Draft/Revision Ideas: edit
Lead
Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products used for menstruation, may also be called menstrual hygiene products. Products used may include sanitary napkins (American English) or sanitary towels (British English), tampons, pantyliners, menstrual cups, and period panties. Feminine hygiene products also include products meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soap.
Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads, period panties, and sponges are reusable products.[1]
Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria.[2] Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity.[3]
Changes may be made above in bold to reflect the changes made within the rest of the article.[1]
Types: edit
Menstrual Hygiene Products
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. [2][3]
- 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.[2][4][3]
- Tampon: Worn inside the body by inserting into the vagina to absorb menstruation, can also be worn while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbencies. [2][4][3]
Reusable:
- Menstrual cup: Worn inside of the body by folding into various shapes to catch blood/uterine lining. [5]
- Cloth menstrual pad: Snaps around base of underwear.[6]
- Period panties: Absorbant underwear available in many different varieties.[7]
- Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.[8]
Cleansing products
- Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.[9][4]
- Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.[10]
- Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.[11]
Hair Removal
Risks: edit
Toxic shock syndrome: A rare illness that may occur when tampons are worn for long periods of time, although not directly linked to tampon use but caused from poison linked to Staph bacteria. [4][3]
Irritation: Fragrances, Neomycin (adhesive on pads), Tea tree oil, Benzocaine, and Inflammation can be a risk associated with some products. [4]
Yeast Infection: A cottage-cheese like fungus. [3]
Society and Culture: edit
Costs and tax:[12]
Access to products in prisons:[12]
Autism and periods: 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. [13]
Trans and non-binary: Menstruation is a bodily function that may effect people not on a feminine nor masculine spectrum. [14]
Wheelchair bound menstrual hygiene: Menstruation may occur despite paralyzation, product use depends on the individuals personal preference.[14]
Tampons and virginity: A unique individual based determination. [4]
History: edit
Historical types of menstrual hygiene products:[15][16]
- Cup[15]
- Pad[15]
- Panty[15]
- Sponges[15][16]
- Nothing[16]
- Sheeps wool[16]
- Underwear[16]
- Raw cotton[16]
- Sanitary belt & napkin holder[16]
- Crocheted sanitary napkins[16]
- Clouts[16]
- No belt[16]
- Baby diapers[16]
- Plants [4]
Notes/Ideas for additions: edit
Define history information.
Add why some women may use some products despite risks or doctors advising against.
Allow language to remain neutral when referencing those who do not identify as a woman, that also have a vagina and menstruate.
References: edit
- ^ "Feminine hygiene", Wikipedia, 2019-10-30, retrieved 2019-11-03
- ^ a b c Schaefer, Valorie Lee, et al. The Care & Keeping of You 1: The Body Book For Younger Girls. American Girl, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Natterson, Dr. Cara, and Josée Masse. The Care and Keeping of You 2 The Body Book for Older Girls. American Girl Publishing, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Stewart, Elizabeth Gunther. (2002). The V book : a doctor's guide to complete vulvovaginal health. Bantam Books. ISBN 9780307492449. OCLC 773813783.
- ^ Rabin, Roni Caryn (2019-07-16). "A Better Way to Manage Your Period? Try the Menstrual Cup, Scientists Say". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
- ^ "Cloth menstrual pad", Wikipedia, 2019-10-21, retrieved 2019-11-18
- ^ "How Do I Use Tampons, Pads, Period Underwear & Menstrual Cups? | Facts & Info". www.plannedparenthood.org. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
- ^ Kim, Naeun (2015-11-10). "Soaking It Up With Menstrual Sea Sponges". Vice. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
- ^ "What Is a Douche? Usage, Safety, and More". Healthline. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
- ^ Benton, Emilia (2019-10-16). "These Are The Feminine Wipes Gynos Actually Recommend". Women's Health. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
- ^ "Is It Safe to Use Soap? And 12 Other FAQs About Vaginal Health". Healthline. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
- ^ a b Weiss-wolf, Jennifer. Periods gone public - taking a stand for menstrual equity. ISBN 9781628727975. OCLC 1023347453.
- ^ Lyons, Tony. 101 Tips for the Parents of Girls with Autism : the Most Crucial Things You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Doctors, Schools, Taxes, Vaccinations, Babysitters, Treatment, Food, Self-Care, and More. ISBN 9781629148427. OCLC 1054370720.
- ^ a b Farrell, Kate, et al. Period: Twelve Voices Tell the Bloody Truth. Feiwel and Friends, an Imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Stein, Elissa (2009). Flow : the cultural story of menstruation. St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 9780312379964. OCLC 946560416.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k ONEILL, THERESE. (2018). UNMENTIONABLE : the victorian lady's guide to sex, marriage, and manners. BACK BAY Books LITTLE BRN. ISBN 0316357901. OCLC 1003312707.