Sep 4, 2017

3 Alternative Period Products for the Tampon-Averse

by Audrey Noble

We think it's safe to assume that no woman enjoys her period (if you do, please contact us and teach us your ways). It's uncomfortable and messy, and we sometimes end up clutching our heating pads when we sleep and keeping Midol in our purses at all times. But lucky for us, there are plenty of additional options to make that time of the month easier all around, especially in the hygiene-product arena.

Conventional tampons and pads can be a hassle—they can leak, they're known to contain toxins, they have to be changed repeatedly, and we're constantly having to buy more of them. We knew there had to be a solution, so we did our research and found some surprisingly great alternatives that could work better for you and your lifestyle. Keep reading if you're ready to play the field a bit.

Organcy Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads With Wings Moderate Flow - 10 Pad(s) - alternative period products

Organcy Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads With Wings ($5)

Here's an all-natural solution for you. This pad, which works just as well as its conventional counterpart, is made of 100% organic cotton, highly absorbent, hypoallergenic, and breathable. The brand makes tampons too, which are sold at selected drugstores.

The Diva Cup Menstrual Cup - alternative period products

The Diva Cup Menstrual Cup ($30)

The main difference between a menstrual cup and a tampon is that the menstrual cup collects fluid while a tampon absorbs it. You insert it like you would a tampon, folding it until it's fully inserted. Once inside, the cup will open up and form a seal to prevent leakage for up to 12 hours. It's a good option for those who don't want to constantly be changing during a heavy flow or are looking to save some cash (they're reusable).

Luna Pads MAIA Hipster - alternative period products

Luna Pads Maia Hipster ($35)

This underwear is built with a leak-proof panel inside that holds a 100% cotton insert you can change whenever you need. It lasts as long as a traditional pad or pantyliner, but the insert is reusable after a wash. It's sort of a game changer.

Next up, check out to see if you really need to be taking vitamins.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions. See our full health disclaimer here.