Menstrual Options – The pros and cons of menstrual products & solutions

‘To Bleed or not to Bleed, and how to bleed is the question ‘
Menstrual Options, the pros and cons of menstrual products & solutions
By Hania Trzaskowski BHSc.Nat, Cert.Mas
Crimson Marquee Womens Circles – Chirinka natural health & wellness medicine

Whilst not every woman experiences menstruation in her lifetime, it is understood that most women experience menstruation on a regular ( or in some cases, irregular) basis. Every time she ovulates and her body expresses her fertility, the uterus swells up in preparation, and then sheds its nutrient dense soup of blood, mucus and uterine lining in preparation for the next chance to theoretically catch a fertilised egg.
When this period of menstruation occurs, which it has done since us human existed and before we ever wore clothing or had any shame behind the natural process, we have ways to either collect, dispose of or hide the resulting flow.
The reasoning behind this can vary from woman to woman. The reasoning for menses capture is as individual and unique as the shape and size of our vaginas – none are absolutely the same. Common reasons can include protecting clothing and furniture, to cultural based shame of menstruation, to a desire to give some of this back by putting the flow into the garden. The reasons behind wanting to capture the flow tends to determine what we would use…or does it? Sometimes its because we believe there are no other options available, or we are told that only one option is safe or culturally acceptable. A lot of us aren’t aware of all the options available to us, with some women being limited to tampons and pads. I myself when I first started menstruating was given only one option, which was briquette disposable pads. I have friends who’s daughters were taught at school that disposable tampons and pads were the only ‘normal’ options and that everything else was weird or unsafe.
What we hope to do here is to explain all the options and answer a few question , lifting the veil that hides us from the freedom of choice and body awareness.
Tampons – Tampons are compressed material that is inserted into the vaginal canal. It comes with s string attached for removal.
BENEFITS:
 Tampons are small and compact, and can be easily taken anywhere.
 You can continue to play sports with ease, go swimming and even forget that they are there
 Now come with options, including safer pure organic cotton tampons, applicators for those with insertions issues or taboos, and easy to unwrap packaging ( reducing handling ).
 Provides an odour free option, as barring any tell tale string sings is highly discreet.
CONS:
 Irritations and damage – Tampons can dry out the vagina as it soaks up not only menstrual flow, but natural vaginal secretions. This can irritate the vaginal walls for some women, and even disrupt the pH of the vagina that leads to all sorts of problems like thrush. This can also create mini-ulcers we are often unaware of ( unless they get bigger or get infected), and release of tiny rayon or cotton fibres. This tampon ‘fluffing’ as seen with most brands including those who claim to have a non fluff covering, have been speculated to be associated with cervical cancer. Some applicators can also damage the vaginal walls making them more prone to infections such as vaginosis, and the string provides another nice bed for bacteria to breed in. (Imagine getting a tissue and some cotton thread from your sewing box and and putting it up your vagina for many hours at a time when your menstruating – many women wont do that, but feel safer with a tampon.)
 Most tampons contain Rayon that is linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome, a deadly infective condition. Viscose rayon, provides a perfect warm wet breeding ground for the bacteria that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) to grow. Combining the presence of rayon with an irritated vaginal area and any weakening of the immune system can increase this risk. Contrary to marketing belief, TSS has not gone away since the outbreak in the 1980s, and thus the reasons for the warning in each packet here in Australia. Many specialists find that for every TSS case that gets officially counted as being TSS, there are 5more that don’t quite reach the diagnostic criteria enough to be counted as TSS, such as a fever one degree lower.
 Pollution. Disposable products have a huge impact on the environment. From a production point of view, they use up a lot of resources to produce – something many people forget about, including releasing bleaches (dioxins) and chemicals into our water system, use of electricity, petrol & fumes produced in freighting, other forms of pollution used in production and distribution/freight. For most part they use cotton that is non organic, and even genetically modified, sprayed ( adding more chemicals into our water system) and processed. The outer casings and covering are sometimes made from non-natural sources such as petroleum/crude oil based.
 Waste production. Tampons are a wad of fluff and material that goes to waste, but it also comes with a strong, a plastic covering, a box, a sheet of paper with TSS warning, and then wrapped again in more plastic. Tampons that have an applicator also has two tubes of fortified cardboard for each tampon used, thats two more pieces of bleached and processed tree pulp usually not from recycled paper that ends up being there just for our ‘convenience’ to be tossed away. You can imagine how much waste just the packaging creates in every cycle, let alone in a womans lifetime. Then multiply that by the amount of women that use these products around the world. Easy to see why disposable sanitary products are rivalling disposable nappies when it comes to landfill.
 Toxins – we often talk of toxins in the water, in our food, in our medicines, and forget about what else we put in our bodies through menstrual products. Bleaching tampons, so they are sterile and white, leaves behind dioxins in the tampons. These residues are highly carcinogenic and toxic. Dioxins are also a major concern for the environment as they end up in our waterways and effecting anything that drinks or lives in that water, including us! There are no levels that are considered ‘safe’. Most dioxins end up in the water supply from industries including tampon and pad production.
Other chemicals can also be found in popular tampon brands include pesticides, waxes, surfactants, dyes, aluminium, copper, boron, etc. Many ingredients we are totally unaware of, as companies are not required to label their products with ingredient listings.
 Backward awareness – Advertising of these products can sometimes increase the amount of shame and secrecy young girls – and older ladies – feel about their menstruation. The marketing aims to sell their product for its features, and many of those features are associated with making it possible for women to pretend that their periods aren’t really there. Such as the odourless factor, perfumed tampons, or ‘no one will ever know’, or ‘dealing with’ the ‘medical condition’ of menstruation, etc. These ads show how easy it is to ‘hide’ menstruation, and whilst not the cause of shame & disgust of the natural process of menstruation, can proliferate this belief in popular culture.
 Cost – Often the products are now getting smaller, yet we are being charged more for them too. An average woman can spend over $2000 or more on tampons in a lifetime. There are more economical options available that would also help support smaller industries and more environmentally conscious industries. Even within tampons, there are organic cotton alternatives that also use biodegradable packaging
 Confronting taboos – Some women find it difficult to have something inside their vaginal canal. Examples can include women who are virgins and still uncomfortable with anything up there, or women who have been raped or abused, just as examples. Tampons or other inserted products may not be the option for them. Some cultures and religious beliefs also have taboos about inserted products.

Menstrual Cups – Reusable. These cups are shaped like a small wine glass without much of a stem, worn somewhat in the middle of the vaginal canal as opposed to over the cervix like a cap or diaphragm. They are folded twice lengthwise to insert, and then released. With a little twist, the cup then pops back into shape forming a suction that holds it in place. To remove, you find the little stem to guide your fingers, pinch the bottom, and gently pull it out. Rinse out,( in the case of public toilets, some women use a little bottle of water to rinse with whilst in the cubicle) and reinsert. There are two versions on the market made by various companies, including Rubber ( like the Keeper) or a somewhat softer medical grade silicon one like the (Diva Cup or Moon cup) which is especially good for people with rubber allergies. It is recommended that they are thoroughly washed/sterilised on a regular basis, and there are wash products available to help with this.
BENEFITS:
 You can keep it in there for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
 They rarely leak, especially once you get the hang of it.
 Holds up to 15mls of flow, more than a super size tampon.
 Are relatively small and compact, you only need the one you are wearing, and can be easily taken anywhere. For washing in public toilets, some women take a bottle of water and rinse the cup in the cubicle.
 You can continue to play sports with ease, go swimming and even forget that they are there
 Comes with size options, before childbirth and after childbirth/after age 30.
 Comes in two ingredient options – rubber or medical silicon.
 Provides an odour free option, and has no tell tale string to show when wearing a bikini. Very discreet.
 The silicon ones can be boiled for sanitation ( much like we ‘sterilise’ baby bottle teats), and you can use either special washes to clean them regularly, or even a vinegar wash
 Cost Efficient – one cup will last years, and can pay for itself in less than half a years worth of disposable products.
 Environmentally friendly – Aside from initial production and packaging, does not create extra land fill wastes every cycle, and has a minimal amount of pollution created in its initial production. Does not contribute to leaking toxic chemicals into the environment.
 Toxin free – does not leave ‘fluff’ fibres in your vagina, does not carry any documented risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, and does not leach bleach and other chemicals into your body
 Allows for your vagina to continue creating its normal flow of mucous and other natural fluids that keep the pH of your vagina healthy, reduces any dryness and irritation, and reduces risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush. Cups do not create the kind of warm wet environment receptacle that can harbour and proliferate bacterial growth.
 Is generally soft, not rigid or hard edged, so less likely to damage vaginal walls unlike applicators or tampons.
 Marketing is generally pro-active about womens menstrual awareness. Despite cups being a discreet product, they do not tend to proliferate the idea of shame or need to hide the natural occurrence of menstruation. It also promotes an eco friendly small producer industry and retailers, as opposed to corporations and supermarket chains.
CONS:
 Initial cost – because they retail for anywhere between $35-60 depending on currency, despite it being more of a money saver in the long run, can be expensive for some women for making the initial purchase. Though, when we think about how much is spent on thrush creams, and the like, some women may find the savings bigger than first expected)
 Confronting taboos – Some women find it difficult to have something inside their vaginal canal. Examples can include women who are virgins and still uncomfortable with anything up there, or women who have been raped or abused, just as examples. Tampons or other inserted products may not be the option for them. Some cultures and religious beliefs also have taboos about inserted products.
 Usage or Anatomical issues – Some women find the cups difficult to use. The reasons for this include
*not being persistent enough. Some women find it can take a couple of cycles of use before they get the knack of it. Some women lose patience after one or two tries and abandon the idea. Once they get it right, they never go back to disposable, however,, some women don’t get to that point.
*Some women have little knowledge about their anatomy, haven’t had enough practice with their vaginas (unexplored territory) or may be too embarrassed to ask for help if they can’t get it right the first time.
*the instructions given may be misinterpreted or not adapted. Though the instructions are general and basic, some women find they adapt the instructions a little to suit them before perfecting their technique.
*Though rare, some women find getting the hang of it more difficult because of anatomical hurdles, such as a retrograde cervix, repetitive vaginal spasms (which can have physical or psychological causes) or other issues that make insertion very difficult. As an example, those with history of sexual abuse can occasionally find any vaginal insertion an issue, and their vaginas will react by being overly tense and rejecting any attempt. In these cases, menstrual pads tend to be a better option.
 Visual factor – some women don’t like seeing their flow, let alone having to wash it into the garden or down the sink. Though this is usually due to taught cultural taboos about blood or menstruation, it can be distressing or uncomfortable for some women, especially if they have been used to another method for a long time.
 Recommended to be used with caution for those with IUD’s (intra uterine devices) and certain gynaecological conditions. If in doubt, you need to seek advice from your medical practitioner or specialist.
Disposable Pads – Ranging from thin panty liners, to the ‘ol briquette sized pillows, with or without ‘wings’ to cling to your underwear, disposable pads are essentially a wad of absorbent material designed to suck in and hold the menstrual flow to be disposed of in the garbage. They can in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and ingredient mixes. Some are more natural based, in that they are made from cotton materials, whilst others use the same absorbent chemical crystal found in disposable nappies that can irritate, or even plastic coverings that can lead to added sweating and bacterial growth.
BENEFITS:
 Disposable and east to use/dispose of whilst out of the house or using public toilets, especially where sanitary bins are available. Reusable cloth pads need to be stored on person to be washed when you arrive home.
 Are often made from materials that prevent leaks and have a sticky strip that clings to underwear to stop the pad from moving too much. Some come with sticky wings for added stability of positioning as well as leak prevention.
 Great for those who do not wish to use inserted products or cannot use inserted products. This includes a perfect option during times of infections such as thrush, where pads can be used to collect discharge. So they are can be useful also outside menstruation, such as for leucorrhoea ( excessive vaginal discharge).
 Come in a huge range of sizes and absorbancies, meaning you can accommodate your flow more easily that you can with cloth pads to some degree. Cloth pads produers are starting to make different shapes,and sizes now though.
 Designs include materials that absorb and lock away the flow with an impenetrable lining, such to prevent any leaks onto clothes or underwear. Keeps flow away from the body.
CONS:
 Disposable, thus creating a huge amount of waste that has become comparable to the waste caused by disposable nappies. A huge number of resources are used in the production, not only the ingredients but also in energy/power. Pads use up more than tampons even, and use a huge amount of plastics and adhesives, wax paper tabs, and packaging.
 Can result in menstrual odours, that some women may become worried or self conscious about, even when others can’t tell.
 Irritations and allergies– Pads can be made from any number of ingredients, none of which legally have to be listed! Some women find they have allergies to these ingredients or get irritation to their skin. This can further irritate the genitalia for some women, contribute to problems like thrush. Much like tampons, some pads are likely to ‘fluff’ and release fibres that can irritate your skin. A number of chemicals are used in the production of disposable pads, some that are considered toxic. Some women may even be allergic to the adhesives used in the sticky pads.
 Pollution. Disposable products have a huge impact on the environment. From a production point of view, they use up a lot of resources to produce – something many people forget about, including releasing bleaches (dioxins) and chemicals into our water system, use of electricity, petrol & fumes produced in freighting, other forms of pollution used in production and distribution/freight. With pads, even more so than tampons as so much more material is used, including plastic linings and absorbent gels. Even any natural materials are often non organic, genetically modified, sprayed ( adding more chemicals into our water system) and processed. The linings and covering are sometimes made from non-natural sources such as petroleum/crude oil based.
 Water – Disposable pads use more water in production, than cloth pads use when needing to be washed.
 Toxins – Though not inserted into the vagina like tampons, pads still contain toxins that can irritate our skin or cross the skin barrier into circulation. They are also very harmful to the environment and end up in the water supply after production,such as the case of dioxins from bleaching. There are no levels that are considered ‘safe’. Most dioxins end up in the water supply from industries including tampon and pad production amongst others.
Other chemicals can also be found in popular tampon brands include pesticides, waxes, surfactants, dyes, adhesives, synthetic cloths etc. Many ingredients we are totally unaware of, as companies are not required to label their products with ingredient listings.
 Cost –Many pads, including the boutique varieties, are very expensive. Depending on brand & model choices, flow amount and how often a woman changes her pads, the costs can reach astronomical levels. Many of the natural all cotton or organic cotton pads can be twice as expensive as synthetic material pads, making more eco friendly choices very costly indeed.
 Bulkiness – Pads can be bulky, and generally women are aware of their presence unlike what happens with inserted products. High absorbency pads, including maternity pads or super maxi’s, can feel like wearing a pillow in between your legs. This can restrict a woman from wearing what she wants, as she may be reluctant to wear a tight fitting pair of pants.
 Leisure – sports activities including swimming is difficult and sometimes restricted when using pad options.

 

Cloth pads and other reusable pads- The most widely used menstrual product is the cloth pad. Around the world, women use cloth pads, generally home made, and were pretty much the only option only a couple of generations ago. Used both on their own, as well as a back up for internal products such as tampons and cups
BENEFITS:
 They are good for women who do not wish to use inserted products into their vagina, or those that cannot use inserted products.
 In general, cloth pads can be more absorbent than disposable pads, and some can even be refolded so as to last longer before needing to be changed.
 After soaking in cold water, the pads can be put into the regular laundry wash using regular soaps or detergents of choice. Used ones can be soaked for a bit in cold water, or just rinsed out, and then tossed in the regular laundry.
 Water used to soak the pads can be used in the garden or pot plants for extra nutrient dense watering
 Can be made at home, with minimal sewing skills from inexpensive materials such as flannel or terry towelling. You can even sew them up from old pairs of pyjamas and towels for added eco friendly recycling.
 And produced with more and more array of designs, sizes, shapes, colours and features! Fashion for your underwear! They include velcro grip tabs, press stud clip wings, and even leopard print pads for those who want to walk on the wild side!
 Tend to be made with natural materials such as cotton and wool. There is little chance of chemical residue from when the material was produced, as they are washed before use.
 There are practically no health risks associated with cloth pads!
 Economical, as they tend to last at least 2 years of regular use if not more, and can even be made from recycled materials, making then cost absolutely nothing. Bought cloth pads tend to pay for themselves within a few months.
 Eco friendly, as aside from the production of the materials in the first place, does not release any added pollution or toxins into the environment. There is no packaging involved, except for any initial postage packaging when first sold if you buy them.
 Zero waste, especially if you make them yourself. Most bought pads will also use biodegradable bags for postage/hygiene purposes.
 Makers of cloth pads usually celebrate menstruation as natural and something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. The marketing is usually awareness driven. Many are made by small businesses, including ones made by working mums and small teams of womens collectives.

CONS:
 If made without wings or clips/velcro, can move and slip around a little especially with any vigorous activity.
 Some women detect an odour they may be self conscious about
 Some women find the act of soaking and washing pads to be unsanitary and distressing. (usually due to cultural beliefs or upbringing, especially in western cultures when disposables are common)
 Convenience – as they are re-useable, they aren’t just discarded when changed when out in public. If you wear cloth pads out for the day, you tend to need to carry around a plastic or biodegradable nappy bag with you to store soaked pads until you can get them home for soaking. Thus some women find themselves subconsciously avoiding going out for long period of time with cloth pads, or will use other methods when out of the house like cups or disposables.
 Discretion – Some women don’t like the idea of having their pads out on the wahing line, and feel embarrassed or otherwise ashamed by the evidence of their menstrual period hanging up on their hills hoist washing line.
 Can be bulky, and generally women are aware of their presence unlike what happens with inserted products. High absorbency pads, including maternity pads or thick terry pads, whilst feel natural for some women, can feel like wearing a pillow in between your legs for others. This can restrict a woman from wearing what she wants, as she may be reluctant to wear a tight fitting pair of pants.
 Leisure – sports activities including swimming is difficult and sometimes restricted when using pad options.
 When washing them, sometimes bleaches and other chemicals are used to reduce stains or for a feeling of hygiene. This is not eco friendly, and using a chemical soak means the water cant be used in the garden.
Sea Sponges – These are natural products made by an animal of the ocean, shaped usually into disc like shapes for easy use and insertion. Some will also had a string tied to them for easier removal. Some women have also been known to use synthetic cosmetic sponges or household sponges such as those used for cleaning bench tops, although sea sponges tend to be more recommended and available at many pharmacies.
BENEFITS:
 An all natural product, and the only inserted product used for many hundreds of years.
 Used by many working women, for the reason that they can be worn during sexual intercourse. Many women have even found their sexual partners to not know they were menstruating!
 You can use more than one sponge to accommodate the rate of flow.
 Are available at many chemists/pharmacies.
 Are rinsed and/or washed and reinserted straight away, even in public if you carry some water with you into a public toilet cubicle. Care is done by making sure to sterilise them by boiling them in between cycles.
 Can be reused many times before needing to be discarded.
 Minimum amount of resources used, as they are a natural sea product and need minimal processing and packaging. This eco friendly
 Minimal waste, except for any packaging used for hygiene purposes.
 Little if any at all reports of infective issues such as toxic shock syndrome. Many women who have been using them all their lives have reported no health issues associated with the use of sponges aside from those associated with absorbing natural vaginal secretions.
CONS:
 Some women find inserting them relatively easy, but can have difficulties getting them out again, especially if they use a floss/string and it becomes untied.
 Can be difficult to get in some areas.
 Are not vegan friendly, as they are an animal product. Some women may be squeamish about using essentially what is a dead animal product for their menstrual flow.
 Some expert say they need to be discarded every 2-3 cycles, whilst others do not recommend them all together. There is some speculation as to whether keeping menstrual flow ‘trapped’ in the vagina is unhealthy or may attract bacteria, in the same way tampons do. There is a lot of conflicting views on this. There is little evidence to show that when used, sterilised and stored properly, that they would be in any way unsafe or unhygienic.
 The use of synthetic sponges can lead to similar safety and health issues as tampons, including releasing any chemicals that are present in the sponges or harbouring bacteria.
 May soak up normal vaginal secretions that keep a healthy pH and prevent irritations and infections, especially when using more than one sponge.
Diaphragm – Not just for birth control purposes, diaphragms and cervical caps are used by some women to collect menstrual flow. They work much like cups, only they hold much less flow and keep the flow close to the cervix.
BENEFITS:
 As they are personally fitted by a gynaecologist, they are made to fit just you. Thus practically anyone can get one that will fit.
 Can be used as a contraceptive, especially when used alongside spermatocides
 Have the benefits of a menstrual cup ( see menstrual cup benefits) such that it is reusable, economical, eco friendly and discreet.
 Can be worn during any activity, including swimming and sexual intercourse.
CONS:
 Holds less flow than cups, thus may leak. Especially in heavy flow.
 Has to be fitted by a gynaecologist, thus requires appointments and any costs associated with those.
 Sits over the cervix, thus keeps the menstrual flow up near the cervix. This is debatably not ideal, as there are theories about ‘retrograde flow’ and seen by some professional to act as a block. Some women have thus found their period to last longer, even though there is no physiological reason why it should do so.
 Can be difficult to put in and place in the right spot, especially for those with a retrograde cervix or other anatomical hurdles that make insertion difficult.
 All the other disadvantages associated with a cup, such as some difficulties in rinsing them in public.
No method – going totally flow natural – This is wearing or using nothing at all, and letting the flow come down the legs, into your clothes if your wearing any, or into the ground if you are sitting or squatting. This is the most natural and primordial way of menstruating, and what would have happened in prehistoric times. The flow drips out of the vagina and dries wherever it goes, or is washed away.
BENEFITS:
 Is practiced by tribal women all over the world. Not as ‘out there’ as first thought!
 Gives women reason to create menstrual huts, lodges and other tribal traditions.
 Can be used as a one off experience or as a regular way of menstruating. Some women have used this as a way of expressing their primal woman, such as sitting in their garden to menstruate directly into the earth to feel a connection to the moon/earth/ other forces for spiritual or psychological reasons.
 Can be a freeing experience to get in touch with the primal or wild woman side of yourself
 Connects a woman with her ancestry, considering this was what was done before humans wore clothing
 Is totally free, totally natural, the safest option out of them all, a very healthy option. Zero odour, zero waste, zero pollution, zero reliance on anyone, zero toxins.
 Allows for natural flow without impeding, blocking or holding flow inside or near the body.
 May be the origins of ritual bathing at the conclusion of the menstrual period, as seen in some religions and cultures today. Makes women more aware of their bodies, anatomy and traditions.
CONS:
 Many women, especially those living in a western culture, would find this impossible to do in their lifestyle or with work schedules.
 Many women, especially those in modern or western cultures, would be quite squeamish or uncomfortable with such an open and possibly furniture / bed sheet staining method of menstruation.
 All leakage with free flow, can stain sheets, clothing and furniture, especially if not washed or wiped on a regular basis.
 Can be culturally very unaccepted in modern countries.

I hope this answers a few questions and gives people a better idea as to what suits them best. Please feel free to contact me and let me know if there is any extra information, research, options or issues I should add as this document is for all women to benefit from, and as such, owned by all women.

How to make a decision about what to use:
Awareness is key to making an informed decision. Some woman find it beneficial to make a balance between nature, environment, health and convenience – and this will change and differ from woman to woman depending on her culture, her body, her experiences, her teachings, her history and her beliefs. No option is the ‘wrong’ option, and no option is the only ‘right’ option for everybody. Many women will chose to use various options depending on flow, month, finances at the time, etc. It is good to remember that this is a personal and ever changing decision, and that there is no right and wrong answer for everybody, just the right answer for you 

 

Happy Moon tide to you all 

Tags: bleeding, cloth, cups, disposable, flow, menstrual, pads, period, sponges, tampons, woman, women, womens health