For many years, tampons and pads were the only products available for women when they had their period., Today, innovation has brought forth a variety of safe and effective products. Many devices can hold a greater blood volume than pads or tampons ever did. This allows women to change their period protection less often and has a much lower risk of toxic shock syndrome than tampons. To find out which products are available, read on!
These days, free bleeding has become a more commonly heard term. Pads or tampons can be uncomfortable, many women have voiced the desire to wear neither and deal with the cleanup themselves. In response to this, companies have started making panties specifically designed to soak up menstrual blood without the risk of leaking through your clothes. This is pretty new on the market. Created by different brands, you can find period panties in fun colors and patterns and a variety of styles. This is an excellent option for people who don’t want to insert foreign objects into their bodies.
Menstrual Cups
These cups are soft and flexible. They sit snugly inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Though these cups can look intimidating by their size, users claim that they are comfortable and discreet. The cups must be rolled up to be inserted into the vagina but expands back into shape once correctly in place. The cups have a nub at the end to grip, making removal easy. Some companies may offer different sizes to accommodate women with different needs, such as those who have never given birth vaginally or with weaker pelvic floor muscles. Because menstrual cups can be easily cleaned, they are also a great eco-friendly option for those who want to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Another added perk of using menstrual or diva cups is they can hold up to 12 hours’ worth of blood, are easy to sanitize, and have no concern about toxic shock syndrome.
Vaginal Discs
The younger sister to diva cups are vaginal discs. They might be puzzling to some at first glance, but they are surprisingly easy to use after learning the technique. These rings are generally made of a flexible, plastic material that can be pinched closed to ease it into the vagina. Once properly inserted, the disc will regain its shape facing the cervix, providing a seal inside the vagina until it is removed. These products sit further back inside the vaginal canal than menstrual cups and are sometimes messy to remove, but they can be pretty comfortable. In addition, many types of discs are disposable, making for easy cleanup. There are a few reusable options on the market that require similar care to menstrual cups. As with both products, taking proper care of cleaning and storage can allow you to use them for up to ten years.
Sustainable Products
Due to the concern over the impact of our lifestyle on the environment, many women are opting for reusable products when choosing period protection. For those a little intimated by the newer methods but still concerned about their carbon footprint, many tampon companies manufacture applicator-less tampons. These often use less packaging and are made from organic or unbleached cotton, benefiting those who find the traditional products irritating.
Before settling on a product, visit your gynecologist and discuss the various options. From young to old, the doctors at Cheyenne Mountain Gynecology are up to date on the latest innovations that help make your monthly period more manageable, and we are happy to discuss and educate you on the options available.
