Feminine hygiene products have evolved substantially over the years driven by rising awareness about women's health promoted by better access to information, supportive initiatives by government agencies and women’s advocacy groups, and efforts by companies to make products that are safer, more comfortable, and effective.
According to Extrapolate, the feminine hygiene products market is anticipated to be valued at USD 54.5 billion by 2028. In this blog, we’ll talk about these products in detail, why they are necessary, and the best products that help women maintain good hygiene.
What are Feminine Hygiene Products?
Feminine hygiene products encompass a range of items designed to assist with the optimum care and upkeep of female intimate areas. These products are used to manage menstrual flow, maintain cleanliness, and support overall feminine hygiene.
Good feminine hygiene practices are important for maintaining vaginal health and overall well-being. It is essential to follow proper hygiene techniques and choose appropriate products to promote vaginal health and prevent potential complications.
Prioritize Your Health with Feminine Hygiene Products
Managing the menstrual flow with appropriate products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups ensures convenience and comfort during that time of the month. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness by using feminine wipes or washes helps prevent infections and discomfort.
Proper menstrual hygiene aids in the prevention of:
- Urinary tract infection: Microbes can proliferate in old menstrual blood and irritate the vulva, vagina, and urethra, leading to a urinary tract infection.
- Rashes: Rashes on the vaginal area can be swollen, itchy, and painful because old blood can dry and stick to sensitive tissues.
- Reproductive Tract Infections: Good hygiene habits can help prevent infections of the reproductive tract, such as yeast infections. Untreated infections can spread up the vaginal canal and harm the cervix.
The use of feminine hygiene products can save you from the above infections.
Today, there are some areas where women are unable to practice good feminine hygiene. Many rural women are still at risk of developing menstrual health problems because they lack access to basic menstrual hygiene. Many organizations are trying to address this lack of knowledge through extensive efforts. Go Hygiene Foundation is one such registered public charitable trust that works for women’s empowerment and identifies and anticipates every factor of period poverty.
Top 5 Commonly Used Feminine Hygiene Products to Power Your Health
Every woman's body is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of female hygiene products. Here are the top 5 must-have feminine hygiene products that will not only provide optimal comfort but also boost your confidence.
1. Sanitary Pads
Sanitary pads are commonly utilized by individuals during their period. Pads are available in various sizes, allowing for selection based on the specific stage of one's menstrual cycle.
Pads consist of an adhesive side and an absorbent side. The adhesive side is usually on stretchy "wings" or at the bottom, to be attached to underwear. The absorbent part is placed on top for blood absorption.
While most pads employ super-absorbent technology, it is worth noting that some are made with plastic materials, which may irritate sensitive skin. Regularly replacing your pad every four to six hours is a good menstrual hygiene practice. Today, everything from organic, extra absorbent, scented, odor-locking pads of well-known brands such as Whisper, Everteen, and Stayfree are available in stores.
2. Tampons
Tampons are cotton-based items that are tightly packed into a cylindrical or cone shape. A tampon is usually inserted into the vaginal canal, with a thread hanging out to aid removal later. The tampon can be removed by pulling on the string.
Tampons were developed in the 1920s, but it took nearly a decade for a patent to be issued before they were available for purchase. Tampons have enabled women to be more active during their periods.
According to the U.S. FDA, tampons must be replaced periodically. Bacterial toxins can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if they remain in the vaginal canal for an extended period. Experts recommend changing the tampon every four to eight hours and avoiding its use while sleeping.
3. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are silicone-based cups that are flexible. They can be squeezed shut and inserted into the vaginal canal. They trap and collect blood before it reaches the vaginal entrance, unlike tampons, which absorb it. They hold more blood than a tampon and do not pose a TSS risk. A menstruation cup goes into the vagina with the open end facing the cervix.
These cups should be removed every 10 to 12 hours at the absolute minimum. You can wash and re-insert it after emptying it. Many individuals prefer to use this product because tampons and pads generate a lot of waste in landfills. There are several eco-friendly brands, such as DivaCup, that strive to create less waste for the environment.
4. Period Underwear
Period-proof underwear is a newer product on the market. It has the appearance and feel of conventional underpants but is made with technology that absorbs and holds period blood without the use of tampons, pads, or cups.
The crotch of period pants has ultra-thin layers of cloth. The layers work together to form a moisture-wicking, blood-absorbing, leak-proof, and odor-neutralizing barrier. This provides maximum comfort with the least amount of effort. Once rinsed in cold water, you can use them again.
Healthfab's 'GoPadFree' is one of the best examples. It is leakage-free, easy to wash, rash-free, eco-friendly, and made with breathable fabric that absorbs six times more blood than typical pads.
5. Panty Liners
Panty liners are similar to pads but significantly less bulky. They are intended for light flow days and can assist in protecting your clothing without feeling cumbersome. They absorb menstrual blood and feature an adhesive side that attaches to your panties.
If you want to go eco-friendly, some brands such as Carmesi, Plush, and Pee Safe offer biodegradable panty lines that are affordable and comfortable.
To Wrap Up
Feminine hygiene products are essential for women's health and comfort. They provide solutions for managing menstrual flow, maintaining hygiene, and promoting overall well-being. Whether it's sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, or other alternatives, these products offer convenience, protection, and peace of mind. By using feminine hygiene products, women can confidently embrace their femininity and live their lives without worrying about discomfort or hygiene issues.
