , offering softness and safety without harsh chemicals. However, frequent changing is essential to avoid potential complications. Menstrual cups can also be a good choice. They are made of medical silicone, medical latex, or thermoplastic elastomer and also ensure optimal compatibility with sensitive skin and mucous membranes, provided they are carefully maintained. Finally, menstrual discs, similar in design to cups, are also a good option for sensitive skin, provided they are cleaned thoroughly.

For sportswomen

For athletes, choosing menstrual protection must take into account comfort, effectiveness, and discretion during physical activity. And some protections are more suitable than others. The menstrual cup, for example, is at the top of the list. Its design allows it to create a waterproof seal inside the vagina, drastically reducing the risk of unwanted leaks. This device also has the advantage of having a long wear time, up to 12 hours depending on the model, making it ideal for extended training sessions or intense competitions.

Organic tampons are also a great alternative. They combine discretion and effectiveness for physical activities. And for those who are still concerned about possible leaks, combining the use of an organic tampon with a panty liner is a smart strategy.

Finally, menstrual panties are also a comfortable option for athletes. Not only are they discreet under most sportswear, but they also perform very well in absorbing flow, ensuring peace of mind and comfort during exercise!

According to its flows

Every person with a uterus is unique, and so is their menstrual cycle. The nature of our flow varies from person to person, and fortunately, the world of menstrual protection has evolved to meet these specific needs.

Light and medium flows

For those with a lighter or medium flow (or both), know that all menstrual protection products are available in versions adapted for light and medium flows. Whether it's tampons, pads, or period panties, there's a version designed for you. For cups and discs, they don't have a version, but they're perfectly suited for use with light or medium flows. Choosing the ideal protection therefore depends above all on your personal preferences. Comfort, ease of use, discretion, environmental impact... There are so many criteria to consider to find the protection that suits you. The most important thing is to feel comfortable.

The abundant flows

When you have a heavy menstrual flow , choosing the right protection becomes essential to ensure you stay clear of the sluggishness. In this case, menstrual cups, thanks to their high retention capacity, are often favored by those who have to manage a heavy flow. High-absorbency tampons are also a popular option. However, for optimal safety, some women prefer to combine them with menstrual pads or panties. The latter, especially models specially designed for heavy flows, have proven to be highly effective. If you opt for sanitary pads, choose the "night" or ultra-absorbent versions. As for menstrual discs, they are also a good option.

Menstrual protection to avoid at night

The main menstrual protection to avoid at night is the tampon! In fact, it is not recommended to wear a tampon for a long time without changing it. So, leaving a tampon in place for too long, such as overnight, can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) . TSS is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by certain strains of staph bacteria. If you sleep for a long time or have a heavy flow, the risk is even greater. In addition, during the night, the flow can saturate the tampon, increasing the risk of leaks. So, forget about tampons at night!

Now you have all the information you need! It's up to you to choose the sanitary protection that's right for you, depending on your needs.