Feminine hygiene refers to the practice of using period products to manage menstrual flow. Each person prefers different products based on comfort level, flow level and lifestyle needs.
Maintain a regular cycle of changing period products according to product instructions, especially regular soaps which could potentially alter the natural pH balance and cause irritation in the vulva, leading to painful inflammation.
Tampons
Tampons are one of the most iconic feminine hygiene products, made from tightly compacted absorbent cotton that are intended to be inserted into the vagina during periods to absorb menstrual blood. First invented in 1931 by Earl Haas and commercially manufactured by Gertrude Tendrich, these cylindrical devices now come in all shapes, sizes and absorbencies and can be purchased wherever sanitary protection products are sold.
Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours in order to prevent toxic shock syndrome – an potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when a tampon remains in too long and disintegrates within the vagina, releasing bacteria which could potentially cause serious illness and disease.
In 1945, German gynecologist Judith Esser-Mittag invented a revolutionary disposable tampon called the “onhe binde”, or “without napkins”, that did not require plastic or cardboard applicators; rather it could simply be inserted with fingers or digits and quickly became widely popular throughout Germany. A digital tampon similar to this model was then introduced into America in 1969 as well and could also be inserted without using an applicator; eliminating wasteful disposable waste completely.
Pads
Pads are the go-to menstrual product and come in different absorbency levels to suit light to heavy periods. Designed to fit inside underwear with wings and adhesive strips for extra security during physical activity, pads provide the best coverage available.
Conventional pads typically utilize ultra-thin materials that expand to absorb large volumes of fluid. Furthermore, many contain sodium polyacrylate SAPS–another synthetic chemical substance linked to health risks including endocrine disruption, cancer development and reproductive harm–making their use risky and unnecessary.
Pads may leak when not changed frequently enough and some girls find them uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, some pads contain chemicals which cause irritation or itchiness as well as being difficult to insert. In addition to protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STDs), bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal discharge, pads can also serve as protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Sanitary Towels
Intimate feminine hygiene is an integral component of overall vulvovaginal health. Daily gentle cleansing may reduce the risk of recurrent bacterial vaginosis; use of a mild cleanser without disrupting normal pH balance of external vulva skin and disrupting natural flora serves as an effective defense against infections in this regard.
Regular soaps contain high pH levels designed for surface skin, which may disrupt vaginal natural flora and cause irritation. Therefore, it’s wise to choose an intimate wash tailored specifically towards this area such as those found in feminine hygiene sections of pharmacies.
Enhancing access to menstrual supplies and raising awareness about period education can empower women, making life less tumultuous for girls and women in general, leading to an economic upswing that benefits the greater good. By giving girls and women more chances to join the workforce and contributing their talents back into society as whole.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are eco-friendly alternatives to pads and tampons that cost $20-$40 and last 10 years, offering greater reusability at less expense than mass-produced tampons due to not stripping away vaginal lining and lacking plastics that cause odor-causing potential. They can even be worn during swimming. Ideally worn throughout the day and night as they hold an ounce of fluid; wear during both swimming and day time use; safely store one ounce worth of fluid, without increasing risk or increasing cost or impacting vaginal lining stripping! – TAMPons don’t contain plastics that strip the vaginal lining from mass production; hence their decreased odor-causing potential!
Menstrual cups come in small (for those with light flows), large, and teen sizes and can be used by women of any age or sexual orientation, including mothers of young children. Their only drawback is that they must be washed before reinserting, which may not be practical when traveling, camping or living without access to clean water. While they have the potential for TSS development in very rare instances (a 2019 review found only five known reports), this risk is significantly lower when using menstrual cups compared with tampons: wash before use and sterilize using boiling water or menstrual cup cleaner before inserting back in.
