We’re just going to come right out and say it: There has never been a better time to have a period. Sure, it may not be everyone’s favorite time of the month, but at least we now have several different menstrual product options, including several companies that are relatively new.

If like so many of us your first exposure to periods came in an outdated copy of Judy Blume’s 1970 classic Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, perhaps you were dreading having to use the pads described in the book, complete with a belt and clips. Thankfully, those fell out of use soon after the book was published in favor of pads with adhesive backs that stuck right onto your underwear.

Nowadays, pads come with moisture-wicking technology to make you feel less like you’re wearing a diaper and wings to keep them in place. On top of that, there are tampons, reusable pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and free bleeding (if that’s your thing). 

And we’re no longer limited to the brands and products we can find in our local grocery stores and pharmacies: There are several companies that sell menstrual products directly to consumers, either on a one-off basis or through a subscription service (which is especially handy when you’re dealing with something you use for a week each month, every month).

There are products for every size, shape and flow, including those that are environmentally friendly, made of organic cotton or designed to be used during period sex. Here are a few of the many options we have in 2018.

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Rael Organic Cotton Pads

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:Rael Organic Cotton Pads

These hypoallergenic pads have wings and a 100 percent organic cotton cover, making them safer for sensitive skin and pretty comfortable.

Regular pads, $6.90 for 14 at Rael

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Flex Menstrual Disc

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:Flex Menstrual Disc

Want all the perks of a menstrual cup plus the bonus of mess-free period sex? If so, the disc may be a good option for you.

Menstrual disc, $15 for a two-month supply (16 discs) at The Flex Company

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Thinx High-Waist Period Underwear

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:Thinx High-Waist Period Underwear

If you’re familiar with one brand of period underwear, it’s likely Thinx, which now comes in four varieties: high-waist, hip-hugger, sport and cotton briefs. 

High-waist period underwear, $38 at Thinx

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Lola Tampons

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:Lola Tampons

Not everyone is ready for the switch over to non-applicator tampons, so this offering from Lola, with BPA-free plastic applicators and 100 percent organic cotton tampons, is a good option. Better yet, Lola lets you customize your box of tampons, choosing the number of light, regular and super products.

Compact plastic applicator tampons, $10 (for one 18-count box) at Lola

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GladRags Cloth Day Pad

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:GladRags Cloth Day Pad

Are you a fan of wearing pads, but not their environmental impact? GladRags may be a good choice for you, offering washable, reusable pads in a variety of sizes, styles and patterns.

Cloth day pad, $14.99 at GladRags

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NannoPad Regular

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:NannoPad Regular

These pads contain "effective particles with Nannogenic Technology to help reduce menstrual cramp" according to their website. While we’re skeptical about that claim, these are also hypoallergenic and made from organic cotton, so they’re not a bad option even if they don’t get rid of cramps.

Regular pads, $12 (for 20 pads) at Nannocare

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Ziggy Cup

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:Ziggy Cup

This reusable menstrual cup is made of medical-grade silicone and can be worn during period sex.

Ziggy Cup, $39.95 at Intimina

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Lunette Menstrual Cup

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:Lunette Menstrual Cup

The menstrual cup gurus over at Lunette have teamed up with the designer Monki to create this limited-edition menstrual cup. But it does more than just look nice. Lunette is donating 5,000 menstrual cups to The Cup Foundation as well one cup to a menstruator in need for every cup sold through Lunette’s online store.

Menstrual cup, $44.99 at Lunette

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Lunapads Boxer Briefs

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:Lunapads Boxer Briefs

Not all women get their periods and not all people with periods are women. Some companies, like Lunapads, are making period underwear more inclusive, offering several styles, including these boxer briefs. 

Boxer briefs, $37.99 at Lunapads

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The Comfort Box

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:The Comfort Box

With so many period product subscription services out there, Ellebox stands out by offering a monthly package with your choice of organic cotton pads or tampons (or a mix of both), chocolate, tea and two surprise self-care gifts each month.

The Comfort Box, $29.99 at Ellebox

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Sustain Period Kit

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:Sustain Period Kit

Sustain is another customizable period product subscription service offering organic cotton pads, tampons and liners. They have the added bonus of a millennial-friendly period quiz to help you determine the contents of your monthly kit.

Period kit, prices vary depending on amount and type of products at Sustain

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Aunt Flow Pad

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:Aunt Flow Pad

Aunt Flow started out selling organic pads and tampons to businesses in bulk. They still offer those quantities, but also some smaller options for individuals looking to purchase their products.

Organic cotton pads, $5 for 12 at Aunt Flow

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DivaCup

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:DivaCup

Diva Inc. — which makes the DivaCup — was cofounded by a kick-ass mother-daughter duo. The product is offered in two sizes, and a specially formulated cleanser is also available for purchase.

DivaCup, $39.99 at Lunapads

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Dame Reusable Tampon Applicator

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:Dame Reusable Tampon Applicator

If you prefer using tampons with applicators but don’t want the environmental impact that comes along with the disposable kind, Dame now offers a reusable version made of medical-grade materials. 

Reusable tampon applicator, $22.77 at Indiegogo

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Cora Applicator-Free Tampons

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:Cora Applicator-Free Tampons

Cora offers organic cotton pads and tampons (both with and without applicators). These applicator-free tampons are super-compact, allowing you to always have them on hand in your bag. Plus, there’s the added bonus that for every month’s supply of period products you purchase, Cora will donate a month’s supply of pads and health education to menstruators in need.

Applicator-free tampons, $8 for a month’s supply at Cora

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