As a mum in Singapore, navigating your teen’s first period comes with a lot of questions. And when it comes to modern, reusable period products, it’s natural to have even more! You want what’s safest, most comfortable, and most practical for your daughter.
We’ve gathered the top 10 questions we hear from mums like you and provided clear, honest answers to help you feel confident and informed.
1. Are menstrual cups/disc safe for teenagers, especially if she's a virgin?
Yes, absolutely. This is the most common concern we hear. The idea that menstrual cups can affect virginity is a myth. Virginity is a social concept, not a medical one. Anatomically, the hymen is a stretchable tissue with a natural opening. A teen-sized, soft menstrual cup (like the Teen Saalt Cup) is perfectly designed to be inserted comfortably and safely without causing any damage. It’s all about personal comfort and choice.
2. What's the best reusable product for a complete beginner?
Period underwear is the undisputed best place to start. It feels and looks just like normal underwear—there’s no learning curve. Your daughter simply puts it on. This familiarity builds confidence and provides immediate, leak-free protection without the intimidation of internal products. It’s the perfect gateway to reusable period care.
Check out the range of teen period underwear and swimwear
3. How does my daughter clean them, especially at school?
This is simpler than it sounds!
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At Home: Rinse a cup or disc with water after emptying. At the end of her cycle, she can boil it in a pot of water for 5 minutes or use sterilising tablets. Period underwear just gets a rinse in cold water and then goes in the washing machine with your regular laundry.
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At School: She likely won’t need to! A cup or disc can be worn for up to 12 hours, so she can put it in at home and remove it when she returns. If she’s using period underwear and needs to change, she simply rolls up the used pair and places it in the discreet wet bag in her kit. No cleaning is needed until she gets home.
4. Is it hygienic? Won't it cause infections or TSS?
When used and cleaned properly, reusable products are very hygienic. The medical-grade silicone used in cups and discs is hypoallergenic and doesn’t harbour bacteria like the absorbent materials in some disposables.
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Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is very rare and is associated with prolonged use of any internal product (including tampons), not just cups. The risk is minimised by following the 12-hour wear time and washing hands before insertion/removal.
5. Can she use a menstrual cup for swimming and sports?
Yes, and this is a major advantage! Menstrual cups and discs are completely internal and can be worn while swimming, showering, and during any sport, including PE and CCAs. They collect flow without being affected by water. Period underwear can also be worn under a swimsuit for light flow or as a backup. She never has to miss out on activities.
6. How do I know what size or absorbency to buy?
It depends on the product:
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Menstrual Cups: Always choose a smaller, "teen" or "petite" size. These are specifically designed for a younger body and are softer and easier to manage.
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Period Underwear: Start with a mix of absorbencies. Get a few pairs for light/medium flow for school days and at least one pair for heavy/overnight use. Check the brand’s size chart carefully, as sizing is based on hip measurements.
7. It seems messy. How do you deal with the mess?
There’s a small learning curve, but it’s quickly mastered. The easiest place to learn is in the shower. The water helps, and any mess rinses right away. After a cycle or two, emptying and rinsing becomes a quick, clean routine. Many teens find it far less messy than dealing with used disposable pads.
8. What's the real cost savings compared to disposables?
The savings are substantial. While a disposable pad costs around $0.50, a teen might use 5-10 per cycle, costing $2.50 - $5 monthly ($30-$60 annually).
A reusable starter kit (2-3 pairs of period underwear + a cup) costs around $110-$130. This one-time investment can last for years, saving you hundreds of dollars over your daughter’s teen years alone.
9. How many pairs of period underwear does she really need?
We recommend starting with 3-5 pairs. This is enough to see her through one cycle with regular washing. A good starter pack would include:
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2 pairs for light/medium flow (for school and lighter days).
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1 pair for heavy flow (for overnight or heavy days).
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This allows for wearing, washing, and having a spare.
10. Where can I see these products in person in Singapore?
The Period Co. is an online-first brand, allowing us to offer high-quality products at transparent, affordable prices without the retail markup. This means you won’t find us in physical stores, but you can shop easily from the comfort of your home. We offer clear size guides, detailed product information, and a supportive customer service team to answer any questions you have before you buy.
Still have a question we didn't cover?
Our friendly Singapore-based team is here to help! Contact us anytime, or explore our curated Teen Collection to find the perfect fit for your daughter’s needs.
