User:Jasminrw/Feminine hygiene

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Lead

Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products used for menstruation, may also be called menstrual hygiene products. Products used may include sanitary napkins (American English) or sanitary towels (British English), tampons, pantyliners, menstrual cups, and period panties. Feminine hygiene products also include products meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soap.

Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads, period panties, and sponges are reusable products.[1]

Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria.[2] Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity.[3]

Changes may be made above in bold to reflect the changes made within the rest of the article.

Types:
Menstrual Hygiene Products

Disposable:


 * Pantyliner: Sticks to the inside of underwear to absorb blood and uterine lining during menstruation, sometimes worn with a tampon or for light discharge.
 * Sanitary napkin (Pad): Can be worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. Available in many different absorbencies and lengths, with or without wings.
 * Tampon: Worn inside the body by inserting into the vagina to absorb menstruation, can also be worn while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbencies.

Reusable:

Cleansing products
 * Menstrual cup: Worn inside of the body by folding into various shapes to catch blood/uterine lining.
 * Cloth menstrual pad: Snaps around base of underwear.
 * Period panties: Absorbant underwear available in many different varieties.
 * Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.
 * Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.
 * Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.
 * Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.
 * Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.

Hair Removal


 * Waxing
 * Shaving
 * Depilatories

Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome: A rare illness that may occur when tampons are worn for long periods of time, although not directly linked to tampon use but caused from poison linked to Staph bacteria.

Irritation: Fragrances, Neomycin (adhesive on pads), Tea tree oil, Benzocaine, and Inflammation can be a risk associated with some products.

Yeast Infection: A cottage-cheese like fungus.

Society and Culture:
Costs and tax:

Access to products in prisons:

Autism and periods: Using pads before menstruation begins may help reduce sensory issues associated with menstrual hygiene products. Prior education and practice may help familiarize an individual with body changes and the process of using products associated with menstruation.

Trans and non-binary: Menstruation is a bodily function that may effect people not on a feminine nor masculine spectrum.

Wheelchair bound menstrual hygiene: Menstruation may occur despite paralyzation, product use depends on the individuals personal preference.

Tampons and virginity: A unique individual based determination.

History:
Historical types of menstrual hygiene products:


 * Cup
 * Pad
 * Panty
 * Sponges
 * Nothing
 * Sheeps wool
 * Underwear
 * Raw cotton
 * Sanitary belt & napkin holder
 * Crocheted sanitary napkins
 * Clouts
 * No belt
 * Baby diapers


 * Plants

Notes/Ideas for additions:
Define history information.

Add why some women may use some products despite risks or doctors advising against.

Allow language to remain neutral when referencing those who do not identify as a woman, that also have a vagina and menstruate.