How do I choose the right period product?

Bottom lineChoose a period product by matching absorbency to your flow and your activity: pads are easy and good overnight, tampons suit sport and swimming (change every 4 to 8 hours), menstrual cups are reusable and last up to about 12 hours, and period underwear works for lighter days or backup; many people combine products, and changing tampons regularly lowers toxic shock risk.

The best period product is the one that fits your flow, lifestyle, and comfort. Most people use a mix depending on the day and activity.

Your main options

• Pads - worn in underwear, easy to use, good for overnight or lighter days
• Tampons - inserted, discreet, suited to swimming and sport; change at least every 4 to 8 hours
• Menstrual cups - reusable, can be worn up to about 12 hours, cost-effective and low-waste
• Period underwear - absorbent pants you wash and reuse, good as backup or for lighter days

How to choose

• Match absorbency to your flow - use the lowest that works and change regularly
• Consider your activity - tampons or cups for sport and swimming
• Think about comfort and the environment - reusable cups and underwear cut waste and cost
• It's normal to combine products, like a tampon plus period underwear on heavy days

Safety note

With tampons, change regularly and use the right absorbency to lower the small risk of toxic shock syndrome. Switch products if you have irritation.

Femora helps you track your flow heaviness so you can match the right product to each day of your period.