Feminine hygiene is a fundamental aspect of personal health that seeks to ensure normal pH levels and bacteria levels in the external vulva are preserved, yet some feminine hygiene products available on the market contain harmful substances that may lead to infections.
Additionally, these practices can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in the body. This article will present alternative means of practicing feminine hygiene.
Sanitary napkins
Sanitary napkins, more commonly referred to as pads, are absorbent pads worn in women’s underwear to absorb menstrual blood and prevent leaks during their periods. Available in various sizes and materials for accommodating a range of menstrual flow types.
Modern feminine hygiene products are thin and comfortable, enabling women to live life freely without fear of leaks or discomfort. Made of breathable fabrics that prevent irritation, these modern hygiene products feature advanced leak-proof technologies so women remain dry throughout the day.
Sanitary napkins are one of the key health products used in developing countries to address poor menstrual hygiene. Accessing affordable and safe menstrual products can improve girls’ health while increasing participation in education and the economy – one study showed that girls who received free sanitary pads and puberty education missed significantly less school than their counterparts without this support, helping reduce teenage pregnancy, poverty and gender inequality.
Tampons
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual fluid and reduce leakage and infection risk, and come in an assortment of absorbencies to accommodate various flows. In addition, some models come equipped with scenting capabilities for additional scent control and comfort features like using either hands or an applicator to insert.
In the past, tampons were manufactured and sewn by medical professionals for use against infections or abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. Antiseptic wool would often cover them to protect from infection; during the early 20th century they also contained capsules filled with an antiseptic liquid which doctors would break open in order to permeate the plug and permeate its plug with disinfection solutions.
Many women opt for tampons over pads because they’re easier to insert without touching their vagina. Unfortunately, tampons can sometimes be tricky to insert properly and may irritate vaginal canal if not changed on time – particularly among women prone to TSS. Low-income people often don’t have access to them and must rely on less absorbent alternatives such as paper towels or rags which may lead to serious health issues.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are small flexible cups made from medical-grade latex, rubber or silicone that can be inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it as with pads and tampons. While usually reusable, they must be sterilized prior to each use which requires access to boiling water – something which may present difficulties for those living in rural or homeless communities.
These cups can help reduce the environmental impacts associated with feminine hygiene products by cutting down their use per month, though finding one to suit you may take some trial-and-error.
Menstrual cups may initially cost more than pads or tampons, but their long-term savings can make up the difference in cost. Women should practice good hygiene when using their cup and follow insertion instructions carefully for best results. Furthermore, it’s essential that they visit their healthcare provider annually for a pap smear and pelvic exam to ensure optimal health.
Condoms
Condoms can help women avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They work by stopping sperm from entering the vagina, making them out of plastic or latex material, with different shapes and sizes to suit any user – some even contain spermicide, a chemical which kills sperm – available as gels, creams, films, foam sponges or suppositories.
Condoms should always be used before and after sexual encounters to reduce the risk of pregnancy, as per their expiry dates, to stay safe. They must never be shared.
Condoms are generally provided free by government programs or can be bought at reduced costs; however, sanitary items can be quite pricey; this has led to “period poverty”, which can negatively impact education, mental health and job prospects for many individuals. Period poverty must be addressed urgently, making affordable sanitary products accessible so women can maintain proper hygiene while simultaneously preventing pregnancy or STIS-infected relationships from occurring.
