Tampons & Pads

Tampons and menstrual protection meet period needs with multiple modern options. Classic tampons, disposable or washable pads, menstrual cups (cups), period underwear—each solution has its advantages depending on your flow, activities, environmental preferences, and personal comfort. The market has evolved enormously in recent years, with alternatives that are more eco-friendly and often more comfortable than traditional solutions.

In summary: comprehensive menstrual protection—tampons, pads, cups, and period underwear. Disposable and reusable (eco-friendly) options. Each solution has its advantages depending on the situation (sports, nighttime, varying flow). They can also be combined. Recent innovations have expanded the choices available.

In stores, this category has changed dramatically. Ten years ago, tampons and pads dominated almost exclusively. Today, menstrual cups and period underwear are established categories. Younger generations are embracing eco-friendly alternatives in large numbers. Older generations are also discovering these options, often through word of mouth from their daughters or friends.

Types of menstrual protection

How to choose your menstrual protection

According to your flow

Very light flow (spotting, end of period): panty liner or light-flow period underwear. Light to normal flow: mini/regular tampon, regular pad. Heavy flow: super/super-plus tampon, extra-absorbent pad, large menstrual cup. Very heavy flow: super-plus tampon plus pad for extra protection, large-size cup. Adjust according to your cycle—the needs vary between the beginning and end.

According to your activity

Sports and swimming: tampon or menstrual cup (pads are unsuitable for water). A standard workday: tampon or discreet cup. At night: overnight pad or period underwear (a cup is also possible—it lasts 8–12 hours). Long-distance travel: a cup is very practical (infrequent emptying, no supplies to carry).

According to your priorities

Simplicity and convenience: disposable products (tampons, classic pads). Long-term environmental and financial benefits: reusable products (cups, period underwear, washable pads). Health and ingredients: organic tampons, organic pads, medical-grade silicone cups. Sensitive skin: chlorine-free organic products, cotton underwear, silicone cups. A balanced approach can combine several options.

According to your anatomy

Tampons: sizes from mini to super-plus depending on flow. Menstrual cups: size S (under 30, or before vaginal births) or L (over 30, or after). Pads: various widths and lengths to suit different body types. The best brands offer a detailed sizing guide.

The menstrual cup: adoption and learning

The menstrual cup deserves its own section because adopting it requires a learning curve.

Advantages

Eco-friendly (1 cup = 5–10 years of use, compared with 5,000–10,000 tampons/pads over a lifetime). Cost-effective (an initial cost of €20–40, then almost nothing). Health-conscious (no chemical additives, respects the vaginal flora). Convenient (empty it only every 8–12 hours, with no supplies to carry around). No problem for sports or swimming.

Learning curve

The first 2–3 cycles can sometimes be frustrating. Insertion: fold the cup (using the “C” or “punch-down” method), insert it while relaxed, let it open, and check with your finger that it has fully opened. Removal: pinch the base to break the seal, then remove it gently. Empty it into the toilet, rinse it, and reinsert it. The first week requires patience; after that, it becomes second nature.

Care

Rinse after each emptying. Sterilize between cycles (boil for 5 minutes in a dedicated saucepan or use microwave sterilization with a suitable container). Store in a cotton pouch. With proper care, a menstrual cup lasts 5–10 years.

Period underwear: the recent innovation

Period underwear has exploded in popularity over the past 5 years. The principle: underwear that looks ordinary but has an absorbent fabric panel built into the crotch. Capacity: equivalent to 2–4 tampons, depending on the model (light, moderate, heavy, or ultra-heavy flow).

Uses

First day with light flow: may be enough on its own. Heavier flow: use alongside a tampon or menstrual cup for extra protection against leaks. At night: very comfortable and prevents pads from overflowing. For sports: sports models are available. Emergency backup: keeping period underwear in your bag reduces the stress of unexpected periods.

The brands

Modibodi, Thinx, Réjeanne, Moodz, Femtek — specialized brands. Some classic brands (Petit Bateau, Dim) have also developed their own ranges. Price: €25–50 per pair of period underwear. A significant initial investment, but it pays for itself over 2–5 years of use.

Organic and eco-friendly tampons

Organic tampons have become mainstream. Certified organic cotton (no pesticides, no chlorine bleaching), no synthetic fragrances, and sometimes biodegradable packaging. Slightly more expensive than conventional tampons, but with real health benefits for sensitive skin. Brands: Natracare, Organyc, Yoni, Joone, sometimes available in supermarkets in the organic products aisle.

My experience with period products in the store

Over the past 10 years, this category has been transformed by innovation. Menstrual cups that nobody knew about 10 years ago are now classics. Period underwear, which initially seemed like a gimmick, is now widely adopted. Generation Z is embracing highly eco-conscious practices in this area. It's one of the categories where cultural change has happened most rapidly.

My advice for exploring: if you still use only disposable products, try a menstrual cup or period underwear. The initial investment (€30–50) quickly pays for itself, and the difference in comfort is often surprising. Start with period underwear for the night — it's the easiest option to adopt and brings immediate comfort.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a serious but rare infection mainly associated with tampons left in too long. Strict prevention rules: change your tampon every 4–8 hours maximum, avoid sleeping with a tampon if possible (choose a pad or period underwear instead), select the appropriate absorbency (no higher than necessary), and wash your hands before insertion.

Warning signs to know: sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and a skin rash. If these symptoms occur while using a tampon: remove it immediately and seek urgent medical attention. When the guidelines are followed, the risk remains extremely low.

Common mistakes

• Tampon too absorbent for a light flow. Irritation and risk of TSS.
• Tampon left in too long. Risk of infection.
• Poorly positioned menstrual cup. Leaks — checking the opening is essential.
• Washing reusable pads incorrectly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Neglecting sterilization between cycles. Compromised hygiene.

To learn more

Complete your routine with intimate body care for hygiene during your period, and sex toy cleaners to keep your toys hygienic. To explore sex during your period, see lubricants (useful if you experience dryness) and condoms. This collection is part of the wellness range.