The range of readily available period products has grown immensely over the years.
While disposable tampons or pads used to be the norm, chemists now offer a growing number of reusable, more sustainable products, from period panties to menstrual cups.
Finding the product that's right for you and your period will probably take some time and experimenting. Two gynaecologists take a look at three of the most common reusable devices and share tips on how to use them.
Menstrual cup
Menstrual cups are small bell-shaped vessels often made from silicone which are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
They come in different sizes and if fitting properly, the cup seals tight thanks to the vacuum.
To insert it, the device is folded to fit through the narrow entrance of the vagina. There are different ways to fold a menstrual cup, with the so-called C-shape one of the most popular.
Once inserted, the cup will open up inside the vagina.
While it may take some time to figure out how to use them, after some practice you should be able to insert your menstrual cup without issue, says gynaecologist Stephanie Eder from the German Professional Association of Gynaecologists (BVF).
Menstrual cups can be used until the material has become porous or cracked - in that case they should be replaced. It can take years before this happens, according to gynaecologist Mandy Mangler, head physician at the gynaecology and obstetrics department at a Berlin hospital.
Some manufacturers recommend to replace your cup every year, while others say you can use it for up to 10 years, so it makes sense to keep an eye on your product.
Mangler recommends to empty a menstrual cup every four to six hours, though that also depends on the cup size and the intensity of your menstrual flow.
As a rule of thumb, take out and empty the cup once you notice it's full, the gyn says. Before reinserting it, rinse it with warm water.
At the end of your period, boil the cup for 10 to 20 minutes in a pot to clean it thoroughly. If you prefer to do so after every use, consider getting several cups.
Menstrual cups produce less solid waste and are cheaper in the long run than disposable products, even though the initial purchase price might be higher, Mangler points out.
They also help you to better understand your menstrual cycle as the blood is clearly visible, allowing you to spot changes in colour, frequency, scent and duration of the flow.
Some users find menstrual cups are awkward to use in public bathrooms, however. One way to avoid having to rinse them next to a stranger is to wipe them down with a damp tissue inside the cubicle, Mangler says.
Menstrual sponge
Menstrual sponges work similar to tampons. They are inserted into the vagina where they absorb the menstrual blood.
Sponges made from both natural and artificial materials are available, though Mangler recommends to use the latter, as natural sponges tend to crumble quickly.
Many people prefer menstrual sponges as they are comfortable to wear, even during sex, according to Mangler.
Menstrual sponges can be worn for around four to six hours, before you squeeze them out and rinse them under running water. You can also reuse a sponge until it starts to crumble.
One thing to keep in mind though is that removing them can be tricky, as they don't have an attached string like tampons or a handle like menstrual cups to help pull them out.
Similar to menstrual cups, using sponges in a public bathroom can be a little awkward for some. Gynaecologist Eder also points out that the potential risk of an infection stemming from the use of menstrual sponges have not been studied enough.
Period panties
Period panties are underwear with a sewn-in, absorbent insert. They are not as thick as some disposable menstrual pads, however, and with many models you can't even tell that it's a period product.
Depending on the intensity of your menstrual flow, period panties last for an entire day, Mangler says. They need to be washed in the washing machine after each use, meaning you will need to get several when switching to period panties.
Period underwear can be worn as long as it's still intact, which depends on how often it's washed as well as on your menstrual flow, according to Mangler.
One advantage of period panties is that they can be worn over longer stretches, meaning they are particularly great for wearing overnight or when on the road, Eder says. Don't wear one garment longer than 12 hours, however, she recommends.
When buying period panties, make sure that they don't contain substances such as silver chloride and zinc pyrithione, which manufactures like to use to prevent odours and the proliferation of bacteria.
It's still unclear whether they pose a health risk and can lead to skin irritation, altered bacterial flora or other problems, Eder says. She recommends underwear made of cotton and without potentially harmful ingredients instead.
