Know Your Clean Period Options.

Ladies, have you ever stopped to think about the toxins that you are putting down there? Or, have ever considered the amount of waste produced by a single woman in her lifetime due to single-use disposable feminine hygiene products? The numbers might shock you. The average woman can use anywhere between 12,000 and 16,000 disposable pads, tampons, and liners in her lifetime! Now, multiply that amount by the number of women on this planet. Woah, right!? Luckily, there has been an increase in environmentally-friendly period management solutions that both reduce waste and reduce the introduction of toxins to your sensitive areas. Check out these sustainable options and consider making a switch!

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are an internal device that collects menstrual flow when placed at the vaginal fornix. The device can hold up to 76 ml of fluid. To put that into perspective, women typically produce 30-50 ml of menstrual blood in a month. Some woman enjoy the menstrual disc because it has a wider area of coverage, maintains your vaginal flora,  and you can safely have sex while the disc is in place. In addition, the device can be reused for YEARS, thus reducing waste in the environment and reducing toxins in your environment.

Pic by Softdisc

Menstrual Cups

Similar to the menstrual disc, a menstrual cup in an internal device that collects menstrual flow. However, the menstrual cup utilizes suction to stay in place within the vaginal canal. While menstrual cups vary in size and volume, many of the cups can be worn for 8-12 hours. Menstrual cup user claim that they are comfortable, great for sports, as well as great for traveling. In addition, once you get past the learning curve, it is super reliable for period management. The cups have a lifespan of years and they don’t absorb your natural moisture, making the cups a win for both your and the world’s environment!

Menstrual Underwear

Yes, this is a thing! Imagine not having to worry about product placement because your underwear is catching everything for you! Companies like Thinx have created leak-proof menstrual underwear as an external and more sustainable period solution to disposable products. Some of the underwear can hold up to 2 regular tampon’s worth of blood.

Pic by Thinx

Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are another great choice for women who are looking for external management options. Cloth pads are more gentle on your vaginal region because they lack many of the harmful ingredients of disposable pads. Say goodbye to irritating materials such as fragrances, plastic, adhesives, and chemical gels! Users mention that the use of cloth pads has increased body positivity and their relationship with their period. Just use rubber gloves when cleaning if you are squeamish!

Organic Tampons

Currently, tampons are the most used period product in the United States. However, manufacturers are not required to put all of the ingredients on the box. Tampons include the use of cotton and synthetic materials. Why is this a problem? Non-organic cotton is often sprayed with pesticides and synthetic fiber stick more readily to your vaginal wall creating the opportunity for bacteria to breed. Many of us readily put this material IN OUR VAGINAS. However, the advantage of using organic tampons is that they contain organic cotton that does not include the synthetic rayon blend. While still waste producing, organic cotton biodegrade more quickly than regular tampons and they are manufactured in a way that does not hurt the environment with chemical run-off.

Bottom-line:

Reusable period products are not only good for the environment, but they are also great for reducing the number of toxins that your most sensitive area is exposed to monthly. No matter what you choose, starting conversations about a subject that impacts half the population is important for spreading the message of body positivity and health.