Sanitary pads, cloth pads, tampons, menstrual cups, pantyliners, and period panties are the most common sanitary products women generally use during their periods. Unlike a couple of years ago when these products were dealt with backdoors mired by societal shame and taboo around it, females nowadays have several alternatives to pick according to their comfort zone without feeling the condescending shameful gaze on them. A survey of a few females about what product they prefer on their period and why, they gave some of their opinions regarding sanitary products conducted by the Nepal News team yielded the following results:
About 80% of females in Nepal are still using sanitary pads. As they have been using it for decades, they feel it is more handy and convenient than other products. Asking if they want to give a try to tampons and menstrual cups, the response yielded a surprisingly positive result; 70% want to give a menstrual cup a try or switch to it, whereas 30% do not want to try both because they are scared of using it.
And the ones already using menstrual cups find it convenient economically with the added benefit of it being an environmentally conscious product. As per the problems they faced; they complained of leakages for the first few times. But other than that, they found it comfortable and clean. And few of them are planning on switching to cups.
While 10% of them used to wear sanitary pads and cloth pads, but then switched to menstrual cups and cloth pads. Females who are working in rural areas through local NGOs, due to the unsuitable toilets and water systems, face problems using the cups.
As for tampons, which is something new for females living in Nepal, a lack of proper information, most of the females are not planning on giving it a try, as they are scared and feel uncomfortable just by looking at it.
PeeSafe Nepal, an international brand focused on both health and beauty, sells innovative women-centric hygiene products that are natural and ayurvedic. According to them, sanitary pads are the most preferred menstrual products since it’s easily accessible and easy to use.
Anyone looking to give menstrual cups a try, PeeSafe Nepal highly recommends them to give it a go; as they describe it as a life changer. “The learning curve to use it might be a little difficult for few in the beginning, however, the benefits are worth it. A menstrual cup is affordable, holds more blood, and can be worn with an IUD (intrauterine device)”, they said.
Elaborating more on menstrual hygiene, they said, “One shouldn’t have to use any extra products to take care of menstrual hygiene. However, they recommend changing the sanitary products after 4 to 6 hours of being used, as it reduces the chances of infection. While storing those products in a clean area and disposing them properly is also equally important.
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