Lois shares a candid, relatable account of her journey from pads to tampons, cups, and discs.
Like many Nigerian girls, my introduction to menstruation began with sanitary pads—the familiar, easily accessible go-to product. Throughout secondary school, I used Always Ultra pads religiously, navigating puberty with all its awkwardness. I’ve got several stories of pads shifting, unexpected leaks, and the constant paranoia of checking for stains every five minutes. It was a rite of passage, an inevitable part of growing up.
Because I attended boarding school, my parents often bought sanitary pads in bulk for me. I often gifted a few to friends in need in the ‘spirit of sisterhood’. That generosity, however, often backfired, leaving me scrambling for alternatives.
I remember one traumatising moment when I had no pad left and resorted to using toilet tissue, making frequent bathroom trips to avoid embarrassing stains. There was one standout incident where I used a piece of cloth in desperation. The discomfort and emotional trauma from that moment ensured I never looked back.
Even with all the fear and delicate measures of feminine hygiene—plus the myths African parents planted in our heads—I always knew I wanted to explore beyond sanitary pads. Some pads gave me rashes, while others gave my skin a washed-out look after hours of wear. They were uncomfortable, unhygienic, and honestly, I wanted better.
The bold step to tampons
When I got into university, I noticed a few girls were using tampons. It wasn’t common, but the comfort and convenience that come with tampons immediately appealed to me. Even though they were expensive, I was determined to try them.
Fast forward to my NYSC days: I finally took the plunge, and from the first pack, I knew there was no going back to using pads. The comfort was unmatched. No more bulky, diaper-like feeling or paranoia about leaks. I could even wear them without panties or just with a panty liner for extra protection. It felt like freedom.
Exploring menstrual discs and cups
After six years of using tampons—which now cost around ₦8,500 per pack—my ever-evolving nature pushed me to explore even more menstrual products. I wasn’t willing to return to pads, so I started researching eco-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups and discs.
At first, I was skeptical. Wouldn’t they hurt? How safe were they? But curiosity won, and I took the bold step to buy both. I spent hours on YouTube, watching different application techniques, which honestly left me more traumatised than prepared. The cup was tricky to insert at first, but once positioned correctly, it felt completely natural and super comfortable.
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The next month, I tried the menstrual disc, and this has become my favourite. Unlike the cup, it has a small loop for easy removal, and when fixed properly, it’s secure, durable, and easy to use. Four months in, and I’m hooked—not just for comfort but for the convenience and cost-effectiveness. Now, I don’t need to buy pads every month—just panty liners and an emergency tampon for backup.
Embracing change
My menstrual journey has been one of trial, error, and growth. From the trauma of using tissues and cloth in boarding school to the liberation of tampons and now the comfort of menstrual discs, I have truly evolved.
Don’t get me wrong; even with menstrual cups or discs, you can still get leaks. And the general rule of checking between 4-6 hours, depending on your flow, applies to every type of menstrual product you decide to use.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that menstruation doesn’t have to be a struggle. There are so many options available—from medical-grade silicone cups that last years to reusable cloth pads that snap onto underwear. The key is to find what works best for you and embrace the change with confidence.
For me? Pads are a thing of the past. Discs are the future. And my menstrual journey is still evolving, just like me.
