Women tend to prioritize products that can prevent disease and promote hormonal balance, as well as energy products that won’t spike their blood sugar levels or address any potential nutrient deficiencies.
AWHS participants use a range of internal feminine hygiene products, such as cotton- or rayon-based tampons and pads; newer options like menstrual cups are reusable, comfortable and sustainable.
Internal feminine hygiene products
Though we may be uncomfortable discussing them, feminine hygiene products play a crucial role in women’s everyday lives. They help us fulfil professional, social, and familial obligations while remaining confident in public settings.
Internal (inside the body) feminine hygiene products include pads and liners attached to underwear to absorb menstrual blood. They come in different sizes and materials – from cotton to cellulose – making it easy to find something suitable. You can purchase such products both at traditional retail outlets as well as online.
Internal feminine hygiene products also include tampons, which are designed to be easily inserted into the vagina and usually comprise rayon or cotton cellulosic absorbent material. They’re easy to use and discreet protection, with many brands available and packaging designed not to reveal their intended use. Unfortunately, studies have revealed that some tampons contain chemicals with potentially harmful side effects; their levels vary by brand but most contain concentrations below health guidelines.
Tampons
From their introduction in 1945, tampons have revolutionized women’s options for managing menstrual flow. Constructed of absorbent cotton or rayon and fitted with an applicator made from cardboard or plastic, tampons come in various absorbencies such as light, regular, and super.
In the US, tampons are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with limits placed on how much chemicals tampons may contain as well as listing ingredient lists by manufacturers. Furthermore, there is a warning issued by FDA about potential dangers from using tampons; using too many can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), with symptoms including fever, rash, skin peeling, low blood pressure, etc.
Though tampons may be effective, they should only be used when necessary and not over an extended period. Tampons have the potential to alter vaginal microbiota and increase infection risks, while leakage or abrasion of vaginal walls is possible with their use. Women looking for safer solutions have begun turning towards menstrual cups or pantyliners as ways of mitigating risks associated with traditional feminine hygiene products such as tampons.
Reusable menstrual underwear
Reusable menstrual underwear offers a more natural experience than disposable pads and tampons, made from soft organic cotton rather than the synthetic materials found in disposable ones. Furthermore, THINX period underwear is free from harmful PFAS chemicals linked to health concerns – all great reasons to switch!
Switching from disposable pads and tampons that produce hundreds of pounds of waste each month to reusable underwear will significantly cut back your monthly waste and contribute towards leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Although the upfront cost may seem steep at first, the long-term savings make it worthwhile investment. Reusable underwear by THINX provides soft comfort made of organic cotton blended with TENCEL(tm) lyocell, four layer towel absorbency to keep you dry throughout your period while its adjustable absorbency options provide the ideal amount of absorbency needed based on personal need based on user preference THINX offers adjustable absorbency options so you can tailor absorbency levels according to individual needs and wants!
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are reusable bell-shaped devices made of medical-grade silicone, rubber or latex that you insert into your vagina to collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it. They can be worn up to 12 hours at a time and offer an alternative to tampons as they offer greater comfort, reduced cramping and don’t result in toxic shock syndrome build-up like pads do.
However, they require some practice when it comes to inserting and removing them, to minimize risk and minimise mess. Water-based lubricant may help minimize mess; ensure hands and the cup are cleaned afterwards, sterilize it by placing in boiling water for 5-10 minutes prior to reinserting or sterilize with boiling water for sterilization purposes. These devices come in small or large sizes for convenient use in combination with diaphragms, vaginal rings or condoms for birth control or as an STI prevention measure; additionally these devices may even work alongside these methods of birth control or as prevention measures against sexually transmitted infections like condoms – providing birth control while simultaneously acting against sexually transmitted infections like condoms preventing future infections.
