Menstruation Products and Exercise
There’s evidence that aerobic exercise whilst on your period has great benefits. We know that one of the barriers when being able to exercise on your periods is feeling comfortable and fear of leaking. We’ve broken down your options when exercising to help you make a decision.
PADS
Pros:
They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow, activities, and needs
They carry almost no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections.
Can be worn overnight
You don’t need to insert anything - all external
Cons:
Cannot be used when swimming
They can shift out of place and wrinkle when moving
Require wider underwear to stick to
Can be visible under certain clothing
TAMPONS
Pros:
Can be used when swimming
Inside the body so invisible to others (though be cautious of the string when in bathers)
Cannot be felt when worn properly
Small and convenient
Cons:
Risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). To reduce your risk of TSS you can:
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can
- Change your tampon frequently (every 4 to 8 hours)
- Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light
- Avoid wearing the same tampon all night
Inserting tampons can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one
Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents)
They can sometimes irritate and dry out your vagina, making it itchy and uncomfortable
MENSTRUATION CUPS
Pros:
Undetectable outside of the body and cannot be felt if inserted properly
Can stay in the body for up to 12 hours so well suited to long games or distance sports, and even though they’re in for longer they have a lower risk of toxic-shock syndrome than tampons
Menstrual fluid develops an odour when exposed to air thus cups eliminate this issue.
You can wear them with any clothing or swim swear
Can remain inserted for swimming
Does not disturb your vaginal pH
Cons:
Can be messy when changing
Be cautious with cup choice if you’re allergic to rubber or latex
TTS from menstrual cups is possible when not used as directed
May need some practice with insertion and removal
PERIOD UNDERWEAR
Pros:
Reusable, so cheaper in the long run with less environmental impact
Accommodate a light to medium flow.
Can buy period panties in different styles and colors like normal underwear
You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days.
Cons:
Initial cost is more than regular underwear.
They’re not recommended for heavy flows.
Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error.
Must be washed
REUSEABLE CLOTH PADS
Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads.
Pros:
They’re more cost-effective in the long run
They create less waste in landfills than disposable products
They’re available to buy in different sizes and absorbances to suit your needs
They’re more flexible and less bulky than most pads
They’re more breathable than regular pads
Cons:
Initial cost high
Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly
You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when you’re out and about
They can stain if you don’t rinse them right away
AUTHOR
ELLIE GRIFFIN, RHEA PSERECKIS (ILLUSTRATIONS)
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