By Sarah Malley, Section Editor, Emerson College
OK, here’s the thing – what’s wrong with tampons depends on if you ask tampon companies or super crunchy hippies. But nearly everyone (ok, not tampon companies) agrees that a product that can give you Toxic Shock Syndrome (the symptoms of which include skin peeling off, fevers in excess of 102º, and kidney /liver failure, among others) isn’t really the best. There are a lot of theories; the most popular is that sticking a dry wad of particularly absorbent cotton in your vagina tends to disrupt its natural balance and pH level. This creates an environment where the bacteria that cause TSS can thrive. It’s true that there are safe ways to use tampons; most tampon boxes themselves recommend that you change your tampon something like every 6 hours, and that you only use the smallest size you need to contain your flow. There’s also the environment to think about. It turns out tampons and disposable pads aren’t really that great for the environment – according to Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation, the average menstruating person will throw away 300 pounds of “feminine hygiene products” (can we get rid of that phrase too, while we’re talking about periods?) in their lifetime. They’re not great for the plumbing, either. And finally there’s the issue of money. Pads and tampons are expensive – maybe not when you’re buying one box, but paying for them over a lifetime can cost upwards of $3500.
But for me, it was none of those things that pushed me over the edge. For me, it was – are you guys ready for this? – it was the itching. Disposable pads and tampons made me itch like crazy. Turns out I’m allergic to some of the chemicals that they put in pads and tampons – the life I live is glamorous as hell.
So I went on the Internet to see if there was anything else I could find. Here are some alternatives I came across (and subsequently started using!) in my research:
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups changed my life. That’s not even a joke – I should be a testimonial up on some website. They made my life so much easier and so much more comfortable. And I really did, however crunchy it sounds, feel much more in tune with myself once I ditched the tampons for menstrual cups.
When it comes to cups, you really have two options – disposable or reusable. The most popular of each are Softcups and the Diva Cup, respectively, though they are certainly not the only brands on the market. These products work by catching and holding your flow, rather than absorbing it (as pads and tampons do). Using menstrual cups sounded daunting at first (I can put an entire cup in there????), but actually turned out to be easy and convenient! Here’s how the two types compare.
Reusable cups (Diva Cup, Mooncup, Keeper, etc.)
OK, here’s the thing – what’s wrong with tampons depends on if you ask tampon companies or super crunchy hippies. But nearly everyone (ok, not tampon companies) agrees that a product that can give you Toxic Shock Syndrome (the symptoms of which include skin peeling off, fevers in excess of 102º, and kidney /liver failure, among others) isn’t really the best. There are a lot of theories; the most popular is that sticking a dry wad of particularly absorbent cotton in your vagina tends to disrupt its natural balance and pH level. This creates an environment where the bacteria that cause TSS can thrive. It’s true that there are safe ways to use tampons; most tampon boxes themselves recommend that you change your tampon something like every 6 hours, and that you only use the smallest size you need to contain your flow. There’s also the environment to think about. It turns out tampons and disposable pads aren’t really that great for the environment – according to Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation, the average menstruating person will throw away 300 pounds of “feminine hygiene products” (can we get rid of that phrase too, while we’re talking about periods?) in their lifetime. They’re not great for the plumbing, either. And finally there’s the issue of money. Pads and tampons are expensive – maybe not when you’re buying one box, but paying for them over a lifetime can cost upwards of $3500.
But for me, it was none of those things that pushed me over the edge. For me, it was – are you guys ready for this? – it was the itching. Disposable pads and tampons made me itch like crazy. Turns out I’m allergic to some of the chemicals that they put in pads and tampons – the life I live is glamorous as hell.
So I went on the Internet to see if there was anything else I could find. Here are some alternatives I came across (and subsequently started using!) in my research:
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups changed my life. That’s not even a joke – I should be a testimonial up on some website. They made my life so much easier and so much more comfortable. And I really did, however crunchy it sounds, feel much more in tune with myself once I ditched the tampons for menstrual cups.
When it comes to cups, you really have two options – disposable or reusable. The most popular of each are Softcups and the Diva Cup, respectively, though they are certainly not the only brands on the market. These products work by catching and holding your flow, rather than absorbing it (as pads and tampons do). Using menstrual cups sounded daunting at first (I can put an entire cup in there????), but actually turned out to be easy and convenient! Here’s how the two types compare.
Reusable cups (Diva Cup, Mooncup, Keeper, etc.)
- How to use: Once you insert the cup, you can leave it in for up to 12 hours, then take it out, rinse it out, and put it back in. When you’re done with your period, you can boil it, then store it in the drawstring bag that comes with it.
- What it’s made of: Healthcare-grade silicone
- Pros: There is no risk of TSS; you can usually wear one with an IUD (ask your doctor first!); safe to wear during swimming and sports; great for the environment; one cup can last years (so it’s cost-efficient); don’t affect the pH level of the vagina; cheaper than pads and tampons in the long run; comes in two different sizes so each person can find their best fit
- Cons: Some people find washing the cup and storing it between periods a hassle; some people find that there is a learning curve when first using reusable cups
- Cost: $35-40 (including storage pouch)
- Where to buy: Lunapads.com, Mooncup.com, Keeper.com
Disposable cups (Softcups)
- How to use: Insert it, leave it in for up to 12 hours, take it out and throw it away, and insert a new one.
- What it’s made of: The Softcup is made of “inert, hypoallergenic, non-absorbent, non-irritating polymeric material,” according to its website, the same kinds that are used in healthcare products such as pacifiers and catheters.
- Pros: Because the Softcup sits higher up in the body, directly underneath the cervix, it is safe to have (mess-free!) sex while wearing one; can be worn while swimming or playing sports; no risk of TSS; doesn’t affect the pH level in the vagina
- Cons: Cannot wear with an IUD, contribute to landfills
- Price: About $6-10/box of 14, depending on the store
- Where to buy: Most drugstore chains (such as CVS, Walgreens, etc.); Amazon.com; Drugstore.com. You can check their website (Softcups.com) for an entire list of locations where Softcups are sold.
Additionally, you can purchase reusable Softcups – a kind of hybrid of disposable and reusable cups. You use one cup for one whole cycle (rinse it out at least every 12 hours), and throw it away when your period ends. Those are easier to find online than in stores.
Reusable Pads
I’ll be the first to admit it – the first time I heard of these, I must have said “ew” about a million times. But then I did more research, because it seemed like my options were either give these a go, or be mega itchy whenever I decided I didn’t want to wear a Softcup. And so I ordered a starter pack from Lunapads.com. (There are many other brands out there – Glad Rags, EcoMenses, and New Moon Pads, just to name a few. Honestly, I just chose Lunapads because Bitch Magazine had a 10% off coupon for them.) Explaining to my mom what I just charged to her credit card was almost enough to make me skip the purchase – but all I could think about was how uncomfortable my periods had been, and how that wasn’t fair to me. So I told my mom, suffered through the inquisition (“What??? Why?!”), and waited for my package to arrive.
Reusable Pads
I’ll be the first to admit it – the first time I heard of these, I must have said “ew” about a million times. But then I did more research, because it seemed like my options were either give these a go, or be mega itchy whenever I decided I didn’t want to wear a Softcup. And so I ordered a starter pack from Lunapads.com. (There are many other brands out there – Glad Rags, EcoMenses, and New Moon Pads, just to name a few. Honestly, I just chose Lunapads because Bitch Magazine had a 10% off coupon for them.) Explaining to my mom what I just charged to her credit card was almost enough to make me skip the purchase – but all I could think about was how uncomfortable my periods had been, and how that wasn’t fair to me. So I told my mom, suffered through the inquisition (“What??? Why?!”), and waited for my package to arrive.
- How to use: Each pad comes with inserts, which you can use to increase absorbency. There are different sizes and shapes of inserts depending on your flow. If you have a light flow, you can change liners every few hours without changing the pads (but I always change the pad just to be safe!) What I do with mine is rinse them in cold water, spray them with some stain remover, and throw them in the wash. I’ve never had a problem with staining, and they’re still holding up like new even after a year of use.
- What they’re made of: Lunapads are made of cotton fleece (for a few dollars more, you can get organic cotton). Gladrags are made of terry cloth and cotton flannel. Others are usually made out of cotton or cotton flannel as well.
- Pros: Soooo comfortable; hypoallergenic; no adhesive (which I am also allergic to!) fun patterns (my period is so much more fun when I get to bleed onto bicycles); good for the environment; each pad can last for years if cared for correctly
- Cons: Have to be washed between uses, which many find a hassle; can be mad diff to use discretely at college; can be pricy, though this cost is usually less than those of disposable pads in the long run!
- Cost: Varies widely. A starter kit from Lunapads costs $77.94, and includes two mini pads with four inserts, and two maxi pads with four inserts. A similar kit (but with two laundry bags) from Gladrags will run you about $95.
- Where to buy: Lunapads.com, Gladrags.com, Ecomenses.com, etc.
There are also 100% cotton and/or organic disposables (aka pads and tampons) you can switch to as well. You can find those at places like Whole Foods.
I don’t want to discourage anyone from using disposable pads and tampons – if that’s your thing, then go for it! But I wish I had found out about alternative menstrual products earlier than I did – they could have saved me a lot of discomfort. And a lot of itching.
PS: About the ick factor – remember that moldy tampon that was all over the Internet a little while ago? Washing my Lunapads is way less gross than that.
Images: labottegadellaluna.it/moon_c.html, softcup.com, urbanherbwifery.wordpress.com
I don’t want to discourage anyone from using disposable pads and tampons – if that’s your thing, then go for it! But I wish I had found out about alternative menstrual products earlier than I did – they could have saved me a lot of discomfort. And a lot of itching.
PS: About the ick factor – remember that moldy tampon that was all over the Internet a little while ago? Washing my Lunapads is way less gross than that.
Images: labottegadellaluna.it/moon_c.html, softcup.com, urbanherbwifery.wordpress.com