We are considered the sub sex. But remember at one time we lived in matriarchal societies. It is only by our constructed culture, not by our nature.

I use 2 things depending on the flow ( light or heavy ). Before it starts, I just use a kitchen towel or toilet paper. When it starts to get heavy I use the menstrual sponge. I find it far more reliable than anything else but it does require check ups ( it's risky to use it for as long as you would use a tampon ). My flow doesn't stay heavy for long so I go back to toilet paper because ... well the sponge can be messy when taking it out. ( That's a warning )