Feminine Hygiene Products; Items or Goods That a Woman Uses During Her Menstrual Cycle

Feminine hygiene products are special products used during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions associated with vagina and vulva. In the world of feminine hygiene, a wide range of products are being offered such as sanitary pads or napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, period panties, and pantyliners. Feminine hygiene products also include products, such as soap, feminine wipes, and douches, manufactured to clean vagina or vulva. However, these products can cause an allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally ejects bacteria.

Feminine hygiene products can also be referred to as personal hygiene products. Feminine hygiene is an important aspect of being a woman. Proper feminine hygiene supplies are crucial in maintaining a healthy vagina. These products should be used as often as possible to prevent irritation and improve vaginal health, as these products are designed to manage the symptoms of a woman's menstrual cycle. These products are available in various distribution channels such as convenience stores, supermarket, retail pharmacies, department stores, and online.

Feminine hygiene products can either be made of cotton, spandex, or antimicrobial fabric. Cotton pads tend to be more absorbent than the other two types of pads. Moreover, these products allow women to present themselves as non-menstruants. While, powders, douches, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products help avoid public or personal awareness of a women's menstruation. Thus, there is an increasing demand for such products worldwide.

The term feminine hygiene products often refers specifically to items or goods that a woman uses during her menstrual cycle. Feminine hygiene products are either reusable or disposable. Pantyliners, tampons, and sanitary napkins/pads are disposable products, while sponges, period panties, cloth menstrual pads, and menstrual cups are reusable products. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed guidance document to assist industry in preparing premarket notification submissions (510(k)) for menstrual tampons and pads that are subject to 510(k) requirements.