I have few regrets in life, but this is one of them. It’s that I didn’t know there were natural period products until I was in my early 30’s. All those wasted years before I finally ditched the tampons. Tampons are not great for a number of reasons:
- They sometimes contain toxic chemicals in them from the manufacturing process, as well as the pesticides used to grow the cotton
- You can use organic tampons to reduce your exposure to toxins, but they come with an equal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome to regular tampons, and are also very expensive
- Tampons absorb fluid, rather than collecting it, leaving you with a very unnatural, dry vagina
- The string hanging out? Gross!
Keep on reading to find out how to have your period in a way that is more natural, minus all the toxic chemicals and risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. The good news is that these products are eco-friendly, better for our health, and cheaper over the medium to long-term.
Photo by Daria Litvinova on Unsplash
Eco-Friendly Option #1: Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are an excellent alternative to tampons. If you want to have a more natural period experience, they should be your first pick. Some of the more popular brands you may have heard of include the Diva Cup, Mooncup, and the Lunette Cup. They’re basically bell-shaped devices that are made from medical grade silicone. They have a number of advantages over tampons, including:
- Lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
- No toxins, like some of the leading tampon brands
- 3-4x higher capacity than a jumbo tampon
- Can be used for up to 12 hours
- Reusable for around 5 years
- They collect, rather than absorb fluid
- You can get to know the intricate details of your menstrual cycle
- It’s easy to know how much you’re bleeding, if your doctor (or you) need to know that information
The difficult thing can be finding the right one for your body type. There are so many different sizes and brands that it can be overwhelming. I recommend checking out this menstrual cup quiz to narrow down the choices first.
Eco-Friendly Option #2: Reusable Cloth Pads
Next up on the list of natural period products are reusable cloth menstrual pads. They’re similar to disposable pads, but they’re made from cloth, bamboo, charcoal and other natural materials. You can use them for 5-10 years as long as you care for them properly.
Where they differ from disposables is that they’re a more natural period product. They don’t contain toxic chemicals in them if you wash them first, or buy organic. If you find disposable pads irritating, try some cloth pads and I’m confident you’ll notice a big difference.
The main reason people don’t love cloth pads is that you have to clean them, instead of just throwing them into the trash. If you don’t care about staining, or you buy dark coloured ones, it’s very easy. Just toss them in your laundry hamper and wash them as normal. If you hang dry them, it’ll extend their life a little bit.
If you do care about staining, soak them in cold water after use and you’ll be good to go.
Some of the more affordable brands include the following: Wegreeco, LBB, Dutchess, Majestic Diva, and Morxy.
Wondering about disposable diapers vs cloth? Check this article out.
Eco-Friendly Option #3: Period Panties
The next natural period option on our list are period panties. You’ve probably heard of Thinx? They have a huge advertising budget and are all over social media.They’re very expensive, but the good news is that there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that work well.
You may consider using period panties as a backup to a menstrual cup or tampons, for light incontinence, or for vaginal discharge. They can last for years, making them an affordable alternative to disposable pads or pantyliners
Like cloth pads, period panties come without all the toxins in them as long as you wash them first, or go organic.
Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash
There are two kinds of period panties:
- Those with absorbent padding and leak proof layer
- Those with only a leak proof layer
Be sure that you know which kind you’re buying to avoid any disappointment. Either one could be fine, depending on your needs.
My personal favourite brand is Modibodi. They’re a bit cheaper than Thinx, but seem to be higher quality. Check out this review: Modibodi Period Panties.
Eco-Friendly Option #4: The Ziggy Cup
The Ziggy Cup is technically a menstrual cup, but only kind of. It’s a flat, flexible disc that fits right below your cervix, and is designed to collect menstrual fluid. It’s made from medical grade silicone, the same material as most menstrual cups.
The reason why you might consider the Ziggy Cup is because it’s perfect for period sex. Sure, the most natural period sex experience is using nothing at all! However, if you’re the type who wants to have some non-messy sex during your period, then opt for this natural period solution.
Traditional menstrual cups like the Diva Cup are not suitable for this because they sit low in the vaginal canal.
The best thing about it? It’s reusable for at least a few years, and makes a nice alternative to the disposable Soft Cup. People have been waiting years for a reusable version of the Soft Cup to come out!
Have your Say!
Are you all about the natural period products? Or, too much of a hassle. Leave a comment and let us know.
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