Menstrual hygiene is an integral component of women’s overall wellbeing. Breaking taboos, increasing education and providing access to reasonably priced, eco-friendly menstrual products are necessary components for healthy menstruation.
Consider your lifestyle and values when purchasing menstrual products. Reusable options may save money and reduce waste while cost-cutting over disposable alternatives; however, they require regular washing with laundry soap and access to clean water for cleaning purposes.
Pads
Menstrual pads are externally-applied menstrual hygiene products designed to absorb blood and reduce leakage or staining during your period. Available in various shapes, sizes and absorbencies.
Pads are designed to regulate flow by locking in moisture. Made of materials designed to minimise irritation and discomfort, as well as contain anti-odor ingredients that neutralise unpleasant odours, pads can be worn all day and night long; just remember to change them frequently in order to avoid trapped moisture that could lead to infection.
Reusable cloth menstrual pads are washable and offer an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads, providing less waste and saving you money in the process. Available from natural health stores, these reusable pads can provide cost savings when compared with disposable options.
Tampons
A tampon is made up of cotton and rayon that absorbs menstrual blood. Like pads, tampons can be used during both light and heavy flow days.
Tampons come in various sizes or “absorbing strengths”, to accommodate for your unique flow pattern. To avoid leakage, selecting one with the lowest absorption strength would be recommended.
Tampons may be more discreet and comfortable to wear for pre-teens and teenagers than pads; some teens may find it harder to insert, wear, and remove tampons because it requires them touching sensitive body areas for the first time.
Change tampons regularly to decrease the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Tampons do not impact on hymen – should there be any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider immediately.
Period Underwear
Period underwear differs from pads and tampons in that its materials often take decades to break down; unlike these items, period underwear features soft outer layers, core absorbency layers, bonded no-show edges that keep it discrete, as well as no-show edges that keep its use concealed from public view. Ideal as an initial line of defense against period leaks as well as alongside cups and tampons.
Wearing period underwear is as effortless as donning regular underwear; they’re typically designed to accommodate light to moderate flow rates, with moisture barrier technology to keep you feeling dry throughout your period. Some models even include space to hold a pad overnight for added protection against leaks and stains.
Rinsing your underwear immediately after use in cold water helps loosen blood proteins before they set, which may help avoid staining. Next, they should be put through their regular wash cycle using mild, dye-free detergent.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are reusable products designed to save waste and money spent on disposable tampons or pads, while also being free from chemicals, fragrances and dyes that could potentially pollute our environment. Made of flexible hypoallergenic silicone or latex material that’s free from fragrances and dyes – making this choice more eco-friendly than others available on the market!
Some studies suggest that women who use cups experience fewer leaks and odor than tampon users, as well as less period discomfort due to being held in place longer.
Utilizing a menstrual cup requires practice. To get the best experience from using it, be sure to carefully read and follow insertion instructions and experiment with various sizes until you find one that fits. However, given their requirement of being emptied, rinsed, and sterilized after every use – such inconvenience makes them inconvenient to use when away from home or when entering public restrooms.
Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are an innovative period product, in the shape of a disc. Inserted higher into the vagina, at the base of the cervix, they’re reusable, leakproof, and can last for up to 12 hours of wear time.
Many users report that using them during intimate moments has been transformative, helping to ease any worries over mess or leaks and creating more pleasurable sexual experiences for both partners.
Cleansing menstrual cups and discs properly is of utmost importance in order to reduce the risk of TSS (Tuberculous Staphylococcus aureus), an infection which may lead to fever and low blood pressure symptoms. There are even special menstrual cup cleaners designed specifically to remove any residue.
