SHARES
Globally 1.9 billion women of menstruating age, spend 65 days a year on average, dealing with menstrual blood flow. While it is something all women go through, yet none of us talk much about – unless we’re asking for a tampon or complaining of cramps. We even avoid saying we’re on our period.
In addition, a study found that many girls and women are not aware of new strategies and alternatives to female hygiene products in the market. So, here’s the lowdown on what is what in the menstrual hygiene market.
What Are Menstrual Cups, Tampons & Pads
Menstrual Cups
In the last few years, menstrual cups has emerged as an eco-friendly substitute for disposable pads and tampons. Unlike pads and tampons, these flexible silicone cup collects menstrual blood from within the vagina. Additionally, menstrual cups can last up to 10 years making them a cheaper alternative.
Although menstrual cups have slowly grown in popularity, many women and girls do not know they are an option. Also many others remain skeptical if they even work or are safe.
The first systematic review of the international use of menstrual cups should put some of that fear and reluctance to rest. According to the current literature, menstrual cups are cheaper, greener and just as safe and effective as other menstruation products.
Tampons
Tampons are very much like menstrual cups in the sense that users fit them inside the vagina. Placed properly, your vaginal muscles help hold them in place (without you even knowing!) and only. Additionally, tampons are tiny cotton plugs with a little string so you can easily pull them out.
Fret not as there are also reusable tampons! According to the blog Cloth Pads, three of the most common ways to DIY reusable tampons are by sewing, knitting, or crocheting the rolled-up material. It’s also good to remember that just because something is organic, doesn’t mean it’s 100 percent safe to use, nor does it mean it grants you immunity from potentially harmful side effects.
Strong as they are, vaginas are super fragile when it comes to bacteria. The issue with reusable tampons is that none are mass-produced by name brand companies. So it’s up in the air whether or not the products themselves are of high quality.
Pads
Women choose pads most frequently for maintaining menstrual hygiene, tampons are a close second. Pads and tampons are made with a combination of absorbent fibers, both natural and synthetic, including cotton and rayon. Generally, most pads are adhesive and rest on the inside of your underwear to absorb your flow.
No matter the volume of your flow, you should change pads at least every 3 to 4 hours to avoid odor from bacteria growth.
Additionally, if you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative there are cloth pads which can last a year or two. Plus you can make them at the comfort of your own home.
Different cultures view menstruation in different ways
Finally, I think it’s good reminder that while most of us consider this a norm, other women and young girls face discrimination from the very thing that makes us women.
All over the world, women and young girls who menstruate face ostracisation from basic activities, like eating certain foods or socialising. There is still cultural shame to menstruation. Unfortunately, because of this and a shortage of resources stop women from going to school and working every day.
by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
