Feminine hygiene

A sanitary napkin

The elements of a tampon with applicator. Left: the bigger tube ("penetrator"). Center: cotton tampon with attached string. Right: the narrower tube.

Reusable cloth menstrual pad with Kokopelli motif.

A menstrual cup

Menstrual panty

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.[4][5]
• 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.[6][7][8]
• Tampon: Worn inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be worn while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbencies.[9][10][11]

Reusable:

• Menstrual cup: Worn inside of the vagina to catch blood/uterine lining. [12]
• Cloth menstrual pad: Word inside of underwear.[13]
• Period panties: Absorbent underwear.[14]
• Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.[15]

• Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.[16][17]
• Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.[18]
• Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.[19]

Menstrual hygiene product dispenser

Tampon tax is a shorthand for sales tax charged on tampons, pads and menstrual cups. The cost of these commercial products for menstrual management is considered to be unacceptably high for many low-income women. At least half a million women across the world do not have enough money to adequately afford these products. This can result in missing school or even dropping out. Several initiatives worldwide advocate to eliminate the tax all together. In some countries, such petitions have already been successful (for example parts of the UK and the United States).[30][31][32]

Many people believe the tampon tax should be abolished because tampons are a necessity for women. They consider the tax discriminatory because things like prescription drugs and condoms are not taxed. Lawmakers around the country have started to take notice. Many have taken measures to exempt menstrual hygiene products from the sales tax. Some lawmakers have even succeeded.[33]

The Federal bureau of Prisons in the United States announced that women in its facilities would be guaranteed free menstrual pads and tampons. In section 411 of the First Step Act which was passed on May 22, 2018 states, "The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall make the healthcare products described in subsection (c) available to prisoners for free, in a quantity that is appropriate to the healthcare needs of each prisoner".[34]

For those with autism, using pads before menstruation begins may help reduce sensory issues associated with menstrual hygiene products. Prior education and practice may help familiarize an individual with body changes and the process of using products associated with menstruation.[35]

Menstruation may occur despite paralyzation; product use depends on the individual's personal preference.[36]

Some girls and women may view tampons and menstrual cups as affecting their virginity even though they have not engaged in sexual intercourse.[37]

• Cup[38]
• Pad[38]
• Panty[38]
• Sponges[38][39]
• Nothing[39]
• Sheeps wool[39]
• Underwear[39]
• Raw cotton[39]
• Sanitary belt & napkin holder[39]
• Crocheted sanitary napkins[39]
• Clouts[39]
• No belt[39]
• Baby diapers[39]

• Plants[40]