Using Your Period Products

What are periods?

Over half of the world’s population experience periods and they are a natural part of life for many. It is equally important for those who experience periods and those who do not to understand the impacts that periods can have, financially, emotionally, physically and otherwise.

Periods take place for on average 5-7 days during the menstrual cycle which can vary in length but is on average 28 days. You can find out more about the menstrual cycle and what to expect on the NHS website. It is important to note however that although there are averages, slight variations are often nothing to be concerned about. If your period suddenly changes or stops however, please seek support from your GP as soon as possible.

Your Student’s Union is here to provide free period products for those experiencing period poverty. There are a range of products available and it is up to you as an individual to find the ones that work best for you. Please find the options available below as well as information on how to use them safely.

Choosing the right tampon:

Some periods are heavier than others. The tampons that Your Students’ Union are providing, from Grace & Green, have two absorbency levels – Regular (for light to medium flows) and super (medium to heavy flow).

Regular: Light to Medium flow 6-9g

Super: Medium to Heavy flow 9-12g

The other tampons that Your Students’ Union are offering are lil-lets compact applicator tampons. They come with a plastic applicator and are super – this means they are suitable for medium to heavy periods.

Super: Medium to Heavy flow 9-12g

Applicator or non-applicator?

Tampons are available in applicator and non-applicator versions. Applicator tampons come with a cardboard or plastic applicator designed to make insertion easier.

If you struggle with insertion of tampons, applicator tampons may be a better option for you.

Choosing the right Sanitary Towel:

Grace & Green offers sanitary towels in different absorbencies and materials. Read the descriptions of each below to find out which ones are best for you.

  • Organic Cotton Day Pads with wings
  • Organic Bamboo Day Pads with wings
  • Organic Cotton Night Pads with ultra-thin wings
  • Organic Bamboo Night pads with ultra-wings
  • Organic Cotton Pantyliners

Day pads are generally used during the daytime as they are intended to be changed more frequently (every 4-6 hours) as they have a lower absorbency rate.

Night pads have a higher absorbency and are designed to be used overnight and changed less frequently. They also have “leak-locking technology” to prevent leakage overnight.

Pantyliners are designed for use on days where your period flow is lightest, usually towards the end of your period.

How To Insert an Applicator Tampon:

  1. Make sure that you have washed your hands and that your hands are clean.
  2. If you already have a tampon in, make sure that you have removed it by pulling it out using the string. Put the used tampon in a sanitary disposal bin or a different bin if one of those isn’t available.
  3. Unwrap your tampon from the packaging. The tampon will have an applicator with a larger outer tube (the grip to hold on to whilst inserting it) and the inner tube (the plunger) where you will see the string hanging out of the bottom. This is what you will use to push the tampon out to insert it.
  4. Find a comfortable position that allows you to insert the tampon – this may be sitting on a toilet, standing, propping one foot on a ledge, or laying down – whichever works for you. You need to be able to relax your muscles because, if you are tensing, it will be more difficult to insert the tampon.
  5. Set the tip of the tampon at the genital opening, holding the small part just above the plunger (for grips).
  6. Finding the right angle that is comfortable for you might take practice, so at first aim the tampon towards your lower back at an angle.
  7. Insert the tampon slowly until you have inserted it up until your fingers on the grip are touching your skin around the external opening.
  8. Use the plunger. Slowly push the plunger down all the way which will insert the tampon.
  9. Once you have inserted the tampon, remove the applicator (all of the cardboard or plastic) out. The string should be left hanging out – you can tuck this inside your underwear.

How To Insert a Non-Applicator tampon:

  1. Make sure that you have washed your hands and that your hands are clean.
  2. If you already have a tampon in, make sure that you have removed it by pulling it out using the string. Put the used tampon in a sanitary disposal bin or a different bin if one of those isn’t available.
  3. Unwrap your tampon from the packaging. It should have string hanging out of the bottom. You may have to pull the string from the tampon when you open it to ensure it is hanging down.
  4. Find a comfortable position that allows you to insert the tampon – this may be sitting on a toilet, standing, propping one foot on a ledge, or laying down – whichever works for you. You need to be able to relax your muscles because, if you are tensing, it will be more difficult to insert the tampon.
  5. Use your thumb and index finger on your other hand to open the genital area.
  6. Hold the base of the tampon and set the tip of the tampon at the genital opening. Finding the right angle that is comfortable for you might take practice, so at first aim the tampon towards your lower back at an angle.
  7. Use your fingers to insert the tampon slowly. Make sure that the string is hanging out whilst you do this.
  8. Use your middle finger to push the tampon in as far as it comfortably goes, placing your middle finger at the centre of the base. Stop pushing once you reach the base of your finger and make sure that the string is still hanging out (you can tuck this in your underwear).
  9. Remove your finger and wash your hands afterwards. Make sure that you dispose of the packaging in the recycling bin.

Tips

If the tampon feels uncomfortable, or that you are feeling like it isn’t in properly, it could be that you haven’t inserted it far enough or that it is inserted at the wrong angle. Try to readjust the tampon while it is inserted, but if it is still uncomfortable then you may wish to remove it.

If you are having difficulty inserting a tampon or find that it is always painful, you may wish to visit your GP for advice.

Things to be aware of with tampons:

Toxic Shock Syndrome – a rare but life-threatening condition which can be caused by leaving in a tampon too long or by using super-absorbent tampons. To minimise the chances of toxic shock syndrome:

  • Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency necessary for your period.
  • Change your tampon regularly (every 4 to 8 hours as directed by the packaging).
  • If you are using a tampon overnight, insert it right before going to bed and remove it first thing in the morning.
  • Never put in more than one tampon at a time.
  • Try to alternate between tampons and sanitary towels and not use tampons constantly during your period.

Symptoms:

  • High temperature
  • Flu-like symptoms (headache, feeling cold, feeling tired or exhausted, sore throat, cough, an aching body).
  • Feeling and being sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • A widespread rash, like sunburn
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a medical emergency. If you believe you may have toxic shock syndrome please call 111, visit your GP or a local out of hours service. If your symptoms are severe or rapidly getting worse, visit A&E or call 999.

How To Use a Sanitary Towel/ Pantyliners:

  1. Make sure that you have washed your hands and that your hands are clean.
  2. Open the packet of the sanitary towel by tearing it open.
  3. Remove the sanitary towel from the packet.
  4. If you already have a sanitary towel in your underwear that has been used, you can remove this and place it into the packet of the sanitary towel you have just opened.
  5. Place the sanitary towel in the centre of the underwear.
  6. Tear off the piece of paper which is placed on the wings.
  7. Fold each wing and stick it to the outer side of the underwear.
  8. Place all of the packaging in a sanitary bin or another bin if one of these isn’t available.

Other Support

  • Your GP – If you are experiencing any issues with your period or any significant changes to your period, the first thing to do is contact your GP. If you’re not registered to a GP, you can find your local one and how to register here.
  • If you are experiencing painful, really heavy, or irregular periods, we would recommend that you contact your GP as soon as possible as it may be indicative of an issue or medical condition.
  • Really heavy periods, alongside other symptoms, may be an indication of endometriosis which is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is estimated to affect around 190 million women and girls. You can get support from Endometriosis UK through their support groups, helpline, webchat and online community. “It’s okay to talk, period”.
  • You can go in to many Morrisons stores across the country and ask for a “Package for Sandy”. You will be provided with a discreet envelope with period products inside.

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