page_title: Feminine hygiene
section_title: Menstrual hygiene products
hierarchical_section_title: Feminine hygiene / Types / Menstrual hygiene products
context_page_description: Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Those products that are used during menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products. Products used may include sanitary napkins or sanitary towels, tampons, pantyliners, menstrual cups, and period panties. Feminine hygiene products also include products meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soap. Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria. Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity.
  Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads, period panties, and sponges are reusable feminine hygiene products.
context_section_description: Disposable:
  Pantyliner: Sticks to the inside of underwear to absorb blood and uterine lining during menstruation, sometimes worn with a tampon or for light discharge.
  Sanitary napkin (Pad): Can be worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. Available in many different absorbencies and lengths, with or without wings.
  Tampon: Worn inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be worn while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbencies.
  Reusable:
  Menstrual cup: Worn inside of the vagina to catch blood/uterine lining. 
  Cloth menstrual pad: Worn inside of underwear.
  Period panties: Absorbent underwear.
  Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.
caption: The elements of a tampon with applicator. Left: the bigger tube ("penetrator"). Center: cotton tampon with attached string. Right: the narrower tube.
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