Periods aren’t nothing to play with! Between the uncomfortable symptoms like cramps and bloating, the off-the-wall cravings that make us gain a little bit more than just some water weight, and the slight predictability of it all that keeps on the edge — Girl, I’m surprised we even make it month after month after month.
Dramatics aside, periods are hard. And one of the most difficult parts of it all is finding a way to stay fresh throughout the week-long ordeal.
Truth be told, it’s something we naturally get the hang of as we get older, but it doesn’t hurt to learn some brand new tricks, tips, and products to keep us feeling comfortable during that time of the month.
Have a disposal method you’re comfy with.
Disposing of pads and tampons can be messy, stinky, lowkey embarrassing, and a whole bunch of other uncomfortable things we don’t like to talk about. However, if you have the right disposal method, it doesn’t have to be any of those awkward things.
In fact, it would probably make you feel a lot more confident in how clean and fresh you are if you had a set way of taking care of busy. So, what will it be? Well, you have options.
If you’re at home and don’t like throwing your sanitary items in your bathroom waste bin, invest in an odorless trash can like the ones used for diapers and litter. Yes, those are for babies and pets, but they work for periods, too!
On the go? No problem! Grab some disposal bags like the ones from Scensibles. It’s a box of 50 small, long-handle bags that can be tied up and thrown away with no lingering odors.
Plus, the bag design is super cute and convenient! You won’t have to worry about your pads or tampons being visible—throw them away discreetly and confidently.
Invest in feminine hygiene maintenance products.
We couldn’t talk about periods without talking about feminine hygiene maintenance that actually involves taking care of the most important thing here: our bodies!
By now we all know the basics of staying clean and fresh during that time of the month: shower regularly, change your pads and underwear as needed, and if you’re afraid of accidents, opt for clothes that are comfortable and dark for the next few days.
However, there is one thing that we should definitely keep on hand that a lot of us simply don’t: sensitive wipes! The wet wipes to cleanse and toilet paper to dry combo is undefeated when you’re dealing with moderate to heavy periods.
If that’s not your thing, try a portable bidet! It’s a small water sprayer specifically designed to rinse you off after you use the restroom. It’s incredibly helpful for a midday refresh!
Need another option? Sure—just kick it old school and keep a washcloth, a travel-sized feminine wash, and an extra pair of panties in your purse in case of an accident.
Rethink your stance on period panties.
Like we’ve already agreed: Periods are hard. And they get even harder when you don’t have the right underwear to put on for your own personal shark week. Now, let’s be real—we all have those 4 or 5 pairs of dark, comfy underwear that we slide on when it’s time.
But those aren’t the period panties we’re talking about! We’re talking about the ones like Thinx—underwear with multi-layers of fabric that soak up moisture and blood. In other words, underwear that’s designed to replace disposable pads and tampons.
Yeah, it sounds weird and uncomfortable (especially for heavy periods), but hear us out! They block odor, stay dry throughout the day, and completely protect from leaks better than pads and tampons.
The best part? You can wash them, which ultimately saves you money in the long run.
And it’s no problem if you’re not completely sold on wearing period undies instead of pads, tampons, or even cups—you can still wear them and just use the panties to prevent leaks.
