I was wondering if there are any female hygiene products besides pads and "insertables" (tampons, cups etc.). I can't use anything that "goes in" (due to trauma) and pads also literally "rub me the wrong way" which triggers sometimes.

I switched pad brands which helped with some other issues I was having, but not the "THERE'S SOMETHING IN MY PANTS!!" issue.

I can't find anything on the internet, but maybe one of you knows something.

[Albatross2008]

The only options I know of are either pads, tampons, or cups. In the olden days, women literally used rags rather than disposable pads. That's why the phrase "on the rag." But then (as I once heard from my great-grandmother) the flow is not steady, but is more active at some times than others. Back then, she said, a woman who is having that time of the month took note of when it was coming out, and spent an awful lot of time in the outhouse. That actually was the main way of dealing with it, and the rags were just precaution.

What about the pads is irritating? Do you mean that they chafe, in which case powdering your inner thighs might help? Or is it that you just can't stand the feeling of having something touching you? Given that you've had a trauma, that would be understandable. If changing brands has helped some, it could be the shape of the pad. Some of them curve, which would fit a woman's body more closely and not feel as conspicuous.

[Albatross2008]

PS: I may have found something for you. I didn't know they made these--I'm at the stage where I'm just about done having periods. So these are special underwear designed to wear at that time, and some of them may not require you to wear anything with them.

https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-period-panties

[Angelique67]

Have you ever discussed with a doctor a birth control pills that would do away with your periods altogether?

Originally Posted by Arbie

The only options I know of are either pads, tampons, or cups. In the olden days, women literally used rags rather than disposable pads. That's why the phrase "on the rag." But then (as I once heard from my great-grandmother) the flow is not steady, but is more active at some times than others. Back then, she said, a woman who is having that time of the month took note of when it was coming out, and spent an awful lot of time in the outhouse. That actually was the main way of dealing with it, and the rags were just precaution.

What about the pads is irritating? Do you mean that they chafe, in which case powdering your inner thighs might help? Or is it that you just can't stand the feeling of having something touching you? Given that you've had a trauma, that would be understandable. If changing brands has helped some, it could be the shape of the pad. Some of them curve, which would fit a woman's body more closely and not feel as conspicuous.

Originally the problem was both a sort of sour feeling "down there" and the not being able to stand having something in my pants. Since switching brands the sour feeling went away and now it's just the thing in my pants that bothers me.

Originally Posted by Arbie

PS: I may have found something for you. I didn't know they made these--I'm at the stage where I'm just about done having periods. So these are special underwear designed to wear at that time, and some of them may not require you to wear anything with them.

https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-period-panties

I'd heard of them, but thought they were only to prevent overflow. Seems not to be the case. I'll look into it, thank you!

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Have you ever discussed with a doctor a birth control pills that would do away with your periods altogether?

Medication isn't possible right now anyway due to a bad reaction to previous medicine (am now having agrunalocytosis and just about any medication has at least a small chance of causing, excarbating it or preventing it from getting better, so I can't take that at all - can't even take meds for my stomach) and I'm not thrilled with the idea of birth control pills anyway.. might have to do some research, but I hear they can cause or excarbate issues and I have enough issues already.

I'll look into it, thanks.

Just remembered - I do need pads, because when I'm on my period, I'm 'leaky' Unless I've visited the bathroom in the previous ten minutes, most movements I make result in a bit of urine coming out. Don't think period panties can handle that.

[healingme4me]

I agree about the pills that can stop periods. And I'd recommend Kegel exercises to improve muscle control that can help with leaking.
I remember watching the videos and checking out the website regarding the period panties. Was a quick article that came out earlier this year regarding women entreprenuers. I'm personally not keen because what happens when I need to completely change out of my panties in the middle of the day at work? Had also seen a review when the white jeans test was tried.

[Angelique67]

Hi, I think this could work, Depends (or any other brand) adult pull ups. It's not as much like having something in your pants as a separate pad would be. The only drawback might be the cost. They're not as easy to change as a pad, and I don't know if they have odor control, but I would think so.

[guilloche]

If you haven't seen them yet, take a look at reusable, cloth pads.

Yes, it sounds weird. But they are SO much more comfortable than the pads you buy in the store. The pads that you buy and throw away are very plastic-like, and don't breathe. I find them irritating too (though I often use them for convenience).

The cloth pads are super soft, and they breathe. Very comfortable. It sounds disgusting, but you wash them out when you're done and re-use.

There are a few brands out there, but I bought some on Etsy to try out. I use them in 2 situations:

1. If I'm wearing a cup (not as much lately). The cups occasionally has some small leakage, not enough that I want to deal with a plastic pad, but a cloth pad is perfect as a backup.

2. If my period is late, I wear them to bed when I'm waiting. I'm getting near middle-age, so sometimes my period gets a bit wonky and off-schedule (once it was 2 weeks late - I had given up at that point!) I don't want to wear pads for a week before my period even starts, yuck. Cloth pads are much more comfortable, but still give me some protection in case my period starts in the middle of the night.

Though honestly, looking at some of the videos now, I might give them a go for normal use too. I need to do some more research

Anyway, I learned about them when researching cups. A good source of info is the "Precious Stars" YouTube Channel, run by a very knowledgeable young woman in Britain. Here's a video of her answering questions about cloth pads:

Here's a FAQ about them... I haven't read through the whole thing, I found it via google:
https://menstrualcupreviews.net/reus...oth-pads-faqs/

Good luck. I hope you can find something that works and is comfortable for you!

Thank you for your suggestions! I'll look into them!