Reusable menstrual products? Gross.
I'm sure that's what you're thinking right now. It's really not as disgusting as you might think, though.
Because this is such a personal topic, I'll try to keep it professional. I will simply go over a couple of your reusable product options and list the pros and cons of each, as well as some tips for using them. If you're still uncomfortable, feel free to skip out on this post. I promise I won't be offended. In fact, I won't even know.
If you're still here, you're probably interested in learning more, which is a good thing. Disposable pads and tampons are not good for us or for the environment. I'm sure you can guess why they're bad for the environment. But did you know that they contain chemicals that are not at all good to use in such a sensitive area? Not only do they potentially contain "fragrances", which some of us may react to, but also other chemicals that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin.
If you experience skin (or other types of) sensitivities around that "time of the month", you might benefit from switching to reusable feminine products.
Menstrual cup
Until recently, I had never even heard of a menstrual cup. There are many different brands of cups, which are made of soft silicone. They are sort of a replacement for tampons, and are actually safer because they don't contain harmful chemicals. Plus, they catch your flow, rather than absorbing it, eliminating the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using them, though. You definitely need to be comfortable with inserting it, which can take a while to get used to. In fact, even after a few months, I still haven't actually been able to use it for a full day.
I chose the Sckoon cup because it seemed to have the best reviews as far as comfort and not being able to feel it. They cost around $36, which isn't cheap, but it can be used for several years. You have two sizes to choose from: the smaller one is for women who haven't had a vaginal birth, and the other is slightly larger for women who have already given birth vaginally.
How to use a menstrual cup
Before using your cup, you will want to boil it for five minutes to sanitize it. Don't boil it for any longer, though. Mine came with a cloth bag for when I'm not using it.
To use, you will need to fold the cup in half with clean hands, then fold it in half again. Then insert, guiding the cup toward the small of your back. Once it is in position, you can gently twist it to make sure it opens up properly. For more detailed instructions, visit the Sckoon website.
It can be tricky to figure out because you have to keep the cup from opening before it is in place.
Menstrual cups can safely be used for up to 12 hours at a time, although you may need to empty it more frequently. Simply remove, pressing on the bottom of the cup to break the seal, and empty the contents into the toilet. Rinse your cup with hot water before re-inserting. After each cycle, it is a good idea to boil your menstrual cup in water for a few minutes and let it air dry.
Many people have had great success with the menstrual cup. And even though I haven't quite gotten used to it yet, I will definitely give the cup a try again sometime in the future.
Order yours here: SckoonCup UK
Cloth pads
I love using cloth pads, and I can't see myself ever going back to disposables. They are much more comfortable, and they don't contain irritating chemicals. Sure, it's a little more work having to wash them and try to keep them out of sight, where someone might accidentally stumble upon the stained pads. But it's totally worth it. Even though they cost a nice chunk of money initially, they will last many years and save you cash in the long run. Plus, they come in cute patterns (who cares if you're the only one who will see them?!).
Again, I decided to order from Sckoon because they use organic cotton and they seem to be made to last a long time. If you're really ambitious, you could probably make your own cloth pads for super cheap, but that seems like way too much work to me.
At first, I only ordered three pads just to see if I liked them. Then I ordered five more, and eight seems to be the perfect number for me. They come in mini, day, and night sizes, but all mine are the day size, which has worked out well.
How to use cloth pads
To use, simply set the pad on your underwear, and snap the flaps together underneath. The patterned side will be touching your underwear, with the white insert facing up (naturally, you will want to wash the inserts a couple times before the first use). I have found that I can wear a cloth pad longer than a disposable one, because as long as you aren't bleeding heavily through the layers, you can re-fold the insert once or twice before changing to a new pad. This is very handy when you're not in the comfort of your own home. Bonus: They don't make that awkward crinkling noise when you're re-folding or changing them.
After I am done using a cloth pad, I like to rinse the insert (and the pad, if needed) with cold water in the sink. Then I will place it in a bucket of cold water and cover it with a lid while it soaks. I wash all the pads after each cycle.
Order yours here: Sckoon Organic Reusable Cloth Pads
Built-in panty liners
When I placed my order for the cloth pads and menstrual cup, I decided to try Sckoon's underwear with built-in panty liners for light days. They work great, but it's probably unnecessary to spend money on new underwear that are just going to get stained - you might as well save a few pairs of old underwear for this purpose.
These are a little tight around the waist, and a little too high, as well. They do the job, but personally, I would suggest saving your money.
~ ~ ~
**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.
Your challenge: This week, think about greening your period and making the switch to reusable feminine products.
______________________________________________________
**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during
which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to
lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**
No comments:
Post a Comment