Women discussing menstruation aka periods, cramps, PMS, and menopause usually do so in confidence while chatting with friends. It is not our favorite topic to say the least. None the less, it is discussed because we have a need to share our pain (literally) and find other solutions to the pain. And at one time or another each of us have been in a situation where we were unprepared for "Aunt Flo's" monthly visit and had to ask for a pad or a tampon. No matter how many times we do this, or have to purchase them in the store, it is always a little uncomfortable. Why? You would think this a natural process of a woman's body and we should not be ashamed or embarrassed. But our discomfort is mostly because we don't want everyone to know what is going on down there! The good news is there is a vast amount of products out there to meet our individual feminine needs. Now you can even purchase them online, though that does not solve an immediate need.

There are two most commonly used options for those of us that have a period. They are either tampons or pads. If you really need to know what a pad or tampon is feel free to e mail me and I will answer. Other wise I will assume you know what and how each is used in order to avoid graphic details.

Tampons come in a variety of sizes and prices as do pads or sanitary napkins. The most popular brands are Tampax, Always, Playtex, and Kotex. These brands have a wider variety of options for different women, body types, and well flow types (meaning how light or heavy ones period is).Some women find these brands to be a little bit more expensive then the rest and are satisfied using store brand. As long as they work! Others find they prefer trusted brand names to keep them clean and secure.

Going Green:

For the green women out there I have found that there are a few products that are biodegradable and nature conscious. For example : Seventh Generation brand is chlorine free and Natracare is organic. Both of these products have been around for a while and are just as good if not better.

A Different Route:

Another alternative (a little less then desirable to me) is a menstruation cup. Basically these cups catch everything and are usually washable and reusable. If you prefer only to invest once in a product rather then purchasing pads or tampons monthly or bi-monthly, then the menstruation cup is probably for you.

The anti period option:

As I am sure you have seen on TV there are all kinds of advertisements out there for products that reduce or completely stop your period. YAZ is a good example of one of these products. Click on YAZ to find out more about this product. Another example would be Lybrel which is another birth control pill that essentially stops a womans period. These products are still fairly new and yet becoming widely popular among young women. As with any birth control or medication, I recommend doing your research and speaking with a doctor before deciding.

OTHER ANTI-PERIOD PRODUCTS:

Ortho Evra: Birth control that regulates your period

Depo Provera: In some cases stops period completely while on the shot

When choosing a product the first thing we want to consider is protection. Will there be any leakage? It is undesirable among women to find out that they have had some leakage, especially when in a place where they cannot immediately change and remedy the problem.

Comfort is another issue. There are a lot of products that can be too bulky, thin, short, or long. This is more of a matter of preference. Some women feel more protected wearing something thick or long because they may feel that it will catch more. Other may like something thinner because it is more comfortable. There are a mix of options available from thick and short, thick and long, long and thin with wings, and the list goes on. Tampons also come in a variety pack from light flow, medium flow, and heavy flow.

Price is also a factor that must be considered. Not all of us can afford brand names. Brand name does not always mean it is the best, just that it is more popular. All of these products range in price from $5.00 for store brand to $8.00+ for name brand.

Summary

Femine products are a necessity and not our favorite one either. For those who are new to the joys ad pains of womanhood I hope this information was helpful.