Female care products often contain chemicals which could potentially be hazardous, so there are a few options available for those wanting to stay clear of these toxins.
Many women use sanitary pads, tampons and panty liners to manage their periods; however, low-income women can sometimes struggle to afford such products.
Menstrual pads
Pads are rectangular pieces of cloth designed for girls to place inside their underwear during menstruation. Equipped with holes that wick away period blood to stop it leaking out and stinking up the place, pads come in various thicknesses and absorbencies to suit light, normal and heavy menstruations cycles and periods respectively; sometimes called sanitary napkins. For best results it is advised that pads be changed at least every six hours as well as washing hands prior to and after using one and disposing it properly afterwards.
Organizations are encouraging girls to switch from disposable pads to reusable sanitary pads, which are more sustainable alternatives and cost significantly less than disposable options. But in rural Malawi girls must travel long distances for materials necessary to make these reusable alternatives; furthermore they have difficulty maintaining an uninterrupted supply chain.
Tampons
Tampons are an effective means of managing menstrual flow during a period. Crafted of cotton and rayon blend, they absorb menstrual blood away from vaginal lining to keep it away. Tampons come in light, regular, and super absorbency options. Some come with plastic or cardboard applicators to make insertion easier while others do not; the process for using one involves first washing hands before placing one inside vagina. A string will remain attached so you can pull it out later when finished using.
Natural tampons are made with organic ingredients and tend to reduce allergic reactions, while being more eco-friendly than disposable ones. Furthermore, their clear ingredient lists make them better options than synthetic ones as they tend to be more effective and are less likely to cause abrasions or leakage issues.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups offer an environmentally-friendly solution to traditional pads and tampons. As these reusable products last up to 12 hours before needing replacement, their use reduces waste in landfills while offering greater comfort without disrupting vaginal pH balance or leading to dryness. Plus, unlike disposable pads they don’t contain latex or chemicals that could increase risk of irritation or infection – perfect for all age groups including preconception periods!
These reusable cups come in various sizes to accommodate various vaginas. Most often made of medical-grade silicone, but other materials may also be used, they’re easy to use with water-based lubricant or an insertion tool, and many feature a stem for ease of removal and cleaning.
Most women find their period cups hassle-free, but some may have concerns regarding toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Therefore, it is wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to using any period cup products.
Reusable cotton pads
Reusable cotton pads can help women reduce their environmental footprint. While disposable pads may contain harmful chemicals that leech into the earth and waterways, reusable pads made of organic natural materials that are better for your body are often an ideal choice.
Reusable pads tend to be much more comfortable than their disposable counterparts, as they’re constructed with soft and absorbent fabrics that won’t irritate or cause chafing on sensitive skin. Plus, reusables tend to be smaller and more compact so they fit easily in any purse or backpack.
Reusable pads are much cheaper in the long run; women who switch can save thousands over their lifetime by switching. Furthermore, using Rael reusable pads also helps break period poverty as women no longer worry about how they’ll afford disposable pads each month – for every pack sold we donate one pack directly to women in conflict zones and refugee camps in need.
