Best ways to introduce reusable period products to a teenager | Right absorbency for Teen period products

Prepare a period kit, Tampons should also be changed every 4–6 hours How can I help my teenager choose the right absorbency for their period products? | Best ways to introduce reusable period products to a teenager

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How can I help my teenager choose the right absorbency for their period products?

To help your teenager choose the right absorbency for their period products, here’s what you can do:

Understand flow volume: Explain that periods vary; some girls experience heavier bleeding, while others have lighter flows. Most have a combination of lighter and heavier days.

Pads: Pads come in various absorbency levels. Have a range of options available, such as heavier absorbency for nighttime or heavier flow days and lighter absorbency for lighter days. Pads also come in different sizes, including slender, super, maxi, mini, and overnight.

Tampons: Tampons also come in different absorbencies like light, regular, super, and super plus. It’s best to use the lowest absorbency tampon possible for their flow.

Experiment to find the right fit: It might take a little experimenting to find the right pad or tampon for the different times of their period. A pad should be big enough to prevent leaks but small enough to be comfortable.

Check and change products regularly: Pads generally need to be changed every 4-6 hours. Tampons should also be changed every 4–6 hours, and it’s important to remove the tampon when the period ends.

Consider overnight protection: Longer or more absorbent pads might be helpful for overnight use. Super absorbency tampons can be used overnight but should be changed in the morning.

Opt for comfort: Comfort is key. Thin or ultra-thin pads might be more comfortable for some teens.

Reusable options: Reusable cloth pads are made from absorbent fabrics like cotton and can be washed and reused multiple times. Period underwear is also available in various absorbencies and styles.

Listen to their needs: Consider their flow volume, daily activities, and sensitivities.

What are the best ways to introduce reusable period products to a teenager?

Here’s how you can introduce reusable period products to a teenager:

Start with Education: Educate them about the benefits, addressing any fears by explaining how the products work. Show videos and articles, and answer their questions.

Discuss options: Introduce the three most common types: cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear6. Reusable menstrual products such as period underwear, reusable pads, and menstrual cups are alternatives to disposables and may offer greater environmental and cost sustainability.

Reusable Pads: Reusable pads are washed after each use and often snap or clip onto underwear. They can be a good starting point for those new to reusable products.

Menstrual Cups: Explain that menstrual cups are convenient and reusable, made from silicone, and inserted into the vagina to collect blood2. The collected blood is emptied into the toilet, the cup is washed, and then re-inserted. The cup can be left in the vagina for 12 hours.

Period Underwear: Describe period underwear as a comfortable option, especially for lighter days or as a backup.

Highlight benefits: Explain that reusable options are more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective long term1. A recent environmental assessment found that over one year, the environmental impact of a menstrual cup was equal to less than 1.5% of the environmental impact of a disposable product, at only 10% of the cost of disposables.

Address concerns: Discuss the challenges of using reusables, including cleaning and changing them outside the home, and address any concerns about potential harm or selecting the correct size.

Encourage practice: Encourage them to practice inserting and removing menstrual cups when they’re not on their period so they can get used to the feeling and get comfortable with the process.

Provide information: Many teens want more or earlier information about reusable products. Some wish they had learned about them during sex education in school.

Prepare a period kit: It’s a good idea for your daughter to carry menstrual products in her school bag so she’s ready if her period suddenly starts or if a friend needs help.

What are some tips for teaching a teenager how to use a menstrual cup?

Here are some tips for teaching a teenager how to use a menstrual cup:

Be supportive: If your teen is ready and understands the responsibility of cleaning and sterilizing their cup, be supportive and let them start. Their maturity may surprise you.

Educate them: One of the main reasons teenagers are afraid to use a menstrual cup is because they are unsure how it works. Educate them about the benefits and how to use it to help reduce their fear. Show them videos and articles that explain the process, and answer any questions they may have.

Practice: Encourage them to practice inserting and removing the cup when they’re not on their period so they can get used to the feeling and get comfortable with the process. Practice makes perfect.

Different folds: Encourage them to try different folds until they find the one that works best. Some popular folds include the C-fold, punch-down fold, and 7-fold.

Take it slow: Start by having them wear the cup for a few hours at a time, and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.

Angle the cup: One of the best tips for first-time menstrual cup insertion is to angle the cup towards your tailbone, not upwards.

Cut nails: Make sure their nails are cut short and have no sharp edges before inserting their menstrual cup. This will prevent them from getting accidental abrasions on their vaginal skin.

Try in the shower: One great tip is to try inserting and remove their cup in the shower. The water will help lubricate the cup, and trying in the shower will also help avoid any mess in case of spills.

Healthy menstruation habits: Help them create healthy menstruation habits. In the beginning, you may have to remind your teen to empty their cup every 8 hours and sterilize it between periods. A sterilizer can help make cup care easier.

Cheer them on: Reassure them the learning curve is normal and help them carry on by reminding them that everything new is difficult in the beginning.

Make it routine: Make using their cup part of her morning and evening routine — have her set a timer on her phone so she doesn’t forget to take it out and clean it.