Pads? Tampons? Period underwear? Make sure your child is fully educated — and prepared — for their period. We’ve laid out all the menstruation options.
Author Jen Bell | Reviewed by Staci Tanouye, M.D.
The period product market has exploded over the past two decades, offering more choices than ever before. While pads and tampons are still the most popular options, more people are using menstrual cups or discs, fabric pads that can be washed and reused, or period-proof underwear that absorbs menstrual fluid.
The best menstrual products for your preteen or teen? Whatever they feel comfortable using. Since it could take some experimentation to figure that out, here’s a rundown of period care products and the pros and cons of each.If you’re looking for smaller period products tailored to preteens and teens, we have several period products available. Explore your period care options through our BLOOM store today!
1. Disposable Pads
WHAT: A rectangle-shaped strip, made of cotton and other absorbent materials, that stick to underwear to absorb fluid. Some have “wings” to protect the edges of underwear from leaks. Available in organic, compostable options.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 3-4 hours
REUSABLE? No
COST OVER TIME: $$$
PROS: Found at most grocery stores and pharmacies; straightforward and easy to use; come in many different shapes, absorbency levels (from light to super absorbent), and sizes.
CONS: Not environmentally friendly; expensive over time; can feel bulky.
2. Reusable Pads
WHAT: Like their disposable counterparts, but cloth pads are washable. Stay in place with a snap closure.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 3-4 hours
REUSABLE? Yes
COST OVER TIME: $
PROS: Safer for environment/eco friendly option; much less expensive than disposable.
CONS: Need to wash after use; can feel bulky.
3. Period-Proof Underwear
WHAT: Underwear that absorbs menstrual blood and fluid.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 8 hours
REUSABLE? Yes
COST OVER TIME: $
PROS: Easy to use; eco friendly option; available in different styles and absorption levels; can be backup for potential leaks.
CONS: Not necessarily stylish; can feel soggy after fluid is absorbed.
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4. Tampons
WHAT: Cotton plug that absorbs the period blood inside the vagina. Available in organic options.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 4 hours
REUSABLE? No
COST OVER TIME: $$$
PROS: Good for playing sports or swimming; less noticeable during daily activities.
CONS: Insertion can be intimidating at first; expensive over time; not environmentally friendly; potentially dangerous if left in for more than 8 hours (see below, on toxic shock syndrome).
5. Menstrual Cups
WHAT: Also called period cups, these are flexible cups made of medical-grade silicone that are inserted into the vagina and hold the blood inside, like a tampon.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 12 hours
REUSABLE? Yes
COST OVER TIME: $
PROS: Environmentally friendly; washable and reusable; can wear for up to 12 hours; cheaper over time. (One cup can last for up to ten years!)
CONS: Insertion process can be tricky to master; removal process can be messy.
6. Menstrual Discs
WHAT: Insertable disc-shaped cups that collect menstrual fluid. Like menstrual cups but shaped differently and sit in the body differently. Sold in both disposable and reusable varieties.
MAX HOURS OF USE: 12 hours
REUSABLE? Yes
COST OVER TIME: $
PROS: Environmentally friendly; can be reusable; can wear for up to 12 hours; cheaper over time.
CONS: Insertion process can be tricky to master and requires an understanding of anatomy; removal process can be messy.
PRO TIP > Encourage your teen to explore the BLOOM TEEN HUB to learn all about their skin and skin care, written just for them!
What You Should Know about Organic Pads and Tampons
These are made with cotton grown without pesticides or insecticides and are usually free of fragrances and other potential irritants. Applicators for organic tampons are made from BPA-free plastics or cardboard; some may not come with an applicator at all. Organic period products are for people with sensitive skin,as they may be less irritating.
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection that can develop after leaving a tampon in for too long. It’s rare, occurring in about 1 in 100,000 tampon users, but it’s why tampons must be changed every few hours, and never worn overnight. Symptoms include:
- high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- severe muscle aches
- feeling extremely weak or dizzy
- a sunburn-like rash that can get progressively worse over time and is harder to see on darker skin
Explore BLOOM’s Period Care Products
Looking for safe and comfortable products for your preteen or teen? Explore our variety of period care options in the BLOOM store today, where you can find an assortment of various period products, from heating pads to period kits for their first menstrual cycle!
Parenting can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone, but at BLOOM you have a community ready to help. Access Live and On-Demand Workshops featuring our trusted experts. Get answers to your pressing questions through our Ask the Expert Platform. Find strength by joining our Community Group and connecting with fellow parents and caregivers. If you need more tailored support, take advantage of our 1-on-1 Parent Coaching Sessions. Raising tweens and teens is hard, but with BLOOM by your side, you don’t have to do it alone.
