The Best Period Products for Yourself, and the Environment

Conventional disposable pads and tampons have not been around for that long, and while they were once something to marvel over, women are already in search of more eco, and budget-friendly alternatives. Disposable pads and tampons are often made from synthetic materials and chemicals designed to make the products extra absorbent, and order- neutralizing. A good rule of thumb is to not use products on the most sensitive areas of your body that you wouldn’t want to ingest. Additionally, when disposed of, these products take hundreds of years to break down, and often times end up in the ocean, which can be detrimental to marine life.

Many people are only taught about two options: pads, and tampons. No one really goes over the problems associated with either product, aside from Toxic Shock Syndrome. Making the switch from conventional products to eco-friendly, health-friendly alternatives can be a difficult transition but your body, the environment, and your wallet will thank you for it in the long run. This article goes over some of the most popular alternatives to conventional pads and tampons, and which products we think are the best overall for the environment and your health. 

Recommended: How to Eliminate IBS, IBD, Leaky Gut 

Note: None of the links within this article are promotional links. This article is not in any way an advertisement.

100% Organic Cotton Tampons

100% cotton tampons are probably our least favorite option. Just because the tampons are organic doesn’t mean they’re good for you. One thing that is important to remember, putting anything inside your vaginal canal that’s not meant to be there can cause health problems, especially when your body is trying to expel waste. Tampons work by absorbing the blood, which can allow for the body to reabsorb some of the toxins from the body’s expelled waste. A menstrual cup or disc that just sits inside your body and collects blood does not have these issues. As is the case with regular tampons, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a concern. It’s no wonder tampons have also been shown to worsen cramps.

Organic cotton tampons are better for you than regular tampons but we encourage you to explore other options. In addition to the health risks associated with tampons, they are disposable, single-use items, so they’re wasteful even when they’re made right.

Like organic cotton pads, cotton tampons are more expensive than regular ones. You can pretty easily find Organic Cotton tampons at most grocery stores, drug stores, and health-food stores. Despite the convenience of picking them up while grocery shopping, buying online can help ensure that your money goes to independent, small businesses. 

100% Organic Cotton Disposable Pads

Chlorine-free, organic pads have the same environmental upsides as organic tampons but are also better for your health. Buying organic pads, (and tampons) may be the simplest way to make a difference in your carbon footprint and health without much of a noticeable change. Of course, with anything disposable, the downside is that you will have to continue to buy these as long as you’re using them, and 100% cotton pads are more expensive than the conventional, petroleum and chemical-based products.

Of course, you are still generating waste, but without the added plastics and chemicals, these pads will break down much faster and cleaner than their conventional counterpart. If you have the means, we encourage you to explore more eco-friendly alternatives, as there are many options out there (keep reading), but 100% cotton organic pads can be a step in the right direction. You can usually find organic cotton pads at drug stores or grocery stores, or health food stores. 

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups aren’t the best for your health, but they are much better for the environment than disposable products and they’re a healthier option compared to tampons, organic, or not. Menstrual cups are typically made from medical grade silicone, and sit inside the vagina. You can leave them in for 12 hours at a time, making them convenient for long periods of time, and overnight (emptying more frequently is better for health). Along with long wear time, you can keep your menstrual cup and reuse it for more than 10 years, making them much more cost-effective than disposable period products. Just take it out, empty it, and clean thoroughly before the next use. The downside, this can be a little difficult in public spaces.

With menstrual cups, as is the case with regular tampons, inserting something inside your body that isn’t meant to be there, and/or restricting flow in any way, isn’t great for your body’s ability to expel toxins. Additionally, even the small menstrual cups can be uncomfortable to use, especially for those who have never had a child, or those who have never had vaginal intercourse.

Many women feel that the menstrual cup is convenient and it’s much better for you than a regular tampon made with synthetic materials that can cause irritation. The Saalt Cup is very highly rated and one of the best options as it is organic, and the company that produces them is a certified B-corp. 

regular blue menstrual cup
The Saalt Cup is a reusable soft silicone cup worn internally like a tampon, but collects—rather than absorbs—your period.
Recommended: How to Eliminate IBS, IBD, Leaky Gut 

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups in practice, but there are a few differences. For starters, as the name suggests, menstrual discs are shaped like a disc as opposed to a cup. Additionally, they sit higher in the body, closer to the cervix than tampons or menstrual cups, this can take a bit of getting used to if you’re not familiar with that part of your body. Menstrual discs are not as bad as tampons but not as good as menstrual cups because of how far up they sit in the body. Lastly, most menstrual discs are typically disposable. Menstrual discs are better than tampons for the environment because they are good for up to 12 hours of use depending on your flow (much longer than tampons).

One of the most popular pros of menstrual discs is that they are one the best ways to have mess-free period sex, so if that’s something you’re looking for, menstrual discs might be a good option. While some people have said the discs can move a little bit during sex, resulting in leakage, most people don’t have issues. One of the most popular brands of Menstrual discs, the Flex Disc, is made from medical-grade polymer and is free of BPA’s and latex, while also being hypoallergenic.

If you want to go the reusable route checkout The Ziggy Cup which is more of a disk than a cup; it’s bowl-shaped. It is one the most highly rated reusable menstrual discs on the market, made out of medical-grade silicone. They also offer various cups and other feminine products.

Ziggy Cup – The One You Can Have Sex With

Reuseable Pads

Reuseable pads are one of the best options for your health and the environment. Typically they’re made from 100% cotton and you simply soak them in cold water then wash them in the washing machine when you’re done. While more expensive initially, they will save you money in the long run, as is the case with all reusable products. Some women have said that they can shift around more than regular pads, but with no adhesive strip there’s no concern about getting pubic hair stuck to the pad, which is definitely a plus. Having to change a reusable pad anywhere other than home can be a bit of a hassle, but in my opinion, this problem is well worth the inconvenience for the environment’s sake, just bring a bag with you to stick your used pad in. Many women say that reusable pads are more comfortable than regular ones. Without the synthetic materials and chemicals in regular pads, there’s less irritation and less chaffing. We like these New Moon Pads but you can also make your own.

New Moon Pads

Period Underwear

Period underwear is pretty much what it sounds like: underwear that absorbs your flow without any other products. Along with reusable pads, they are one of the best options for the environment (although not as good as 100% cotton reusable pads, as many types of period underwear have synthetic materials). Period underwear does not feel like an adult diaper; they look and feel like regular underwear. In fact, you’ll probably feel even less like you’re in a diaper than when you wear a regular pad. They’re typically made with an extra layer of fabric designed to be extra absorbent. The problem is these might not work all day for you if you have a heavy flow.

They make a couple of different kinds, some designed for overnight, and some with inserts that go inside the underwear similar to reusable pads. Typically one pair of period underwear is designed to be as absorbent as 2 tampons. Since these are reusable they are one of the more environmentally friendly options, and if you’re not combining them with a tampon, then these have no health drawbacks. There are lots of different kinds out there, so check out this article by Good House Keeping to get an idea of which brand might be best for you. 

Sea Sponges 

This one surprised me. I had never heard of Sea Sponges being used for menstrual products until I did the research for this article. Turns out, they’re very popular and have been used for years. Supposedly, Cleopatra was a fan.

Sea sponges are used like tampons; just insert them inside the vaginal canal until you’re unable to feel it, and then pull it out when you’re done, generally after 6-8 hours, or when it gets full. When it’s full rinse it with warm water and then ring it out to dry. They’re super absorbent, soft and comfortable, easy to use, and reusable. You can also trim them down to whatever size works for you. Sea sponges are fragile, so handle with care.

You can find sea sponges with strings sewn in for convenience, and they last between 3-6 months. Sea sponges are compostable so you can throw them in your compost bucket at the end of their life, and when done correctly Sea Sponges regenerate after being picked, making them one of the best options for the environment. Again, at OLM, we recommend using products that don’t go inside your body over products that do go in your body, for health reasons, but we do love that these are all-natural and have been time-tested. It’s recommended that you clean your Sea Sponge in warm water (not boiling, as it can damage the sponge).

Since the Sea Sponge is a natural product it can contain sand and other ocean particles when you get it. There has not been a lot of scientific research conducted about the health risks of using sea sponges, but they’ve been used by women for centuries. If you’re looking for a product that isn’t a pad, that goes inside your body, this sounds like a good alternative for your health and for the health of the environment. Jade and Pearl is a small business in Florida that sells ethically sourced sea sponges and other eco-friendly menstrual products. 

So what option is best? 

Choosing the best product for you will depend on your budget and your needs. For convenience, overall health, and the environment, I’m partial to reusable pads. If you’re looking for something insertable, I hope you’ll try the sea sponge for sake of the environment and your health, or any of the reusable products listed if you’re more concerned about the environment than your health. Personally, I don’t recommend anything disposable long term, but merely as a transitional tool from your conventional products to something more sustainable.

If you have a heavy flow (along with overwhelming cramping and mood swings) we recommend fixing your hormonal system by checking out our article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones.

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Menstrual Cups Could Save Your Life – Here’s What You Should Know

At first glance, the use of menstrual cups may appear to be the sort of radical hippie ritual that induces a sense of compromised hygiene and sound logic. Common sense would dictate that only the most dedicated and possibly unhinged earth mother would opt for such an unconventional method of dealing with menstruation. Indeed, the notion may be a deeply foreign and unappealing option when weighed against the familiar glint of modern sanitary products. However, upon closer inspection, and considered with an open mind, the numerous benefits of using of menstrual cups far exceed customary options.

What are They and How do They Work?

Measuring approximately 2 inches long, with a capacity of 30ml, these soft silicone cups collect your flow as opposed to absorbing it. Inserted vaginally, they effectively replace the need for conventional tampons or pads. By forming a gentle seal against the vaginal walls, the cup can be worn comfortably for extended periods without odor proliferation or spillages.

The cups have silicone stems connected to the bottom-most point. You may leave the stem long for effortless removal, or trim it as short as you please, according to what is most comfortable. No one way is incorrect.

Menstrual cups can be easily found and purchased online and are often found in health food shops.

Benefits

It is understandable that this process may be unappealing to the uninitiated, but the far-reaching benefits of using menstrual cups should be considered before dismissing this unconventional practice altogether.

Economical

The numbers speak for themselves. Because this amazing apparatus lasts up to ten years, the economy of a single purchase quickly, and in some cases, immediately, offsets the initial outlay.

  • The average woman spends between $5 and $15 a month on sanitary products, which is somewhere between $60 and $180 per year (that’s a potential $600 to $1800 over a decade)!
  • Reputable menstrual cup brands can be purchased for $15 to $30.

Ecological

Throughout an average lifetime, tampon users are estimated to go through more than 10,000 of the brightly colored, floral scented, individually wrapped contraptions. Whether it’s treated cardboard or pearlescent plastic, the cumulative contribution to landfill from applicators alone is staggering – not to mention all the additional packaging that accompanies these highly marketable products.

Due to the synthetic nature of most modern tampons, they are responsible for an increasing percentage of the world’s waste crisis – and remain a long-term burden by not degrading efficiently.

With genetically modified organism use on the rise, tampons are no exception to the expansion of this controversial science. Increasingly, manufacturers are choosing to use GM cotton (in addition to swathes of other dubiously artificial ingredients such as polyurethane and rayon).

…even if you do use an all-cotton tampon, it is as well to be aware of the increasing proliferation of GM cotton in the marketplace. Dr Ilya Sandra Perlingieri, author of The Uterine Crisis (1st Books, 2003), believes that more and more tampon manufacturers are using genetically modified cotton, which resists the effects of antibiotics. This is important since the rate of sexually transmitted diseases is on the rise. Bacteria exposed to GM cotton may inherit that resistance to antibiotics, making STDs increasingly difficult to treat.” – Pat Thomas

Comfortable and Convenient

Monthly menses enjoy the distinction of being inconvenient, uncomfortable, and downright annoying. However, menstrual cups offer unparalleled comfort and convenience at a time when a little respite is greatly needed. Irritation need not feature at the top of your list during your bleed week:

  • Not only can the cup be used for 6-12 hours at a time, but once in, it melds with your body for a blissfully unobtrusive experience.
  • You can engage in vigorous and dynamic movement with the cup in, without concern for leakage or the need for readjustment.
  • Used correctly, you won’t feel it.
  • Additionally, the cup can be worn safely and effectively through the night.

Personal Safety

The safety considerations to make while using contemporary menstrual management methods are many and varied.

Tampons are associated with the following:

  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious, potentially fatal condition associated with tampon use. High absorption products create the ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. These organisms could ultimately convert into the toxin that induces TSS.
  • Excessive absorption causes and exacerbates dehydration, fissures, and areas of acute irritation.
  • Tampons leave behind fibers that interfere with the normal function and homeostasis of the vagina.
  • Tampons are frequently filled with many synthetic compounds, additives, parabens, perfumes, chemical deodorizers, and bleaching agents. These are singularly capable of disturbing normal function and healthy vaginal flora – used in concert, they are highly disruptive.

On the other hand, menstrual cups provide many promising perks:

  • There is no risk of developing TSS.
  • They do not compromise vaginal health by intruding upon the delicate balance of beneficial microbes.
  • Because that they catch the flow, rather than absorb it, cups do not dry out the mucosal membrane of the vaginal wall or leave behind any residue of any kind. This ensures the womb’s continued efficiency at cleansing, detoxifying, and protecting.
  • Conscientious brands such as Mooncup state that their product is: “Made from soft medical grade silicone, the Mooncup is latex-free and contains no dyes, BPA, toxins or bleaches. It’s also great for women with sensitive skin.” They also go on to state that: “The Mooncup menstrual cup contains no bleaches, deodorisers, or absorbency gels.”

How to Use

Getting used to the idea of using a menstrual cup can be a little challenging. It does require a bit of a pioneering mindset and a confident approach, but by being informed and taking your time, you will quickly overcome the daunting uncertainty.

To insert:

  • Positioning is important, and it may take some time to figure out what angle works best for you. Sometimes sitting, squatting, or standing with a leg on a raised surface can help.
  • Pinch the lip of the cup together, making a “U” shape. Alternatively, you may choose to make more of a small “O” shape by collapsing one side of the cup down into the cavity and holding the top together with thumb and forefinger.
  • Allow your anatomy to guide the process of insertion.
  • You may find that wetting the cup with water beforehand eases the entry.
  • Once in, you can allow the cup to expand. It is at this point that the seal naturally forms, but adjustments can be made by shifting the cup to best suit you.
  • It is important to ensure the cup is fully inside and not interfering with the opening of the vagina. This would prove both uncomfortable and less effective.
  • Should the stem be visible, trimming might be appropriate.

To remove:

  • Pull on the stem, and slightly squeeze the base of the cup.
  • Carefully ease down one side of the cup, then the other.
  • Empty the cup.
  • Either rinse or wipe it with a tissue before reinserting.

Additional Considerations

Size

There are two sizes of cup on the market:

  • Size one is appropriate for women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally.
  • Size two is more suitable for women over 30 and those who have given birth vaginally.

Normal Variations

Every body is different, and due to the intimate nature of this method, it is important to make adjustments that are right for you, based on your own experience.

  • Depth of insertion may vary. This is okay, and, moreover, normal. Listening to your anatomy will allow you will ensure the best outcome.
  • Trim the stem to a length that suits your comfort level; this may mean leaving it completely uncut, or entirely removing it.

Sanitation

Good hygiene is a crucial component of safe and successful menstrual cup use.

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after insertion.
  • Though it is not recommended, if you do use soap to clean the cup between uses while on your period, make sure the soap is completely removed before re-use to avoid irritation to the delicate tissue.
  • It is necessary to sanitize your menstrual cups after your period is over, and it is easy to do in an eco-friendly way by boiling it with vinegar for 5-7 minutes.

Staining

Over time, the cup may take on a darkened, stained appearance. The color change may range from brown to orange to yellow. This is perfectly normal and consistent with correct usage. Staining is not an indication of fault or uncleanliness. An eco-friendly option for removing the discoloration is to scrub it with a paste of baking soda and water.

Storage

To preserve the longevity and hygiene of your cup between uses, proper storage must be observed.

  • Let the cup thoroughly dry after sterilization.
  • Store in a breathable cotton bag. (Extra points for organic cotton!)
  • Do not use a plastic bag, Tupperware, or sealed container.

Cons

It is important to bear in mind that adjusting to using menstrual cups may take some time and practice. Furthermore, they may not be appropriate for everyone.

  • The use of cups may interfere with women who have an IUD or Nuva Ring fitted, as these devices may become displaced. Consent from an OB/GYN is strongly advised under these circumstances.
  • This method may prove difficult to insert for some, particularly young girls who have never been sexually active. Additionally, some bodies are less suited to cups and will have less success with them due to conditions such as a dropped uterus, a prolapsed uterus, or fibroids.
  • Removal may also pose problems for new users. Though not uncomfortable, the process can be a little tricky to master and will take some practice.
  • Especially compared to popular sanitary products, cups can involve more mess. Direct contact with the process of flow collection can be off-putting. In particular, use in public restrooms may prove less convenient.
  • Long term maintenance requires proper sterilization and storage.

Final Thoughts

Doubtless, many will shy away from this alternative practice in favor of more contemporary methods that receive widespread support and media coverage. However, when all the facts are taken into consideration, it is increasingly difficult to justify the risks and compromises associated with those habits. This small change can change your health, well-being, and may even save your life.

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