There are many reasons that some women don’t like getting their period. For example, no one likes the cramps, bloating, and fatigue that often accompanies menstruation. On the other hand, some women also dislike using traditional feminine hygiene products such as pads and tampons.
Part of this is that they can be expensive and uncomfortable. However, another factor for many women is the health and environmental ramifications. Bleached tampons may irritate, and many women look for sustainable products with minimal environmental impact.
Fortunately, period products are not restricted to disposable tampons and pads. There are alternatives available.
A Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina like you’d insert a tampon. The indented side faces towards your cervix. It is made using a flexible, medical-grade silicone. It holds more than a tampon and can remain in place for up to 12 hours.
They take some practice in knowing how to insert. However, once you’ve mastered the technique, they are leak-proof and secure. They are also very durable as long as you care for them.
Period Pants
You may ask yourself, what are period pants? These are panties that are made from fabrics that absorb menstrual blood. Many women like them because they feel just like any other underwear and are easy to wash.
WUKA, a female-led start-up, is the maker of the first such products in the UK. Their panties are not only made of super-absorbent material, but they also have high gussets to provide adding protection when you’re sleeping.
A Menstrual Disc
The concept is similar to a menstrual cup, but the cup sits below your cervix, and the disc rests above it. The advantage of the disc over the cup is that it offers mess-free sex during your period. While the disc can offer up to 12 hours of protection, it is not reusable. Therefore, it is not as environmentally friendly as the other options on this list. It can also be more expensive.
Reusable Sponge
Sustainably harvested from the Mediterranean, sponges won’t expose you to bleach, chlorine, or other chemicals. Instead, they are natural, safe, and environmentally friendly.
As with the menstrual cup and menstrual disc, they are figuring out how to use these can take a little practice. The sponges themselves are not soft.
Despite some discomfort in inserting, they are comfortable and absorbent once inside. It lasts as long as a tampon and can be rinsed and reused. Also, it can last up to six months before needing to be replaced and comes in several sizes and degrees of firmness.
Reusable Pads
If you like wearing pads, you’ll find reusable ones to offer a similar level of comfort with the advantage of not filling up a landfill. Reusable pads are designed with layers of soft cotton around a waterproof core. You can get them in pretty patterns and three sizes.
The pads snap onto your underwear; however, some users also use safety pins or add Velcro to keep them secure. They are easily washed and more absorbent than standard pads. They are also inexpensive as they last a long time if air-dried.
