Period Products and Creighton

Woo hoo! This is my fifth post on this blog! Kelsey here again to chat about some of the different period products out there and how they affect your charting with Creighton.

Six months ago, if someone would’ve asked me what their options were to deal with their period, I would’ve said that there are only two: pads and tampons, duh. However, as I began to take a more natural approach to my fertility (starting to chart with Creighton), I realized that my body is a real gift, and just like we should be thoughtful about what we put in it and on it in terms of the foods we consume and the beauty products we use. We also should be thinking about what is in the stereotypical period products we use, and broaden our horizons to the better solutions that exist!So, let’s jump into some of the most common period products, their pros and cons, and what you need to know when using them along with charting your cycles.

First, let’s start with the product that almost all women learn about in fifth or sixth grade: pads. These are pretty cut and dry in terms of how and when they’re used, and they are one of the easiest for younger woman to use when first navigating their period. Developed by nurses to help with the bleeding of wounded soldiers during battle, disposable pads have been around since the 1800’s. This option has some positives including they’re pretty quick to change and generally a little more affordable than some other options. However, they can become quite uncomfortable if worn for too long and they generate a lot of waste. If the pad is your preferred period product and you’re charting with Creighton, there aren’t any specific instructions. Just continue the habit of making good observations and chart any mucus you observe on the light and very light days of flow.

The second most well-known period product is tampons. Seen as the only option if you want to go swimming or participate in athletics while on your period, many women have chosen to use tampons for years. While they are generally a little more expensive, they also produce a lot of waste over the span of a woman’s life. They generally have harsh chemicals in them, can cause micro-tearing if removed too soon, and can be difficult to first learn how to use. They are readily available at any store and reliable once you get the hang of them. If the tampon is your period product of choice, make sure to refrain from using them before your cycle actually starts. Additionally, only use them during your heaviest days of bleeding, and switch to pads on the light and very light days so you are able to observe any mucus that may be present.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the options that are a little less common. Menstrual cups, which are silicone cups with a stem that are inserted like tampons, have recently entered the scene and are providing a more economical, environmentally friendly, and empowering solution. They are more absorptive than tampons (you can wear one for up to 12 hours!), don’t leave any fibers behind like tampons, less likely to cause UTI’s and TSS than tampons, and less irritating for your body. (Lunette) They do require a little more practice and finesse when inserting and removing at first, but in my opinion, so worth it. These are also best used during the heaviest days of bleeding, and should be avoided near the end of your period so that you don’t miss mucus.

One other product I’d like to mention: reusable period underwear. Ladies I know this may sound gross, but I seriously find them more comfortable, absorptive, and flattering than a pad. Again, you’re reducing waste, and if you use them as a backup to a menstrual cup, or at the end of your cycle, there really won’t be that much to deal with. They can be used throughout your period, just make sure to watch for mucus on the light and very light days.

I hope you find this information helpful and shows you how user-friendly Creighton is, no matter your preferred period product. Feel free to leave questions or your thoughts in the comments below!