Choose safe period routines
Understand how to manage pads, tampons, cups, period underwear, disposal, washing, and hygiene timing in practical everyday situations.
Clora Care Guide
Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene
Menstrual hygiene is a daily comfort and health priority during periods. Clora supports clean, informed, stigma-free period care with guidance around products, routines, symptoms, and hygiene habits.
Notice infection signals early
Unusual odor, itching, burning, fever, pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, or persistent discomfort should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Make menstruation feel less clinical
Clora presents hygiene education in a calm, approachable way so users can learn without embarrassment or confusion.
Choosing a period product
There's no universally "best" product — the right choice depends on your flow, comfort, activity level, and access. Most people use a mix depending on the day.
- Pads: external, easy to use, good for beginners and lighter/heavier flow with different absorbency levels
- Tampons: internal, useful for swimming and active days; require attention to change frequency
- Menstrual cups: internal, reusable, can be worn longer than tampons, more cost-effective over time
- Period underwear: absorbent built-in layer, good alone for light days or as backup with another product
How often to change your period product
Pads and period underwear are generally changed every 4 to 8 hours depending on flow. Tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours and never left in longer than 8 hours. Menstrual cups can often be worn up to 12 hours, but always check the specific product's instructions. As a simple rule: if you're unsure whether it's time to change, it probably is.
Toxic shock syndrome: a rare but serious risk
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, serious bacterial illness that has been linked to tampon use (and, less commonly, menstrual cups), particularly with high-absorbency products left in for extended periods. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include high fever, low blood pressure, a sunburn-like rash, and vomiting or diarrhea. TSS is a medical emergency — seek care immediately if these symptoms appear during your period, especially while using an internal product.
To reduce risk: use the lowest absorbency that suits your flow, change tampons on schedule, consider alternating with pads, and always remove a tampon before inserting a new one.
Everyday hygiene during your period
- Wash the outer vulva area with warm water; the vagina itself is self-cleaning and doesn't need internal washing or douching
- Wash your hands before and after changing a period product
- Wrap and dispose of pads and tampons in a bin, not flushed, to avoid plumbing issues
- Rinse a menstrual cup with water between uses and sterilize it as directed between cycles
- Wear breathable underwear and change out of damp clothing promptly, especially after exercise
When period-related symptoms need medical attention
See a doctor for sudden high fever with a rash during your period, a strong or unusual odor with itching or pain, signs of a forgotten tampon (unusual odor and discharge that doesn't resolve), or any hygiene-related irritation that doesn't improve within a few days.
How Clora Helps
Support that stays connected to your everyday health.
Clora combines health tracking, AI-powered conversations with Clo, gynecology teleconsultation readiness, lab test context, medicine support, and personalized wellness insights in one women's health ecosystem.
- Period product education
- Hygiene habit reminders
- Infection and discomfort awareness
- Menstrual wellness routines
Questions
Common questions about menstrual hygiene
How often should period products be changed?
Pads and period underwear should generally be changed every 4 to 8 hours depending on flow. Tampons should be changed at least every 4 to 8 hours and never left in longer than 8 hours. Menstrual cups can typically be worn up to 12 hours, but check the manufacturer's guidance.
What is toxic shock syndrome, and how is it linked to periods?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious bacterial illness linked to tampon and menstrual cup use, especially with high-absorbency products left in too long. Symptoms include sudden high fever, low blood pressure, a rash, and vomiting or diarrhea, and it requires immediate medical attention.
How can I reduce my risk of toxic shock syndrome?
Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed for your flow, change tampons every 4 to 8 hours, consider alternating with pads, and never leave a tampon in overnight beyond 8 hours.
Which period product is best: pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup?
There's no single best option — it depends on your flow, comfort, lifestyle, and activity level. Many people use different products on different days or combine methods, such as a pad for light days and a cup or tampon for heavier days.
Can poor menstrual hygiene cause infections?
Unsafe hygiene practices can increase irritation and infection risk, so clean routines and timely medical care matter.
Is it normal for periods to have an odor?
A mild odor is normal, especially by the end of the day. A strong, unusual, or fishy odor, especially with itching or unusual discharge, can indicate an infection and is worth checking with a doctor.
Should I wash inside the vagina during my period?
No. The vagina is self-cleaning. Washing the outer vulva area with warm water is enough; douching or internal washing can disrupt natural bacterial balance and increase infection risk.