Many women are shocked to find that there are alternatives to store bought products that are gentler on tender body parts, kinder to the earth, and easy to use.

I present this information to you in the hopes that it will expose you to some of your other options. If your product is working for you, that is wonderful! If for some reason you are dissatisfied or interested to find out what else is out there, I hope that you will find this information useful. I have included links to help you in your search for more information, but do a Google search to find more options. (Note: I googled for photos and linked to the sites where I borrowed them from.)


Instead Menstrual Cup
The Instead® Softcup is made of non-porous plastic which is also non-latex, and hypo-allergenic. According to their website, the softcup can hold twice as much as a tampon, allowing women to go up to twice as long between changes. They can also be worn for use during sex (but this is not a contraceptive device).

The cup is folded in half (pinched in the middle of the pink ring) and inserted vaginally. It is held in place between the cul-de-sac behind the cervix, and the pubic bone. To insert, fold it in half and angle toward the floor as you slide the cup in behind your pubic bone. Cup will open and be held in place. If it does not stay in on its own, remove it and try again.  To remove, hook the rim with your middle finger and pull forward, keeping parallel to the floor to avoid spilling, until it slips forward and out. There is more information on their site.

These are not re-usable but many women will wash them in between with soap and water and re-insert to cut down on waste. Use your discretion! The cost for these is $6.99 for a box of 14.

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Organic/Chemical Free Tampons/Pads

Unlike conventional tampons and pads which are made with a variety of materials including paper, chemical gel, bleached cotton, and plastic, organic tampons and pads are usually not chemically bleached, and are made of organic materials.

These tampons and pads work the same way as commercial products, and have the same risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome. They come with applicators and without, and in a wide range of absorbencies. The big difference is that chemicals, bleach, dioxin and other chemicals are not being held within or against sensitive, porous body parts.



Links

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Cloth Pads

There are a variety of types of cloth pads. Some of them are all cloth, some have a layer of PUL (waterproof fabric commonly found on the covers of cloth diapers), and they come in a variety of shapes. Most have wings, some do not. Some have pockets, some have snap in layers, etc etc. Like cloth diapering, you really have to just try things and see what works for you.

Pads come in different lengths, absorbencies, fabrics, patterns... email the person from whom you are considering buying pads and ask them what they think would work best for you, if you don't want to spend the money on a guess. (Tip: most make a longer style pad whichi is great for us round mamas, or for any mama at night, and a shorter length one that is great for smaller sized mamas.) There are some truly beautiful pads, and it's a shame to bleed on something so lovely, but then again- it's such a luxury to have a nice, soft fleece or cotton (or whatever!) against your tender parts, instead of a rough, plasticy pad.

Many mothers who work at home making cloth diapers also make pads, look around and see what you can find!


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Keeper, Diva Cup, Mooncup

These cups are all shaped basically the same but made of different materials. All are held in place within your vagina using suction. To insert, you fold it in half so it is narrow, slide it in and it 'deploys', opening up. Give it a little twist and it stays in place and catch your flow.

The Keeper is made of latex rubber, the Diva Cup and Mooncup are made of silicone (non-latex) rubber. Each hold about 2oz of fluid.

The Keeper and Diva cup both come with a stem which you can trim down to your comfort level. Most sites advise not trimming the stem all the way off, but if you prefer no stem, simply pinch the base of the product as you pull it down, to hold it up right and to break the suction.


Links


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Sea sponges

These sea animals are used for a variety of things, from make-up to painting to catching menstrual blood, and who knows what else! The sponge is worn internally for several hours (how long depends on you and your cycle). When it is full, simply pull it out, rinse well and re-insert. Can be used for 6-8 cycles before it must be replaced. Here is more information about sea sponges for menstruation.


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