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The cost of menstrual products might be low. What is one more 25-cent item?

But according to market research, feminine hygiene products represent a $23 billion global industry, with the expectation to grow — a figure that hardly qualifies as throwaway income.

Additionally, the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan released data indicating that people with a uterus are 75 percent more likely to use digital tools for healthcare than those without. Not only that, but working-age females spend 29% more per capita on healthcare compared to men.

The business of fertility and menstruation is big. The market is responding by developing products that are convenient.

Are you ready to think outside the box? There are eight innovations created to deal with periods in new ways.

We considered a number of factors to find the best next-gen menstruation products.

  • Budget: There’s a wide range in pricing in these next-gen menstruation products. We’ve included something for most budgets.
  • Product type: Whether you’re looking for a high-tech health monitor or environmentally friendly period products, we’ve covered the bases, allowing you to choose an option that suits your needs.
  • Reviews: Companies always stand behind their products, so it’s important to see how real users feel. We’ve read countless reviews and found the products that people love.
  • Reputation: We chose brands that prioritize high-quality materials and a commitment to customer service.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10-$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best menstrual pad

NannoPad by Nannocare

  • Who might love it: anyone that wants a pad with benefits
  • Price: $

This pad is made to multitask. In addition to handling heavy flows, NannoPad contains microsized “nanoparticles” that are said to help with circulation and ultimately lead to less discomfort — say goodbye, cramps! The trademarked Nannogenic technology also claims to purify the pad to reduce odor and bacteria. What’s more, it’s made with 100% organic cotton and gets rave reviews for its breathability.

Pros

  • Period symptoms are improved.
  • It was made of USDA standard 100% organic cotton.
  • The layers are in a thin, absorbent pad.
  • FDA-certified manufacturer.

Cons

  • Users say that the package is hard to open.
  • Comes in a bag.
  • Technology is not available in feminine hygiene products.
Shop now at Nannocare

Best for pain relief

Livia

  • Who might love it: those who consider ibuprofen their best friend
  • Price: $$$

Pain-relieving pills go hand in hand with periods. This gadget by Livia is out to change all that. It’s said to work by sending pulses to your brain that trigger it to not sense discomfort. Just attach two stickers to your skin, roughly around the area you feel pain, and clip the connected pulser to your pants. You can adjust the pulse rhythm to increase or decrease in intensity, depending on how ick you’re feeling. You can find one here.

Pros

  • Pain is relieved within 30 seconds.
  • One charge should last all day.
  • It is easy to wear.

Cons

  • It is It is expensive. in comparison to pain-relieving drugs.
  • It may not work for everyone.
  • Few participants were involved in its research.
Shop now at Livia

Best for tampon users

Dame Tampon Applicator

  • Who might love it: anyone who hates waste
  • Price: $$

Dame is being called the first disposable tampon. If you are on the fence about reusability, consider this: It uses self-cleaning technology and medical-grade materials. Each applicator comes with a travel pouch, a storage tin, and six Dame-brand organic tampons.

This applicator has a rating of 4.7 stars on the website. The brand claims that it can be used up to 3000 times and fits all size pons.

It works the same as any other tampon applicator, which is to put the product in the tampon and then rinse or wipe it clean.

The company also sells period pants and pads. If you are unhappy with the product, they offer a 60-day return policy.

Pros

  • Self-sanitizing technology is used.
  • It is easy to use.
  • Plastic waste is reduced.

Cons

  • It costs more than disposables.
  • Cleaning is required after use.
  • “The product will require purchase of feminine hygiene products that don’t have the same features.”
Shop now at Dame

Best for health tracking

IvybyBellabeat

  • Who might love it: the ovulation-curious and fashion-conscious
  • Price: $$$

This accessory by Bellabeat is made specifically so people can get to know their inner self — stress levels, reproductive cycle, and all.

This pretty stone effect jewelry is worn as a bracelet and monitors a number of things. You can get various statistics, like when to ovulate and when to take your birth control pill, with the smart technology.

Pros

  • tracks multiple health metrics.
  • attractive design
  • Suggest tailored self-care improvements.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • There was no data display.
  • Customers found it to be very difficult to undone.
Shop now at Bellabeat

Best for the environment

GladRags

  • Who might love it: Earth-lovers everywhere
  • Price: $

Sign up for the GladRags club and get a new sanitary napkin delivered monthly. It’s a great way to build your collection, or you can choose from a huge range of pads and pantyliners from their online shop. You can also buy selection packs of assorted pads and menstrual cups.

GladRags are handmade in Portland, Oregon from cute, all-natural fabrics. And that’s just one of the perks. Because you can reuse them after washing, you’ll be saving money versus buying disposables. Plus, you’re not sending anything to the landfill. You can find a box here.

Pros

  • saves money.
  • The option is friendly.
  • There is a large range of pads.

Cons

  • Initial cost high.
  • Less convenient than disposables.
  • It is necessary to wash and dry.
Shop now at GladRags

Best for social impact

Cora

  • Who might love it: anyone that believes there has to be a better way to manage feminine hygiene
  • Price: $$

If you tend to gravitate toward brands with a philanthropic edge, then Cora is for you. Sure, every 3 months you’ll receive beautifully packaged boxes containing everything from tampons and pads to body cloths that you can use to refresh yourself. But the best part is that for every month you purchase, Cora donates a month’s worth of menstrual products to a person in need. You can start a free trial to gauge how it works for you.

Pros

  • People in need are helped by the donation of menstrual products.
  • There is a large range of products.
  • organic materials

Cons

  • Shipping costs can vary.
  • slightly more It is expensive. than other pads or tampons
Shop now at Cora

NannoPad by Nannocare Livia Dame Tampon Applicator Ivy by Bellabeat GladRags Cora
Price $ $$$ $$ $$$ $ $$
Why it’s different high-tech pads that reduce cramping wearable pain relief reusable applicator a fitness tracker that provides helpful insight like your ovulation window washable pads donates menstrual products
Highlights exclusive infra-red nanoparticles works all day on one charge saves plastic tracks multiple health metrics. subscription services organic materials
Type of product pads wearable pain-relief gadget tampons wearable health tracker pads range of menstrual products

There are a few things to consider when buying a menstrual product.

  • Flow: If you have a heavy flow, you’ll need a product that can absorb a lot of fluid, like a menstrual cup, pad, or tampon. Before purchasing, make sure that the product you choose is the best fit for your flow.
  • Activity level: Depending on how active you are during your period, pick an item that aligns with your day-to-day. For instance, if you don’t have frequent access to a space where you can wash something out after use, the Dame Tampon Applicator may not be the best option.
  • Budget: Menstrual cups and cloth pads can be more It is expensive. up front, but they can save you money in the long run. Tampons and disposable pads are more affordable, but you have to buy them each month. Make sure that whatever option you choose fits your budget, especially if you have to repeatedly buy supplies.
  • Environment: If you’re concerned about the impact of menstrual products on the environment, some options are certainly more environmentally friendly than others.
  • Physical ability: Some people find using tampons and cups difficult to insert, making pads a better choice.

It is best to see a doctor if you have any concerns about your period. There are some things that need to be seen by the doctor.

  • The periods last longer than 7 days.
  • It takes 3 hours for a pad or a tampon to absorb the heavy bleeding.
  • Between periods of bleeding.
  • During periods of pain.
  • Periods that are very irregular.
  • missed periods
  • Bleeding after menopause.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor. They can help you figure out what is going on and offer treatment options if necessary.

Are reusable menstrual products safe?

There is no evidence that menstrual products are less safe than traditional products.

You must wash and dry the pads to keep them free ofbacteria. Before and after the procedure, the Applicators should be washed.

Regardless of which period product you use, wash your hands before and after using or changing them.

Is the cost of menstrual products covered by insurance?

Yes. The menstrual products were reclassified as medical care spending. The changes mean that menstrual cups, pantyliners, and pads are eligible for flexible spending accounts.

Can you get menstrual products for free?

Yes. There are ways to get menstrual products for free. According to Free the Tampons, five states have passed legislation requiring schools to provide free menstrual products. The states are California, New York, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

There are organizations that provide free or low-cost menstrual products to those in need.

  • The Red Box Project: This organization places red boxes filled with free tampons and pads in schools and colleges across the United States.
  • Period: This organization provides free period products to people in need through a network of partner organizations.

There are many different types of menstrual products on the market today.

You can make the decision easier by considering your needs and experimenting with different products. This can help you find a solution to your menstrual challenges.

If you have any concerns about your period, you should see a doctor. They can help you figure out what is happening and offer treatment options if necessary.

Kelly Aiglon is a lifestyle journalist and brand strategist with a special focus on health, beauty, and wellness. When she’s not crafting a story, she can usually be found at the dance studio teaching Les Mills BODYJAM or SH’BAM. She and her family live outside of Chicago and you can find her on Instagram.