Introducing the types and features of sanitary products! Why are the types increasing?
"There are so many sanitary products, I don't know which one to choose."
"I want to have a more comfortable period"
While the variety of sanitary products available is increasing and the options are expanding, some people may find it difficult to decide which one is right for them.
Knowing the characteristics of each will make it easier to choose one that suits your lifestyle and menstrual flow, making your period more comfortable.
In this article, we will introduce the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each type of sanitary product, as well as recommended items for different situations.
Find the perfect sanitary product for you and reduce your period worries.
Table of Contents Introducing the types of menstrual products and sanitary goods, as well as their advantages and disadvantages
Introducing recommended sanitary products by type
Why the variety of sanitary products is increasing
Usage of sanitary products and attitudes towards menstruation in Japan
summary |
Introducing the types of menstrual products and sanitary goods, as well as their advantages and disadvantages
There are many different types of sanitary products and feminine hygiene products, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
The menstrual products and sanitary goods introduced here are as follows:
-
napkin
-
tampon
-
Menstrual cup
-
cloth napkins
-
Water-absorbing shorts
-
Menstrual disc
Read on to find out which one is right for you.
napkin
Pads are the most common type of sanitary product ; they are attached to underwear to absorb menstrual blood. Here are their advantages and disadvantages:
| merit | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Easy to purchase, wide variety available, easy to use | ・Slippage and leakage can be a concern ・It can cause stuffiness ・It can increase waste ・It can cause unpleasant odors |
Many different types of sanitary napkins are sold at drugstores and convenience stores, making them easy to purchase.
However, you may experience discomfort due to stuffiness or menstrual leakage, so it is best to use them according to the situation.
tampon
Tampons are feminine hygiene products that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. They are characterized by their ability to stay in place and allow for active movement .
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
|
・Less likely to leak ・Hard to slip ・Can be used in pools and hot springs The body is lightweight and easy to carry |
・Need to get used to inserting - Maximum usage time is 8 hours [1] ・Garbage is produced |
If you use tampons, you won't have any trouble using pools or hot springs.
However, some facilities have restrictions on use during menstruation, so be sure to check the facility's rules before using it.
Also, the usable time varies depending on the product . Please replace or remove the battery within the time indicated on the package.
Also worth reading: Can I wear a tampon in a hot spring? 3 ways to enjoy a hot spring during your period
Menstrual cup
A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
It can be reused, making it environmentally friendly and economical.
Also, like tampons, they don't slip out easily and are less likely to get stuffy or smelly.
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
|
- Can be used for up to 12 hours [2] ・Can be used repeatedly ・No waste - Less likely to produce odor ・Does not get stuffy |
・Requires practice in insertion and removal ・Cleaning is required |
Menstrual cups can be used for a long time, so you can reduce the frequency of changing them when you're out and about . Another great thing about them is that they can be used in hot springs and pools, just like tampons.
You may have some difficulty inserting and removing it until you get used to it, but once you've mastered it, you'll be able to make the most of its benefits.
Also worth reading: What is a menstrual cup? Explaining its structure, how to use it, and frequently asked questions
Also worth reading: My period overlapped with my sauna, hot springs, swimming pool, and other marine activities! Can I use a menstrual cup for summer leisure activities?
cloth napkins
Cloth napkins are environmentally friendly as they can be washed and reused.
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
|
・Gentle on the skin ・Can be used repeatedly There is a wide variety of designs Can be used outside of menstruation |
・Washing is time-consuming - Stains tend to remain even after washing ・Need to be replaced frequently ・Hard to dry ・Bulky when carrying |
They are often made from skin-friendly materials such as organic cotton and silk , and are recommended for those with sensitive skin .
Some people also use it outside of their period to prevent vaginal discharge.
Water-absorbing shorts
Absorbent shorts are a sanitary item that can be worn just like regular shorts.
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
|
・Less stiffness ・Can be used repeatedly ・No waste Can be used outside of menstruation There is a wide variety of designs |
・Washing is time-consuming ・Hard to dry ・High price ・Thick types feel stuffy |
It can also be used to prevent vaginal discharge and mild urinary incontinence , so it's handy to have one on hand.
Menstrual disc
A menstrual disc is a sanitary product that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
|
- Can be used for up to 12 hours ・Can be used repeatedly ・No waste ・No smell to worry about |
-Need to get used to inserting and removing ・There are few products in Japanese stores It's hard to choose the right size |
Since it is inserted further back than a menstrual cup, it may be difficult to use until you get used to it.
We recommend trying a menstrual cup first, then trying a menstrual disc .
Introducing recommended sanitary products by type
We will introduce how to use different types of sanitary products.
-
People with sensitive skin
-
People who love traveling
-
Those with heavy menstrual bleeding
-
First-time users of sanitary products
Choosing sanitary products that suit your lifestyle and menstrual condition will help you feel more comfortable during your period.
Please use this as a reference.
If you have sensitive skin, choose sanitary products that are meant to be used inside the vagina.
If you have sensitive skin and are prone to rashes from sanitary products, choose sanitary products that are intended for use inside the vagina.
Sanitary products inserted into the vagina absorb or store menstrual blood inside the vagina, so the sanitary products and menstrual blood are less likely to come into contact with the skin, which may reduce skin irritation during menstruation.
Specific sanitary products include:
-
tampon
-
Menstrual cup
-
Menstrual disc
If you suffer from a rash every time you have your period, you should definitely try this.
People who like to travel choose based on continuous usage time
If you enjoy traveling, choose sanitary products based on the continuous use time.
When traveling, it's easy to miss the chance to go to the toilet due to sightseeing, activities, and travel. If you use sanitary products with a long continuous use time, you won't have to change them as often, allowing you to enjoy your trip.
Here are some recommended sanitary products for people who love to travel:
-
tampon
-
Menstrual cup
Tampons can last up to 8 hours, while menstrual cups can last up to 12 hours.
The continuous usage time varies depending on the product, so please observe the usage time indicated on the package.
Also worth reading: 3 Tips for Dealing with Your Period While Traveling | Explaining Why Menstrual Cups Are Effective
For those with heavy menstrual flow, choose a diaper based on absorption and capacity.
If you have a heavy flow, choose sanitary products with high absorption and capacity.
Recommended sanitary products and their standard absorption and capacity are listed below.
|
Types of sanitary products |
Absorption amount and capacity guideline |
|
Night napkins |
Approximately 210ml (for night use) |
|
tampon |
5-9ml (regular size) |
|
Menstrual cup |
Approximately 20-28ml (medium size) Approximately 30ml (Large size) |
The average daily menstrual blood loss is said to be between 20 and 140 grams. [3]
Since menstrual flow varies from person to person, choosing sanitary products that suit your flow can help reduce anxiety about leaking.
Also worth reading: How many ml of blood do you lose per day during your period? Two reasons why your menstrual flow may increase or decrease
Those using sanitary products for the first time should choose one that is easy to use.
For those using sanitary products for the first time, we recommend napkins, which are the easiest to use.
Pads can be used simply by sticking them to your shorts, so no special tricks are required.
There are many different types, depending on the size and whether they have wings or not, so it may be difficult to choose, but try out a few to find one that feels comfortable against your skin and suits your menstrual flow.
Why the variety of sanitary products is increasing
The reasons for the increase in sanitary products are thought to be as follows:
-
Environmental Considerations
-
The development of Femtech
I will explain each one.
Environmental Considerations
In recent years, interest in environmental issues has grown, and more people are choosing sustainable sanitary products.
Cloth napkins, menstrual cups, and absorbent shorts can be washed and reused, which means they produce less waste than disposable napkins and tampons, reducing the burden on the environment.
In response to this trend, sanitary product manufacturers are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly, sustainable materials and developing reusable products, expanding the options for environmentally friendly sanitary products.
The development of Femtech
The increasing variety of menstrual products and sanitary goods is also due to the development of femtech.
Femtech refers to products and services that use technology to solve health issues specific to women. Among these, menstrual issues have attracted attention, and new sanitary products are being developed.
The economic loss caused by menstrual symptoms, a health issue specific to women, is estimated to amount to approximately 600 billion yen. [4]
There is growing interest in femtech and femcare as a means to solve these issues.
As a result of this trend, the options for sanitary products have expanded, and alleviating menstrual discomfort is becoming increasingly important in supporting women’s social activities. [4]
Usage of sanitary products and attitudes towards menstruation in Japan
The use of sanitary products in Japan and attitudes towards menstruation differ in some ways from those overseas.
If you choose sanitary products while taking into account not only Japanese but also international ideas, you may be able to find sanitary products that suit you.
Usage rate of sanitary products in Japan
The usage rate of sanitary products in Japan is as follows: [5]
|
Sanitary products |
Utilization rate |
|
napkin |
75.5% |
|
Water-absorbing shorts |
5.3% |
|
tampon |
2.8% |
In Japan, many people use pads, absorbent shorts, and tampons, with the use of pads being particularly high. [5]
While the use of sanitary napkins tends to be high overseas as well, tampons and menstrual cups are more widely known than in Japan, and the types of sanitary products displayed in drugstores also seem to be different.
Although awareness of menstrual cups is gradually increasing in Japan, the percentage of people who use them is still low.
Also worth reading: What percentage of people have never used tampons? Explaining three reasons for the low usage rate!
Trends in attitudes toward menstruation
In Japan, many women who do not seek medical advice for menstrual problems say that they are embarrassed. [5]
This suggests that there is a tendency for women to feel embarrassed about menstruation itself.
On the other hand, it is said that overseas, both men and women have a good understanding of menstruation and an environment where they can talk about it openly.
In recent years, in Japan, we have seen an increase in people posting about their periods on social media and celebrities talking about periods on television.
It can be said that understanding is increasing throughout society, and the situation is gradually becoming one in which people can talk openly about menstruation.
summary
In addition to napkins and tampons, there are many other types of menstrual products, including menstrual cups, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
By choosing a product that suits your lifestyle and menstrual flow, you can make your period more comfortable.
With more options available thanks to environmental concerns and the development of femtech, now is the time to find the sanitary products that are right for you.
