Spotting is a pretty common symptom for those who menstruate, and spotting before your period is typically nothing to worry about.
However, it can still lead to stained underwear if you’re not careful. Unfortunately, since spotting tends to be lighter than a regular period, tampons, menstrual cups, and thick pads are not typically recommended to use when spotting.
But whether it’s spotting before a period or a heavy-flow day, there are a few alternatives to tampons and pads you can use. Keep reading to learn more about the five spotting-resistant menstrual products that’ll keep your white jeans safer than snow.
Please note that if spotting does become an issue or seems out of the ordinary for you, it is wise to talk to your doctor and look into the potential causes of period spotting.
Pantyliners
Pantyliners are just very thin pads. These lighter alternatives are absorbent, disposable, and you should only use them once. Liners are excellent for protection against daily discharge, sweat, and odors, as well as spotting.
Menstrual disc
A menstrual disc is very similar to a menstrual cup, but they differ in their placement in the vagina. Discs sit higher in the canal than menstrual cups. Unfortunately, discs are not as eco-friendly as menstrual cups since they are disposable like tampons, and you should not reuse them.
Menstrual discs are safe to use when spotting or when you think your period is about to come because they do not absorb fluids. This feature makes discs a fantastic alternative to walking around with a panty liner.
Period underwear
An excellent option for spotting or those with lighter flows, period underwear has become incredibly popular in recent years. Period underwear features a thick, absorbent core that soaks up period blood.
These pairs of underwear should be washed between wears and are reusable, which is excellent for the planet and your wallet.
Reusable cloth pads
Cloth pads are another eco-friendly, reusable option for spotting or a light flow. Unfortunately, storing used ones can be a challenge (when you have to change them while out and about), and the thicker ones kind of feel like you’re walking around in a diaper. Unfortunately, these pads will not exactly have a “barely there” feel like with menstrual discs.
Sterile gauze
You read that right. Sterile gauze is an excellent alternative to pads or tampons on those spotting or low flow days, especially when you’re in a pinch.
If you need to make a makeshift pad and don’t want to make it out of toilet paper, you can do a similar trick with sterile gauze that is even better and more effective. Not only is sterile gauze more hygienic, but it is also more absorbent than toilet paper since its purpose is to absorb blood from a wound or injury.
Wrap up
Spotting is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. Thankfully, plenty of menstrual products make great alternatives to pads and tampons, many of which are more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Please note that if you notice any irregular changes in bleeding patterns, please speak with your doctor to ensure no underlying conditions are occurring, especially if you are postmenopausal.
