The Inspired Women Podcast

Items you can use during your cycle

Tampons-Be sure to use non-bleached, un-scented cotton, even better if you can get organic so it hasn’t been sprayed. Make sure to change roughly every 6 hours to protect against TSS, and use different sizes for how heavy your bleed is.

Pads- Again un-scented is the best. There is a large variety on sizes, wings, no wings. Up to you and what you need. Change every 6 hours depending on your cycle, so you don’t get a rash.

Menstrual Cups: I believe I mentioned Pixie Cup, Diva Cup, Luna Cup, there are so many varieties out there. Some are made of stiffer silicone than others, so it’s up to you to find out what you like best. Some come in packs or have measurements on the side so you can keep track of how much you are bleeding.

Period underwear: Thinx and Padkix are the two big players in the game at the moment. Thinx feels like sultry underwear, padkix are thicker and can hold more, but feel more like a swim suit, but are great for a super heavy night or day. Both with period underwear and resuable pads wash with cold water, and then put in the washing machine. Do not use fabric softener on period underwear or resuable pads, it will make them less absorbent.

Resuable pads: Made from similar material as padkix, these are like pads, but washable, so you can use your own underwear. Both with period underwear and resuable pads wash with cold water, and then put in the washing machine. Do not use fabric softener on period underwear or resuable pads, it will make them less absorbant.

*I didn’t mention sponges, or Flex, which is an item you can wear to have sex on your period with less mess. Both can be great items as well. I don’t have any experience with either, and most people like being able to feel the end of the item whether tampon, or cup that they can grab easily. You can’t lose anything in your uterus, think of it like a big balloon, so nothing will disappear (although hey, your IUD could imbed in your walls, but your tampon or sponge won’t disappear if that makes sense.  You may know this, but many people actually don’t.

Lube: It is vital to use lube to make sex and life easier. There are a variety of lubes you can use. I recommend water based lube. You can be dry due to a variety of reasons medicine, alcohol, stress, life, food. Shibari is a great brand that is affordable, and on amazon. Water based lube can come in more gel like form, or more liquid. Try out a few, see what you love, there is something for everyone. **People talk about warming lube, but be careful if you have a sensitive vulva or vagina, as this can cause uncomfortable burning sensations as well, try out a little before using anything flavored, or ‘special’. Silicone lube is great for shower sex, but it’s harder to clean up, and you don’t want to use silicone lube if you are using silicone toys. Which is why I recommend water based, because then you don’t have to think about it regardless of your activity.