Women throughout history have used scraps of fabric, soft bark and whatever was available to manage their periods. Today there is an array of disposable and reusable period products such as menstrual cups/discs/pads and underwear to meet this need.
New York’s right-to-know law that took effect in 2021 now mandates ingredient lists on many period product packages. Here’s what to watch out for.
Disposable Tampons
Pads and tampons are among the most widely-used methods for managing menstrual flow. Available in various shapes, sizes, and absorbency levels to meet every person’s needs, these items can be worn under clothing to absorb menstrual fluid and keep you dry throughout your day – typically changing every 4-6 hours for maximum effectiveness.
Many disposable pads and tampons contain both natural and synthetic fibers, but as medical devices they don’t have to disclose the full list of ingredients. This lack of transparency has become one of the major concerns among advocates as it could allow cumulative exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
Tampons contain an absorbent core made of cellulose-based material encased by cotton or synthetic fiber, with an applicator tool in plastic or cardboard form to facilitate their use. Many also have fragrance added for aesthetic and/or hygiene purposes; overall lifetime usage could lead to over 28,000 pounds of waste generated per person.
Reusable Pads
Women and girls had long used various fabrics to collect their menstrual flows prior to disposable pads becoming readily available, including old cloth, mattress scraps, and other non-hygienic sources like cloth towels or even old undergarment discarded after each period. Reusable cloth pads provide a more hygienic and comfortable alternative.
These pads are constructed from natural, soft materials like cotton fleece that make them very comfortable to wear and are also absorbent and won’t leak like disposable pads, which may lead to skin irritation.
Reusable pads are easy to keep clean, simply by washing with your regular laundry. If it begins to smell, simply soak it in cold water infused with tea tree oil or another mild disinfectant before placing back into its original container.
Reusable pads provide an efficient, cost-efficient alternative to disposable products; you can buy bulk at wholesale prices for even greater savings. One reusable pad can last for three years compared to buying single use menstrual items.
Menstrual Cups & Discs
Menstrual cups and discs can help significantly reduce waste from period products that end up in landfills, but there may be an adjustment period and access to water for washing purposes.
Menstrual cups are thick-walled bell-shaped flexible cups designed to rest inside the vaginal canal to collect period blood. Reusable menstrual cups made from silicone or other body-safe materials (such as Flex Disc) may be made reusable and come in various shapes and sizes such as bowl-shaped thin-walled cups with thin walls or more flexible rings with an asymmetrical rim that fits cervix tilting issues.
Discs use gravity instead of suction to stay in place and can collect your flow for up to 12 hours, depending on their brand. Some are designed for single use only while others can be reused if washed according to instructions between uses.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is a relatively new option in menstrual care products, offering a reusable, washable alternative that looks and feels similar to regular underwear. They’re leakproof with multiple layers of absorbent materials and moisture wicking fabrics designed to keep you dry throughout your period.
Underwear comes in various styles and types, from thongs and briefs to hipster undies and even hipster briefs. Most models contain a pouch for holding pads to help protect against leaks overnight; others provide extra coverage or come with different levels of absorbency.
Change and wash period underwear every 12 hours for optimal results, following manufacturer recommendations of either hand washing or delicate cycle machine washing. Sanitize it after each washing by thoroughly rinsing with cool water and air drying before wearing again to help avoid bacteria build-up that causes odor. Read and follow your label’s washing instructions to achieve the best outcomes.
