A Girlboss’s Guide To Sanitary Products (If you Hate Pads And Tampons)

Cramps that make it hard to focus, blood spewing onto your favorite pants, and cravings including everything from chocolate ice cream to spaghetti ⁠— periods can be the absolute worst. Worse still, many women spend tons of money every month buying tampons and pads which are bad for the environment and simply have somewhat of an “ick” factor. If you’re looking for some period alternatives, here are a couple of options that might work for you.

1. The DivaCup

The DivaCup is an insertable silicone cup that you can wear for up to 12 hours at a time. The cup is comfortable and easy to insert and you simply wash it with warm water and reuse it time and time again. At the end of your period, it’s recommended that you boil the cup to fully clean it before storage. This brand has glowing reviews for its leak-free protection and if you buy one for around $25, it can last for up to ten years. This option is great if you care about the environment and want a longer-lasting alternative to tampons while also saving money on your monthly bills.

2. Dear Kate Go Commando Yoga Capri Pant

People always say working out on your period can help with cramps and moodiness, but they neglect to acknowledge one of the worst period conundrums: wearing ugly, grandma-style period underwear in leggings (while trying not to look like a toddler in a diaper). The solution? Dear Kate Go Commando Yoga Capri pants have a lined crotch which holds up to 1.5 tampons worth of blood. Grab your pair and get to yoga class to crush those period cramps.

3. Cora Organic Cotton Non-Applicator Tampons

The next suggestion might be cheating slightly as it is actually a form of tampon. However, the Cora tampons don’t have plastic applicators which makes them far more environmentally friendly. The cotton, biodegradable, compostable, and vegan product is good in and of itself, but the company goes one step farther to save the world. For each box purchased, they donate one month’s worth of menstrual products and education to girls in developing countries.

4. GladRads Day Pad

GladRads Day Pads are cotton pads that clip around onto your underwear and absorb your period via a removable insert. The insert can be switched out as you need and thrown into a washing machine, making the entire two-part system incredibly eco-friendly. This pad alternative can be bought for $15 and lasts up to five years, a big difference from shelling out each month for seemingly endless amounts of pads.

5. Reuseable Sea Sponges

For a slightly more obscure option, consider investing in reusable sea sponges. Sea Pearls are found in the ocean and can be inserted to absorb your flow. The naturally occurring sponge is free of chemicals, chlorine, fragrances, and synthetic materials and can be easily trimmed to your desired size. While this may feel like a completely bizarre option, consider buying one and giving it a go for the six months that it lasts. Get in touch with mother nature as mother nature calls on you!

6. Thinx Thong

Thinx is a beloved period brand for their Thinx Period-proof panties. This option is the only one that allows you to free bleed into what feels like normal attire thanks to some innovative fabric technology. Be warned, however, that these panties are meant for light flow days or people who have generally very light periods. They have different styles for different days depending on your comfort level (or bravery), and you can also use a backup option if that’s more comfortable for you and your lifestyle.