Guys, before you run away from this post, know that this has a lot to do with you, too. If your girlfriend, sister, wife, or daughter mention using the following methods, try to learn about it too. Willingness to learn and to be comfortable with it will reflect your maturity about the subject.
Note: I've mentioned a brief summary about this in a previous post, but I believe it deserves more attention.
THE PROBLEM
Take a moment to count the number of disposable pads and tampons you use in one cycle. Or you can make an estimate by remembering how often you buy a box. With an estimate, multiply that by the number of times you menstruate in one year. Then multiply that by the difference between the age your mother hit menopause and your age right now.
Example: Let's say you have a very light period and you only use 10 pads/tampons per month. Let's say you have an average cycle of 28 days, so you menstruate approximately 13 times a year. I'm going to pretend that I'm 30 years young, and have about 20 years before I hit menopause.
10x13x20=2,600 pads/tampons in the next 20 years
This is a very, very conservative number. Now let's take a look at a girl who just began menstruating (age 13), has a regular period, a regular cycle, and her mother hit menopause at age 53.
20x13x40=10,400 pads/tampons in her lifetime
That's a lot of trash that goes into garbage dumps. Moreover, most disposable pads/tampons are bleached, and are actually not that sanitary. This article wonderfully explains some dangerous ingredients that these disposable products contain. So how do we change this?
THE SOLUTION
Reusable products, of course. :)
Now bear with me, this may seem weird, but I promise promise promise you, you can find one that you like.
1. Menstrual cups. These stay inside of you like a tampon, but they don't suck all the good stuff out. Instead, they collect fluid, and you empty it.
2. Cloth pads. These are exactly what they sound like, except they are often made with really cute patterns and you'll actually like getting them out every month.
THE SOLUTION
Reusable products, of course. :)
Now bear with me, this may seem weird, but I promise promise promise you, you can find one that you like.
1. Menstrual cups. These stay inside of you like a tampon, but they don't suck all the good stuff out. Instead, they collect fluid, and you empty it.
PROS:
not harmful (made of medical-grade silicone)
space-efficient (it's small, so you can store it anywhere)
you can wear it up to 12 hours
you can use it for years (I've had mine for 5 and it's still going strong)
virtually leak-free
CONS:
it takes a couple of months to learn how to use it
BRANDS (click for website):
FAQs
Isn't it gross? Nope. It's actually not.
Does it fit? This is the most common question I hear. I understand why you ask, because I used to ask the same thing before I mustered up the courage to just try it. Here's the down-low. Your body can push a baby out of it. So yes, it fits. Also, it really isn't that big. Approximately 2 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter, depending on the brand. Rest assured that menstrual cups are flexible, soft, and sturdy.
Does it leak? If you insert it correctly, no. You can walk, drive, hike, and ride a bike normally and notice it much less than a tampon.
But... but... how do I do it?! It does take a bit of learning, but there's an online community that can answer personal questions for you. Don't let all the questions scare you. There are a lot of women who are eager to share their advice, and there are YouTube videos that explain further, such as this one (don't worry, a wine glass is used for the example). And there are instructions in the box. :)
But... but... how do I do it?! It does take a bit of learning, but there's an online community that can answer personal questions for you. Don't let all the questions scare you. There are a lot of women who are eager to share their advice, and there are YouTube videos that explain further, such as this one (don't worry, a wine glass is used for the example). And there are instructions in the box. :)
PROS:
non-invasive
easy cleaning (throw them in the wash at the end of your period)
last for as long as you take good care of them (>5 years)
thinner than disposables (yay for not feeling like you're wearing a diaper!)
soft, comfy fabrics (cotton, silk, fleece, hemp, flannel)
they really are super cute
they really are super cute
CONS:
extra laundry
BRANDS (also use as resources):
Sckoon
Cloth pads get so pretty I can stare at them for hours. But that's kinda weird so I won't. Also, try Etsy for tons more. You can even make your own :)
In sum, cups and cloth pads are eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and body-friendly! There are so many to choose from, it's ridiculous. In the best way. *tear* Please excuse me while I go frolic because I just discovered so many new brands. For more information on reusable products visit this website.
TL;DR: All the cool kids are using menstrual cups and cloth pads. What are you waiting for?
TL;DR: All the cool kids are using menstrual cups and cloth pads. What are you waiting for?
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