Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Let's talk about the reality of being a female athlete: periods!

The female menstrual cycle is such a TABOO thing to discuss that simply mentioning it can cause people to run as fast as they can in the other direction. If only we could go running when our period shows up at the most inconvenient times or we are dealing with the symptoms. But no, we must be prepared ahead of time for Aunt Flo's monthly visit. As athletes, our menstrual cycles can have profound effects on our ability to perform through fatigue, migraines, cramps, leaks, and more. We are still required to show up and perform to the best of our ability. 

How do we set ourselves up for success when that time of the month rolls around?

We prepare! We track our periods so we can gauge when the next one will come. We learn to recognize the changes and warning signs as they occur. We keep everything we might need on hand so when a headache creeps in, cramps lock up our stomachs, or bleeding begins, we are just as prepared as we are on the field for a big game! 

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Today, we are going to look at the pros and cons of different period products to help you decide what will work best for you, your lifestyle, and your athleticism. In two weeks, we will tackle menstrual pain management and hear from athletes about how they manage their periods. 

1. Menstrual Cups

While menstrual cups have been around since the 1930's, they have only recently been highlighted in period talk. Why? Because women are becoming more comfortable with talking about the normal functions of their bodies. Menstrual cups have a ton of benefits. 

Pros: To start, cups provide a lot of security and leak-free protection, which is great for those long travel and competition days. You can wear them for up to 12 hours. They do not cause chafing, itching, dryness, or irritation because they are made from medical-grade silicone. They are also swim-friendly. Remember that scary topic from health class: Toxic Shock Syndrome? Yea, well cups have a reduced risk of TSS since they don't absorb blood. Finally, cups are eco-friendly and reusable (can we say yes to saving money and the planet?)!

Cons: To find the one that fits best for you and your lifestyle can take some research, as not everyone's body is the same, so not every brand's cup will work for you. It takes a bit of time and practice to get it to fit just right. Don't feel discouraged if your cup leaks the first few times you try. It gets easier with practice! Finally, they can be a bit messy to remove. 

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2. Tampons

One of the most common products around is the tampon. Although it is very common in sports, it does not mean that it is the right one for you. What are the benefits of the tampon? 

Pros: They are easy to carry around and have on hand. It also means that if you forget yours, a teammate may have an extra on hand. They come in a myriad of different sizes and brands to choose from (they even have sports specific ones. We are looking at you Playtex Sport). They can be worn for 4-8 hours, which could be long enough to last through a practice, game, or long bus ride. For the swimmers out there, they are swim-friendly. 

Cons: Leaking or fear of leaking is something we all worry about with tampons. Tampons can cause chafing and dryness as well. For a student-athlete on a budget, the cost to keep them in stock can be problematic. Finally, a point that may not be a con for everyone, they are disposable. 

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3. Pads

Another very common period choice, pads present themselves with pros and cons just like every other product on the list.

Pros: To start, they have the smallest risk of TSS. The size and absorbency options are abundant, so you can match the different stages of your period. You can always carry a small stock on you for moments when Aunt Flo decides to show up unannounced. They are least likely to leak when they are changed frequently. 

Cons: Pads have the shortest wear time of any other product (3-4 hours). For athletes, the ability to move around is important, and unfortunately, pads are not great at staying put when you move. They are not swim-friendly either. They can cause chafing and irritation which nobody wants to deal with. 

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4. Period Panties

The newest product on the market is the period panty. Yes, you heard me! Panties for your period! 

Pros: Period panties are one of the most eco-friendly options on our list because they can be washed and worn again. While they may not be best for heavier flows or long-time wears, they are great for backup leak protection! 

Cons: The period panty has the shortest wear time (3-6 hours) and a high investment cost. For the busy student-athlete, it adds to the pile of laundry you already need to do. Not to mention, they will become extra stinky if left in the hamper all week. While this option is not for everyone, it is an option you can keep in your back pocket for extra protection on those days where you just aren't sure when your Aunt Flo is going to show up. 

Just like anything health-related, what is right for you is not right for everyone. It is important to consider your lifestyle, needs, and wants, not to mention the demands of your sport, when it comes to your menstrual health.

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on February 2, 2022, by Rebecca Lutz