Women today are debating about menstrual products. Considering one's comfort, ease of use, accessibility and affordability, many of us especially urban women have numerous questions on what to choose? 

SANITARY PADS, a very affordable and comfortable option for one as we grew up talking and seeing our mothers or elders use these for all one's life. We don't have to give a thought to using pads as these were the only option considering the old clothes women used back in time. Pads are very much convenient and easy to use as many of us have been familiar with how to use a pad for decades. These are also accessible as they are available at every drug store. But they do come with downsides, many women are finding them bulky and uncomfortable to wear as it might be possible to see the lines of pads through the fabric also possible rashes. Active women find it uncomfortable to move around in pads also it's impossible for one to get into the water. So, you'll have to find an alternate like tampons or cups?

TAMPONS, unlike a pad this is placed inside the vaginal canal to absorb the blood. They are convenient without having to worry about those embarrassing leaks.NO SMELL, these don't get smelly as pads do. Very much comfortable for super active women as they don't have to worry about swimming, squatting or running unlike with pads. Also can wear any type of undies and can be easily discarded. Beginners find it difficult to insert and fear any infections. You also can't tell when it's soaked just by looking so it might need observation and practise. At times, they can be easy to forget about but leaving a tampon in is too dangerous which can lead to TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Tampons are expensive and not much accessible as you can find them only in few drug stores or an online buy is a must.

MENSTRUAL CUPS, the cup is made of silicone or latex rubber which is inserted into the vaginal canal but unlike pad or tampon, this collects blood instead of absorbing it. These are becoming a popular choice for women as they are eco-friendly (Use-Wash-Repeat) and budget-friendly as one purchase can go for a long time. Cups can last for 10-12 hours unlike pads and tampons, you don't have to change or constantly think of leaking. There is no unpleasant odour like pads but they can be smelly after use until washed properly. Insertion takes time and is much harder than a tampoon, a cup should pop open inside the vaginal canal and can take numerous attempts to get it right for beginners. So most women find it difficult to use eventually preferring pads or tampons. Also not recommended for people with hemophobia as it can get messy. 

For ages, people are not willing to discuss topics related to mensuration, sex education openly. We should normalise talking about periods, sex etc especially to teenagers as its important for them to learn it in good ways rather than in unhealthy ways like porn which can manipulate them into doing things like assault etc. Tampons and Menstrual cups have become a new taboo as people are questioning whether one will lose their virginity after the use which is ridiculous. Virginity is not a scientific concept rather a societal construct. “Society is not above personal comfort”.