If you have yet to explore the vast and ever-growing universe of menstrual products, you are not alone! Menstruation is still viewed as dirty and shameful in many places around the world, and society has raised generations upon generations of women and female-identifying individuals to be ashamed of their periods. As a result, women are discouraged from becoming in tune with their cycles and fully understanding their bodies. This causes menstruating individuals to stick to traditional single-use products such as pads and tampons because they are afraid to explore any other options or are unaware that other options even exist. People tend to use tampons and pads because they don’t require you to get up close and intimate *down there*. Using these traditional methods of menstrual hygiene, while convenient, is very costly; not only to your wallet but also to the earth. The average menstruating individual will use between 11,000 and 16,000 tampons in their lifetime. As menstrual products such as tampons and pads are still not free in Canada, menstruating individuals can spend up to $6,000 in their lifetime on menstrual hygiene products. But there is good news! There are many more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives out there – read on to learn about which menstrual product is best for you!
- Menstrual Cups
In every young woman’s life, there comes a time when the mirror comes out and we examine our “pink bits” for the very first time. Since period education is generally pretty lackluster, I never really took the time to understand my cycle or get an intimate feel for what the heck is going on inside my body on a monthly basis. It never occurred to me to measure my cervix height, or that all cervixes were not created equally, or that your cervix height changes over the years and even throughout your cycle?! When trying to find the perfect menstrual cup, it’s important to spend some time getting to know your body first – what is your cervix height? What is your pelvic floor strength like? Once you’re ready, you can take quizzes online that will recommend menstrual cups for you depending on these different factors.
- Menstrual Discs
What is the difference between a menstrual cup vs menstrual disc? While both are reusable and look similar at a glance, there a couple key differences to note. Cups utilize suction, whereas discs are tucked up behind the cervix, and so cups are generally easier to insert and remove (and hence less messy) than discs, especially if you are a beginner. Discs technically have a higher capacity than cups, but this can vary from person to person, as the disc crumples inside the body to some degree. Some discs even have an auto-dump feature, which empties the cup when the user bears down, to give a longer wear time (which can be an issue if you’re squatting at the gym!!). If you’re not sure whether a disc or cup is right for you, you can take this quiz to help!
- Period Underwear
If menstrual cups and discs are confusing, intimidating, or just plain scary to you – don’t worry! That is completely fair, and there are indeed other reusable options out there for you. If you’re looking to use more sustainable menstrual products, but you’re not quite ready to make the leap to cups or discs, period underwear is a great option! Specifically designed to absorb varying levels of menstrual fluid, period underwear can be very convenient and effective. There are many different styles that are sexy, sleek, comfy, and not at all resembling diapers! What is the washing situation like, you might ask? If you don’t mind handwashing them in cold water after use, then these are the period panties for you. Read more on how to find the right fit and how many pairs of undies you really need here!
It can get pretty overwhelming when you start researching menstrual products – there is SO much out there. If I can offer you any advice, it would be to stay curious, listen to your body and what feels GOOD to YOU, and to not be afraid to get to know your body on a more intimate level. At the end of the day, the only person that is going to take care of you is YOU! So, handle yourself with love and care.