Menstrual health has become the entire crux of one's menstrual journey and is equally important to be given heed to when it comes to a menstruator's life. There are several sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads made up of bamboo fiber and water hyacinth, cups, and more, that offer more ease and comfort to a menstruator.
This blog will help you learn about the different kinds of menstrual products out there and their applications for future use by any menstruator.
Disposable pads: Most pads have a sticky strip along the bottom. You peel off the paper strip that covers the adhesive and press the pad into the crotch of your underwear. If the pad has elastic, wrap these around the bottom of the crotch. To remove the pad, unstick it from your underwear and wrap it in toilet paper. Put it in the trash can or in the special disposal box that's found in most bathroom stalls. Don't try to flush a pad down the toilet because the toilet can become clogged and make a big mess.
Reusable pads. These pads are washed each time you wear them. They're sold in natural health stores and online. These kinds of pads snap or clip onto a girl's underwear. Girls might use these pads because they feel they're better for the environment or to save money. It's all a matter of personal preference.
Tampons: They absorb blood from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's compressed into a small tube. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies for heavier and lighter periods. Tampons can also come with or without deodorant. There's no need for deodorant in a tampon because changing tampons regularly usually gets rid of any odor. The deodorant in tampons can irritate the vagina and cause allergies.
Menstrual cup: Just Like a tampon, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina. Instead of absorbing blood, the cup catches it before it flows out of the vagina. Menstrual cups are made of flexible materials, like rubber or silicone. You can't see when the cup is full. So there's a need to empty it several times a day.
Menstrual Disc: The lesser-known product, the menstrual disc, is made up of plastic or silicone. This is also inserted into the vagina and rests on the base of the cervix. Like the menstrual cup, it can stay in for up to 12 hours and works by collecting blood in the disc, similar to the cup. However, it differs from the cup in that most menstrual discs are not reusable, so they are not as environmentally or cost-friendly.
Period Underwear: The latest buzz on the period scene is period underwear. They look like regular underwear, but they have a special absorbent layer that prevents leakage into the clothing, and as they are washable, they are one of the most sustainable options available. A good pair will prevent odors emitting and individual will feel. They are not the cheapest option, but they pay off when compared to years of spending on disposable pads or tampons. Some people experience leaks on particularly heavy flow days, so they sometimes pair them with another period product. However, this innovative item is evolving quickly.
Thereby, by switching to different products, one can decide the safest and most appropriate option available to them and stick to it.
A menstruator should have the liberty to choose what they feel comfortable in without having any second thoughts. Menstruation should always be an inclusive and personalized choice.
Written by Harshaali Jejurkar
Edited by Prahlad