I do cheer and we have to do jumps and tumbling and I don't wear tampons what can I do

Okay so this is a super common question because pads can feel like a lot when you're moving around a bunch, and not everyone wants to wear tampons.

You have a few options that are awesome for cheer because they stay put and let you move freely.

Period underwear

These are literally my favorite for activities. Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear, but it has super-absorbent layers built in. So it catches all the flow and keeps you dry, and it won't move around or bunch up when you're doing jumps or tumbling. You can wear them just by themselves for lighter days, or sometimes people wear them with a thin pad or a cup for extra protection on heavy days.

Menstrual cups

These are a little different, but once you get the hang of them, they're amazing for cheer. A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that you insert to collect blood. It can stay in for up to 12 hours, so you don't even have to think about it during practice or a game. They create a seal so there's no leaks, and you can literally do anything with them in.

Other pad options

If you really want to stick with pads, look for:

• Thinner pads: Some pads are made extra thin, so they feel less bulky.
• Pads with wings: These wrap around your underwear and help keep the pad in place way better than wingless ones.
• Sport pads: Some brands make pads specifically for sports, which are designed to be more flexible and stay put.

Just experiment with what feels best for you. What works for one person might not be the jam for another, and that's totally fine. You'll find your perfect cheer period buddy, for sure!