During your period, you typically release about two tablespoons of fluid; that’s not a whole lot. Check your kitchen for a tablespoon and see for yourself. With the fluid that does come out, girls and women have a variety of choices to absorb the fluid so it doesn’t get on their clothes.

There are two basic choices, and a few others that are less commonly used. The most common are sanitary pads or tampons, both available in drugstores and supermarkets. Other methods include a menstrual cup (called Instead, the Diva Cup or Keeper, or a sea sponge—not the kind that you wipe the counter with). They’re sold under a variety of names and some say they are more environmentally friendly.

• Pads come in a lot of different shapes and sizes—maxi pads for heavy days, thin pads for light ones, pads for overnight and pads that are longer. They have sticky stuff (adhesive) on one side so they stick to your underwear. The other side is an absorbent material, sometimes covered by a thin mesh to help keep your skin dry.
• Tampons also come in various sizes—like regular or super—and are designed for different flows. They’re inserted into the vagina and can be a good choice if you’re going swimming, have a longer period of time where you can’t use a bathroom, or just don’t want to wear a pad.
• Tampons must be changed every four to six hours to prevent the possibility of an illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Wearing tampons (especially wearing the super absorbent kind when your flow is normal) for a long time can trap bacteria inside your vagina and can cause TSS. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, headache, dizziness, sore throat and a rash or peeling skin on your hands and feet. It is rare and can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough.
• The Instead menstrual cups have a ring at the top and a small pouch attached to it. They are inserted deep into the vagina and cover the cervix (the bottom end of the uterus). Blood collects in the cup and when it needs to be changed, it’s removed and replaced with a new one.
• The Diva Cup and The Keeper are soft flexible cups that are inserted in the vagina and sit in the lower vagina. They collect menstrual fluid and can be worn up to 12 hours. After 12 hours, or when the cup is full, it’s removed, washed and re-inserted. There’s no waste and no need to worry about replacing them since they can be re-used and can last up to 10 years.
• Menstrual sponges are made of natural sea sponge and are also inserted deep into the vagina, covering the cervix. Because they’re sponges, they’re very absorbent and can be changed less often than a tampon or pad. They can even be rinsed out and re-inserted. These are much less commonly used than other methods and may take a little practice, just like any other method that’s new to someone.

It’s a good idea to avoid scented menstrual products because they can irritate the vagina and just aren’t necessary. It’s also good to avoid douching, vaginal powders and sprays (both during your period and afterward) because they can also irritate the vagina. While some girls may have been taught to use them to help feel “cleaner,” douching, vaginal powders and sprays can do more harm than good. A period and natural vaginal fluids are perfect vaginal cleansers!