Currently there are various types of absorbents on the market that meet the needs of all women and the phases of the menstrual cycle. The absorbents can be external, internal or even integrated into panties.
Find out which one is right for you and how it should be used:
1. External Absorber
The outer absorbent is usually the most commonly used option for women and is a product that can be found in various sizes and shapes and different thicknesses and components.
Thus, to choose the absorbent, one must know if the flow is light, moderate or intense and take into account the gender of the panties that the person uses. For women who have mild to moderate flow, finer and more adaptable absorbents may be used, which are those that are tailored to low-cut panties.
For women who have an intense flow, or often suffer from leakage, it is best to choose thicker or more absorbent absorbents and preferably with flaps. In addition to these absorbents, there are also nocturnals, which are thicker and have a longer absorption capacity for longer and therefore can be used throughout the night.
As for the coverage of the absorbents, they may have a dry covering due to a material that prevents the person from feeling moisture in the skin, but which may cause more allergies and irritation, or soft cover, which are softer and cotton, but which do not prevent the feeling of moisture in the skin but which are best suited for women who develop allergies or irritation. Here's how to deal with the absorbent allergy.
How to use
To use the outer absorbent, it should be glued to the center of the panties, and if it has flaps, they should be around the panties around the sides. It is recommended to change the absorbent every 4 hours and in cases of more intense flow, every 2 or 3 hours, in order to avoid leaks, bad smell or infections. In the case of night-time absorbents, they can be used throughout the night, up to a maximum of 10 hours.
2. Internal Absorber
Internal absorbents are also widely used by women and are a great choice for those who wish to continue to go to the beach, pool or exercise during the menstrual period.
In order to choose the most suitable internal absorbent, the person must take into account the intensity of the menstrual flow, since there are several sizes available. There are also women who have difficulty putting it on, and for these cases there are internal absorbents with applicator, which are easier to introduce into the vagina.
How to use
In order to place the absorbent properly and safely, you should wash your hands thoroughly, unwind the absorbent cord and stretch it, place your index finger on the base of the absorbent, separate the lips of the vagina with your free hand, and gently push the absorbent material into the vagina, toward the back, because the vagina is tilted backwards, thus making it easier to insert the absorbent.
To facilitate placement, the woman can apply it standing up, with one leg supported on a higher place, or by sitting on the toilet with her knees apart. The inner absorbent should be replaced every 4 hours. See more information on how to use tampons safely.
3. Menstrual Collector
Menstruating collectors are an alternative to internal absorbents, with the advantage of not polluting the environment and having a duration of about 10 years. Generally, these products are made of medical silicone or a kind of rubber used in the production of surgical material, making them very malleable and hypoallergenic.
There are several sizes available that should be chosen according to the needs of each woman, and should be purchased taking into account factors such as the height of the cervix, if it is low, whether to opt for a shorter menstrual cup and if it is high, one should wear a longer one; intensity of menstrual flow, that the larger, larger should be the collector and other factors, such as the strength of the pelvic muscles, so it is important to consult the gynecologist before getting the product.
How to use
To place the menstrual collector, one should sit in the toilet with the knees apart, fold the collector as shown on the packaging and the image depicted above, insert the folded collector into the vagina and finally turn the collector in order to make sure the collector, make sure that it is perfectly fit, without folds.
The correct position of the menstrual collectors is closer to the entrance of the vaginal canal and not to the bottom, as is the case with other internal absorbers. Also see how to remove the menstrual clog and how to clean it properly.
Absorbent sponge
Although not yet a widely used product, absorbent sponges are also a very convenient and practical option and are free of chemicals, thus avoiding irritations and allergic manifestations.
There are several different sizes that should be chosen depending on the intensity of the woman's menstrual flow and have the advantage of allowing women to maintain sexual relations with them.
How to use
These sponges should be introduced into the vagina as deeply as possible in a position that facilitates their placement, such as sitting on the toilet with the knees apart or standing with one leg resting on a surface slightly higher than the floor.
Since it does not have a thread like ordinary absorbents, it can be a little more difficult to remove and so it takes some agility to remove it and for this, one should pull the sponge through a small hole in the center.
5. Absorbent panties
The absorbent panties have the appearance of normal panties, but with the capacity to absorb menstruation and to dry quickly, avoiding allergic reactions, because they do not have any irritating ingredients.
These panties are suited for women with mild to moderate menstrual flow, and for those women with heavy flow, they can also wear these panties as a complement to another type of absorbent. In addition, these absorbent panties are reusable and for this you just wash them with soap and water.
How to use
To enjoy its effect, simply put on the panties and change them every day. On more intense days, it is advisable to change the panties sooner, every 5 to 8 hours.
As they are reusable, they should be washed daily with water and neutral soap.
6. Daily Protector
The daily protector is a rather thinner type of absorbent, which should not be worn during the menstrual period because it has a reduced absorptive capacity. These products serve to use at the end or the beginning of menstruation, when the woman already has only small losses of blood and small waste.
Although many women use these protectors daily to absorb vaginal secretions and not soiling the panties, this habit is not recommended because the intimate region gets moister and prevents air circulation, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection development.
How to use
Simply put the protector in the center of the panties, which usually has a sticker underneath to not leave the place during the day and, if possible, change every 4 hours.
