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Know your products: During your menstrual cycle, the most important thing is to keep yourself clean and safe. There are many products you can use to accomplish this:
Tampons: Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb any blood before it leaves your body. They can be applicator or non-applicator; some prefer applicator (either plastic or cardboard) so they do not have to touch their genitals too much, but non-applicators produce less waste and give more control when inserting. Commercial tampons are made from a mix of rayon and cotton, treated with various chemicals and bleach, whereas organic tampons are made purely from cotton and do not contain chemicals or bleach. Tampons prevent vaginal cleaning, absorb vaginal fluids leading to vaginal damage and encourage bacterial growth, so will always effect vaginal health. For many women they can cause cramps, commonly cause vaginal infections, are strongly linked with TSS, and there are long-term health concerns over the chemicals used in commercial brands. Tampons need to be changed every 4 to 6 hours, you need to alternate between tampons and pads, always use lightest absorbency changing to match flow, never use tampons overnight, when not menstruating, during light flow or if you have a vaginal infection.
Sea Sponges: Sea sponges are reusable tampon alternatives made from natural sponge. These are used in the same way as other tampons, only that they can be cut to a smaller size and are less harmful than commercial tampons as they do not contain synthetic materials, chemicals or bleach. They are reusable, so when it is time to remove you simply wash off with water and reinsert. After washing they are no different to how clean they were before they were used and are just as sanitary as disposable tampons. These carry the same risks as any other tampons, maybe slightly less, so they require the same amount of care and precautions. Some women feel uncomfortable with these because they are non-applicator and have no strings so you need your fingers to remove them and most women do not feel comfortable. These last about three to six months. Synthetic sponge tampons are also available. These are known as 'soft tampons' and most commonly used for mess-free sex during menstruation. Small and soft, these tampons can sit high enough in the vagina to allow for penetration without mess or damage higher up in the vagina.
Pads: Pads are worn outside the body. They stick to the underwear and come in different lengths and thickness. Commercial pads are made from cotton, synthetics, plastic, chemicals and bleach. These remain the most common option but are often the most unpleasant to use because they can irritate your vulva as well as feel sweaty and uncomfortable. Organic pads are made from cotton and biodegradable plastic and apart from being better for the environment, they are softer and allow for more air to reach the genitals to keep women dryer and so more comfortable. These need to be changed every 4 or 6 hours. It is best to use pads with wings to give a more secure fit. Also use the lightest absorbency for your flow just to reduce bulk, then use overnight pads as you sleep to avoid leaking when in bed. Women who use tampons also use pads overnight, during light flow, as back-up to avoid leaking and alternate between pads and tampons.
Cloth Pads: These are pads made from cloth that normally fasten into your underwear with snap fastens and may have extra liners to use when needed. They come in all sorts of styles, materials and patterns. Cloth pads are healthier than disposable pads because they allow more air to your genitals and do not contain chemicals or bleach. This also means less odor and far more comfort as they are as soft as your underwear. These types of pads are environmentally friendly and also economical because they are reusable. And as long as they are washed well, they are sanitary.
Menstrual Cups: This is a soft, little cup that you wear inside you. To insert you fold, insert and rotate to open, it fits over your cervix and collects the blood. Then remove, clean and reinsert. These menstrual cups have become popular because of so many benefits. They are made from either medical grade silicone, natural gum rubber or Thermoplastic Elastomer. Although, their use seems complicated, many women find menstrual cups easier to use than tampons or pads because they are safer and more hygienic than tampons and so can be used longer. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, for light to heavy flow, overnight, during sports (including swimming, with nothing showing outside the body), and even before the period. There are no known health risks associated with menstrual cups. Many women also report greatly improved vaginal health, lessened flow and lessened cramps. Cups are environmentally friendly in how they are manufactured, cutting down waste and can even be recycled at the end of their life. Being reusable they are more economical than disposables.
A menstrual cup is cleaned and reused, with the cup able to last as long as 10 years. Menstrual cups have been shown to leak less on an average and are comfortable to wear.
Soft-Cups: These are a similar idea to menstrual cups, however they are disposable. Whereas menstrual cups are more bell-shaped, soft-cups are shaped more like a diaphragm so they sit higher up in the vagina. Like diaphragms, they can be used for mess-free sex during menstruation, although some people can feel soft-cups during sex and again, these are not a contraceptive device - many couples use these to help aid conception by keeping sperm close to the cervix. Soft-cups are liked by many women but just as many women dislike them as they can be difficult to insert, can leak and be a little messy. Soft-cups have similar benefits to menstrual cups in that they can be worn for up to 12 hours, for light to heavy flow, overnight, during sports (including swimming, with nothing showing outside the body), and even before the period.
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