lizcharles

hello ladies,
i'm not sure if this is the right section to put this but hey, why not. all thoroughout university i was in an alternative women's health education group. we mainly did workshops on menstrual health and alternative menstrual products so i thought i would share my knowledge with you. there's so much more out there than pads and tampons and every woman should know whats available for her. also, i know many women here, when they do menstruate, have very heavy, long, painful periods. alot of these products can be a great help. so here is my ULTIMATE guide to alternative menstrual products. i'm happy to answer any questions you have. and for the record: i use the diva cup and LOVE it.

Biodegradable pads/tampons
What are they: exactly the same as conventional pads and tampons but with organic cotton and natural bleach.
How to use: exactly the same as conventional pads/tampons
Pros: easy, disposable, a great alternative to conventional pads/tampons, biodegradable, no dyes/bleach/perfume, pesticide free
Cons: still creating waste, more expensive than conventional pads/tampons, still risk of toxic shock syndrome with tampons
Where to find: alternative groceries, organic section of large grocery stores, health food stores, nature stores, online at http://www.natracare.com/index.htm

Sea sponges
What are they: sea sponges are an actual creature that grows in the ocean. They are boiled and cut into tampon like shapes. Some women also tie a nylon string in their sponge for easy removal.
How to use: sea sponges are cut to size, boiled to disinfect, and then inserted like tampons. They can be washed/sterilized between uses and last 3-6 cycles.
Pros: comfortable, you can have sex while wearing one, same as using an applicator free tampon, no dyes/scents/bleach, sustainable harvested, economical at around $20 a year, or cheaper if you cut your own from a larger sea sponge (found at art supply stores or cosmetic stores.)
Cons: some people feel uncomfortable using a sea animal for their menstrual protection. Also with pollution in the oceans its uncertain what is exactly IN the sponges. They are also difficult to find and there is some upkeep with sterilization.
Where to find: http://www.jadeanpearl.com, art supply stores (ask for natural sea sponges. Cut and sterilize yourself)

Reusable pads
What are they: washable pads, usually made from cotton, with snaps or Velcro
How to use: use as you would regular pads. Soak in cold water and then machine wash and dry.
Pros: reusable, no bleach/dye/perfume, can be homemade for free or jazzier ones purchased, comfortable, various sizes/degrees of absorbency available
Cons: not as absorbent as conventional pads, some upkeep
Where to find: http://www.gladrags.com/, http://www.lunapads.com, a do it yourself pattern is available at http://www.bloodsisters.org/bloodsisters/pads.html, also available at most environmental shops or women centered sex shops.

Instead Softcups
What are they: a flexible cup that sits under the cervix, similar to a diaphragm
How to use: insert as you would a diaphragm so it sits just below the cervix. It collects blood. Remove and dispose.
Pros: you can have sex while wearing the instead, doesn’t absorb any of the natural vaginal discharge, you can’t feel them, they say they are one use only but many women use one for their entire cycle and wash out between reinserting, can be worn for 12 hours at a time.
Cons: creating garbage, steep learning curve, expensive
Where to find: buy online or find where they are sold near you at http://www.softcup.com/index.php


Menstrual Cups (the keeper, diva cup, lunette, moon cup etc)
What are they: a silicone or natural gum rubber cup that is inserted into the vaginal and collects blood
How to use: wet the cup, fold in half and insert as you would an applicator free tampon. Turn ¼ to make sure a seal is in place. The cup has a “stem” that makes it easy to remove, break the seal, and pull, dumping blood into the toilet. Wash out and reinsert. Disinfect between cycles.
Pros: environmentally friendly, lasts 10 year or more, 2 sizes for before and after childbirth, comfortable, some women report decrease in cramps while wearing it, will hold clots, brands made from silicone can be boiled to sterilize, stems can be cut shorter for a more comfortable fit, doesn’t interfere with natural vaginal lubrication, no risk of toxic shock, can be worn up to 12 hours. 1 year money back trial, comes with a discreet carrying bag, rubber varieties are biodegradable
Cons: steep learning curve, gum rubber varieties are not suitable for people with latex allergies, large initial cost ($40+) but given that it lasts 10+ years it works out to be MUCH more economical. Requires a small amount of care (disinfecting etc.)
Where to find:www.thekeeper.com/, www.divacup.com/, www.mooncup.co.uk/, http://www.lunette.fi/english_index.htmlthe keeper is American and made of rubber, the diva cup is Canadian, the moon cup is from the UK and lunette is from Findland. They are all silicone. All are slightly different designs so take a look and see which is most appealing to you. Otherwise they are available at most environmental shops and women friendly sex shops.

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