All women have to deal with menstruation from the time they hit puberty to when they reach menopause. Even though menstrual cycles are on average supposed to happen once a month and last seven days, all women are different. Some have regular menstrual cycles while others' cycles fluctuate throughout the year. Some menstrual cycles last a few days while others can last almost two weeks. All women want to be prepared for when their time of the month comes with pads or tampons. After several years, they should be familiar with the consistency of their menstrual cycles. If their menstrual cycles aren't entirely consistent, they'll want to be prepared for the possibility of their cycle showing up unexpectedly. Boyfriends and husbands may also keep track of their partner's cycles in order to be prepared with products and to deal with the PMS. Not only are the menstrual cycles different, but so are a woman's preference for what feminine product she chooses to use. There are several options to choose from.

1 - Pads

Also known as a sanitary napkin, pads are a disposable feminine product. It sticks to the inside of underwear to absorb the blood flow. Pads come with and without wings. Different brands have different thickness, and there are Maxi pads available for heavier blood flows. Depending on how heavy or light the flow is, pads may be able to be worn a full day or night before it needs to be replaced.

2 - Pantyliners

Pantyliners are disposable just as pads are. They're more useful for a lighter flow such as when a menstrual cycle first shows up or is about to end. Other than absorbing a little discharge, a heavier flow is likely to soak right through the pantyliner and stain underwear. It is however common to be worn along with a tampon in case blood leaks through the tampon.

3 - Tampons

Tampons are a disposable product that is inserted into the vagina rather than sticking to the inside of underwear. They can be preferred for those who don't want to worry about blood leaking through and staining their underwear or even the back of their pants. They can also be preferred when participating in activities such as swimming or gymnastics. Tampons typically have to be changed more often than pads and pantyliners. And there is the minor possibility of blood leaking through the tampon.

4 - Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are a reusable product which is worn inside the vagina like a tampon. It catches the blood flow and is meant to prevent leaking. Depending on how heavy or light the flow is, a menstrual cup can be worn up to twelve hours before needing to be emptied and rinsed. A menstrual cup must be cleaned between cycles. Menstrual cups are designed in the shape of a bell in order to seal against the vaginal wall. They can be used up to ten years which decreases a good amount of waste disposed.

5 - Cloth Menstrual Pads

These pads are made out of cloth material that makes them reusable. They absorb menstrual blood along with other vaginal fluids. For women who are more comfortable with letting the blood flow, cloth pads are an alternative to pantyliners and sanitary napkins that reduces the amount of disposable waste. The type of fabric they're made of can determine whether or not they can be put through the washing machine. Just like with disposable pads, they vary in thickness.

6 - Period Underwear

Period underwear looks and feels just like normal underwear, but they're able to absorb enough menstrual blood to fill two to four tampons. They're made out of cotton that will absorb and dry away any wetness. They neutralize any menstrual odors and prevent clothing from being stained with blood. They're reusable and can replace any other feminine products or worn with other products for those who want extra protection for heavier blood flows. They can be included in a normal load of laundry as long as that load doesn't include bleach or fabric softeners.