What Are Feminine Hygiene Products? Everything You Need to Know

Feminine hygiene products broadly fall into two categories: disposable and reusable. Within each, there are several options to suit different bodies, flow levels, and preferences.

1. Sanitary Pads

Pads, or sometimes called sanitary napkins or sanitary towels, are the most widely used menstrual product in New Zealand and globally. They attach to the inside of your underwear and absorb menstrual flow externally. Pads come in a range of sizes and absorbency levels, from slim panty liners for light days to overnight pads for heavier flow.

They’re a popular choice for younger people starting their periods, as well as anyone who prefers external protection. Pads should be changed every 3–6 hours and disposed of in a dedicated sanitary bin and never flushed down the toilet.

2. Tampons

Tampons are inserted internally to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body. They’re compact, discreet, and a popular option for sport, swimming, and active days. Like pads, tampons come in varying absorbency levels, including light, regular, super, and super plus.

Tampons should be changed every 4–8 hours and must never be left in for longer than 8 hours, due to the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Used tampons and applicators should be wrapped and placed in a sanitary disposal bin, not flushed.

3. Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups that are usually made from medical-grade silicone. They’re inserted internally to collect rather than absorb menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted.

Cups are a sustainable, cost-effective option that produce no waste and can last for years with proper care. They have a learning curve when it comes to insertion and removal, but many people find them one of the most comfortable options once they get the hang of it.

4. Period Underwear

Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear but features built-in absorbent layers to manage menstrual flow. Depending on the style and absorbency, a single pair can replace one or more pads or tampons.

They’re reusable, comfortable, and eco-friendly. Period underwear is a great standalone option for lighter days or a reliable backup layer on heavier ones. After use, simply rinse in cold water and machine wash.

5. Panty Liners

Panty liners are thin, lightweight pads designed for light discharge, spotting, or as backup protection when using other products. They’re a handy addition to any period kit for the days just before or after your period when flow is minimal.

6. Intimate Wipes

Feminine hygiene wipes are designed for gentle external cleansing when access to a shower or sink isn’t possible. When choosing wipes, always opt for fragrance-free, pH-balanced formulas to avoid irritation. Used wipes should be disposed of in a bin and not flushed as they are a leading cause of sewer blockages.

There’s no single ‘best’ feminine hygiene product – the right choice depends on your body, your lifestyle, and your flow. Here are a few things to consider:

• Flow level: Choose absorbency that matches your flow. Using a product that’s too absorbent for your flow can cause dryness and discomfort; too low and you risk leaks.
• Activity: For swimming or sport, tampons or menstrual cups are generally the most practical choice.
• Sustainability: If reducing waste is a priority, reusable options like menstrual cups, period underwear, and reusable cloth pads are worth exploring.
• Comfort and sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options.
• Convenience: Disposable products are easy to use on the go; reusables require washing facilities but save on ongoing cost.

Many people use a combination of products. For example, a menstrual cup during the day with period underwear as backup, or tampons for active days and pads overnight. Experimenting to find what works best for you is completely normal.

Understanding what feminine hygiene products are is only half the picture. Knowing how to dispose of them properly is just as important for your own hygiene, for the environment, and for the plumbing systems we all share.

The golden rule: disposable menstrual products should never be flushed down the toilet. Pads, tampons, applicators, liners, and wipes are not designed to break down in water. Flushing them causes blocked pipes, damage to wastewater systems, and significant environmental harm to New Zealand’s waterways.

The right place for used disposable products is a dedicated sanitary bin located inside the washroom cubicle. Purpose-built sanitary disposal units – like SaniPod’s Pod™ Classic Auto – are designed specifically for this purpose. They offer touch-free disposal, odour control, and discreet, hygienic containment of menstrual waste, all within the privacy of the cubicle.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a pad, the freedom of a tampon, or the sustainability of a menstrual cup, the right product is the one that works for your body and your life. And wherever you are when your period arrives – at work, at school, or out and about in New Zealand – you deserve access to clean, hygienic facilities to manage it properly.

If you manage a facility and want to ensure your washrooms are equipped for the people who use them, explore SaniPod™ New Zealand’s full range of sanitary disposal solutions today.