Period products for you | AD spon

 This is a product only AD with Be You

Having a uterus can come with it's challenges, such as periods. We are blessed every month (ideally every 

28 days) with an average of a 4-8 day menstrual cycle. Thankfully we live in a world were there a variety 

of products to choose from to help you with that. When I first started having my period you could choose 

either tampons or sanitary towels (pads) and now you have the option of a menstrual cup and even 

underwear designed specifically for your period. This gives you a chance to try out different options and 

see what works for you and your body. Please remember that everyones body is different and just because 

something works for one person, doesn't mean that it's going to work for you. 

TAMPONS

A tampon is a cotton plug that is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood.

 There are 2 types of tampons, non-applicator and applicator.

Tampons are the 'go to' sanitary product to use, and the most common being the applicator tampon. An 

applicator tampon provides a guide on how to insert into the vagina correctly, but using a plastic or 

cardboard covering surrounding the tampon. A non-applicator tampon, doesn't have this guide and after 

taking out of the wrapper is your basic cotton tampon that you insert using your fingers rather than using 

the guide to help. Tampons are used internally to absorb blood and should be changed every 4-8 hours.

When using an applicator tampon make sure that the tampon is inside of the applicator whilst the string 

hangs visibly below. Holding the applicator with 2 fingers (thumb and index is often easiest). Insert the tip 

of the tampon into your vagina. Use your index finger to push the inner tube in. You should aim for a 45° 

angle and you should not feel any discomfort. After you've pushed the inner tube inside fully inside the 

outer tube, gently remove and make sure that the string is still visible for you to remove the tampon. When 

using a non-applicator tampon is the same as an applicator tampon, however instead of pushing into a 

tube, you push it directly into your vagina. Again aim for a 45° angle and you should feel no discomfort. 

Push in slightly further than with the applicator tampon, making sure the string is still visible externally. To remove a tampon, gently but firmly pull on the string and dispose off correctly.

SANITARY TOWELS

A sanitary towel is a cotton pad that sits inside your underwear to absorb menstrual blood. 

Some of which are sustainable and can be reused after being washed. 

Sanitary towels (pads) are what I've always felt most comfortable using. After I struggled to use a tampon 

for many years, these were my go to. There are so many varieties of sanitary towels, depending on your 

age/size, the heaviness of your flow and the length you want. I am always blessed with a heavy flow, so 

these are a lot easier for me to use. Sanitary towels absorb the menstrual blood externally, as it's placed 

inside of your underwear with a sticky adhesive to make sure it doesn't move. Some have 'wings' which 

wrap around and fold underneath your underwear to hold it in place even better. Sanitary towels should be 

changed around every 4-6 hours, however it may be more frequently depending on the heaviness of you 

cycle. You can tell if it needs changing when you go to the toilet or 'feeling' throughout the day. To remove a sanitary towel, simply peel it off from your underwear, roll up and dispose of correctly. 

Recently we are becoming more sustainable, and since periods cause so much waste, companies (mainly 

independent) are creating reusable sanitary towels. Although these seem more expensive as you are only 

getting a small amount, this will be beneficially in the long run. Instead of spending an average of £156 a 

year you are cutting down that cost by over half. Reusable sanitary towels will come with instructions on 

how to wash throughly to make sure that menstrual blood and bacteria is always removed/disinfected.

MENSTURAL CUPS

A menstrual cup is a silicone cup that is inserted inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. 

These can be reused once throughly cleaned and disinfected correctly. 

Menstrual cups have taken over periods by storm. They are more sustainable than your average tampon or 

sanitary towel, and save consumers up to £1500 over 10 years. A menstrual cup is a silicone cup that is 

inserted internally into the vagina, like a tampon, to collect the menstrual blood. One menstrual cup can be 

left inserted for up to 12 hours (however changing every 4-8 hours is recommended) and will hold the 

same amount as 3 tampons. After purchasing a menstrual cup it has the possibility to last up to 10 years. A 

menstrual cup has no nasty ingredients, is BPA and latex free making it healthier and safer for your body.

Inserting a menstrual cup is similar to a tampon. However as this is a silicone cup it is recommend to use 

some water on the top outer circle to make application easier. Hold onto the cup, fold it tightly using your 

thumb and index finger. Your other hand should be at the entrance of your vagina. Guide the cup (still 

folded) into the vagina, up and towards the back. You will know if this feels comfortable or not. Letting 

go, and allowing the cup to fully open and check with your finger to make sure it's fully open. Pinch the 

base of the cup (the cup not the stem to help remove) and slowly rotate. This creates a seal, meaning that 

now blood can leak through and will all be caught in the cup. The Be You menstrual cup* is designed to 

sit as low as it will possibly sit in the vagina, whilst still be comfortable. Removing the cup can be done by 

gently squeezing the base of the cup to release the seal. When slightly out, angle the cup to ensure that it is 

removed smoothly and the menstrual blood will remain inside the cup. Be You have a size guide, to 

determine what the appropriate size will be for you, as well as a starter pack* which includes both a 

menstrual cup and a foaming cleaner for only £24.98 or each can be purchased separately.

As a menstrual cup is a product that is internally inside of your vagina that is also reusable it is extremely 

important that you clean this throughly. Once removing the cup and the blood is emptied into the toilet, it 

can be rinsed and reinserted. However you should do a through clean between each cycle or if you have 

multiple cups, then same applies for one cycle. Be You recommend using their foam cup cleanser* as it is 

the easiest method. You can also boil in water for 5-7 minutes and then leave to cool before reusing. 

PERIOD UNDERWEAR

Period underwear is multiple layers of microfibre that absorbs menstrual blood. 

These are found in many different styles and are washable for reuse. 

Period underwear is the latest on the market, that I'm aware, and is the most interesting in my opinion. 

This is designed by using multi layers of microfibre with each having a different purpose. Fighting 

bacteria and stop smelling to stay dry and fresh. The middle layer absorbing the liquid and the bottom 

layer acting as an extra protection layer that is waterproof to make sure there are no leaks throughout the 

day. What I find most interesting about these is how many styles there are available in. You can choose 

from bikini cut, thong, full brief, boy shorts as well as being available in plus size, no VPL,  maternity and 

swimwear. Despite seeming pricey at the start, these are reusable and will save you money over time.

Be You also offer monthly patches* which provide a 'cool tingling' feeling for when you are suffering with 

period pains. These can be used all over your body, day or night for up to 12 hours as an alternative to a 

hot water bottle and they are more affective than taken tablets/medication orally to help with PMS.

What period products to you prefer to use?

xoxo

Lea-Mai

This is an product only AD in partnership with Be You. See disclaimer page for more information.