The right period product for you may change depending on your age, the activities you’re doing, or what’s comfortable for your body. You may use different products on different days of your period, or stick to one kind the whole time. Just like ice cream toppings, everyone has their own preference (chocolate syrup, sprinkles, two cherries for us, btw).

To help you figure out what’s best for *you*, we’ve listed the most common products, and why they’re most commonly used. (Psst, you can also get more info on period products by watching this video with our friend, Arielle.)

Pad

An absorbent strip of plastic or cloth that sticks to your underwear and absorbs fluid. A pad doesn’t have to be inserted and is available in different absorbency levels. 

Pantyliner

Also an absorbent strip of plastic or cloth that sticks to your underwear and absorbs fluid. The difference between a panty liner and pad is that panty liners are thinner, made for lighter days of your period.

What's the best Thinx Teens style for me

Tampon

Tube-shaped blend of cloth and other materials that’s inserted into your vagina to absorb fluid. Most teens begin using tampons so they can swim while on their period. 

Menstrual cup

Silicone cup that’s inserted into your vagina to catch fluid. Some prefer cups because they can be washed and reused. 

Thinx Teens

Reusable underwear designed to absorb menstrual flow. Teens like that Thinx Teens look and feel like everyday underwear but are specially designed to help prevent leaks and stains.