Let’s be honest, periods can be enough of a hassle without having to stress over what product to use. These days, there are so many options out there; disposable and reusable pads, pants, tampons, menstrual cups and menstrual discs so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what actually works best for you.

Maybe you’re new to periods, maybe you’re tired of leaks, or maybe you’re just curious about switching things up. Whatever the case, this guide breaks down the pros and cons of each option, so you can find what suits your body, your flow, and your lifestyle with less confusion and more confidence.

🩸 Pads

What They Are:

Absorbent liners that stick to your underwear to collect menstrual blood externally.

✅ Pros:

• Easy to use. Great for beginners
• No insertion required
• Affordable and widely available
• Comes in various sizes for different flow levels
• Reliable for overnight protection
• Environmentally friendly (Reusable)
  

❌ Cons:

• Can feel bulky or uncomfortable
• May shift during movement
• Not ideal for swimming
• Not environmentally friendly (single-use)
  

💡 Best For:

Beginners, light to moderate flow, or anyone who prefers non-insertable products.

🩸 Tampons

What They Are:

Small absorbent plugs inserted into the vagina to absorb blood internally.

✅ Pros:

• Discreet and comfortable when properly inserted
• Ideal for physical activity and swimming
• Less external mess
• Available in various absorbency levels
  

❌ Cons:

• Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if worn too long
• May cause dryness or irritation
• Requires comfortable familiarity with insertion
• Wasteful and non-reusable
  

💡 Best For:

Active users, swimmers, or anyone looking for discreet protection.

🩸 Menstrual Cups/Discs

What They Are:

Reusable silicone or rubber cups/discs inserted into the vagina to collect blood instead of absorbing it.

✅ Pros:

• Long-term and eco-friendly (can last years)
• Holds more blood than pads or tampons
• Can be worn up to 12 hours
• Chemical-free and body-safe
• Saves money in the long run
  

❌ Cons:

• Insertion/removal requires practice
• Can be messy to empty in public restrooms
• Not ideal if you’re uncomfortable with internal products
• Needs cleaning and hygiene upkeep
  

💡 Best For:

Eco-conscious users, heavy flow, or anyone looking for a low-maintenance, reusable option.

🩸 Absorbent Pants / Period Diapers

What They Are:

Washable or disposable underwear designed to absorb menstrual blood without the need for additional products. They combine the function of pads with the comfort of wearing regular underwear.

✅ Pros:

• Super comfortable and discreet
• No shifting, bunching, or leaks
• Great for heavy flow days or overnight use
• Good for people with limited mobility or special needs
• Available in washable (reusable) or disposable styles
  

❌ Cons:

• Reusable options can be expensive initially
• Needs regular washing (reusable types)
• Disposable ones generate more waste
• May not dry quickly in humid environments
  

💡 Best For:

Heavy flow, overnight protection, people with disabilities, postpartum use, or anyone seeking extra comfort and coverage.

🌍Practical Considerations for the Nigerian Community

In Nigeria and many other regions, access, affordability, water supply, and comfort greatly influence period product choices. For example:

• Pads remain the most popular due to availability and ease.
  
• Tampons and cups are less common due to lack of awareness or cultural discomfort with internal products.
  
• Absorbent pants/diapers are gaining popularity for their comfort, especially among teens, people with disabilities, or postpartum users.
  

🛍️ Ready to Explore?

At Bloody Marys Box, we provide:

• Soft, breathable pads
• Trusted menstrual cups
• Tampons
• Reusable period pants
  

You deserve products that support your lifestyle, comfort, and dignity. Our team is happy to help you explore, test, and switch with confidence.

Have you tried menstrual cups or absorbent pants before? What’s your go-to period product and why? Please share your experience in the comments, we love hearing your stories and learning from you!

💬 Need help choosing? Connect with us and send a DM! We can’t wait to hear from you.