Disposable Menstrual Product Alternatives

Have you decided to make the switch? If so, here are some options:

• Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pad

"Generally they are made from layers of absorbent fabrics (such as cotton or hemp) which are worn by a woman while she is menstruating...or to protect one's underwear from regular discharge. After use, they are washed, dried and then reused."

• Reusable Menstrual Cup

 "A menstrual cup is a flexible cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Menstrual cups are usually made from medical grade silicone. Manufacturers have different recommendations for when to replace the cups, but in general they can be reused for years. Disposable menstrual cups are also available - these work in the same way as a regular menstrual cup except they are disposed of after every use or (for some brands) after every cycle."

• Reusable Tampon

"A Reusable Tampon, used like a regular disposable tampon, but washed and reused. As the rayon in commercial disposable tampons is one of the factors in TSS, cotton tampons (disposable or reusable) are a safer option."

• Reusable Sea Sponge

"These are a naturally occurring sea sponge that are used in the vagina to absorb the flow, much like a tampon. They are moistened for use, allowing them to be comfortably inserted. They are washed and reused, and can be boiled in a pot of water or submerged in sterilizing solution if desired. The sponge tampons aren't as long term reusable as other options, as the sponge naturally degrades over time, but they can be easier to use than a Menstrual Cup and are a cheaper option."

•  Interlabial Pad

"An Interlabial Pad is basically a tampon worn externally in the labia, rather than internally. These cannot be worn while swimming, but can offer a step between an internal product or a pad for those who don't want to use an internal product."

*Quotes taken from various online sources.