When I heard about reusable menstrual products at first I, too, felt squeamish and thought of all of the "gross" factors about what was being discussed. I was first introduced to the reusable menstrual cup and I really couldn't fathom cleaning a small cup that held my bodily fluids during that time of the month.
The more I thought of it, and read hundreds of reviews, the more I was able to see that it wasn't any more or less "gross" as changing a tampon or a disposable pad each day. The cup wasn't messy like I had envisioned, according to these other woman. Many also claimed that it was very comfortable than most other products available.
Along the lines somewhere I jumped on the bandwagon and dished out some cash for my Lunette. I had gotten a coupon for an online shop that sold it and I just figured, "Why not?" After all, if I used it for one cycle and hated it then nobody was going to force me to continue using it. I could just toss it to the back of the bathroom closet and pretend the entire thing never happened.
Of course, I loved the darn thing once I received it. I anxiously awaited my period and popped that bad boy open inside to collect my flow. It was wonderful not smelling my blood on my disposable pad. It was empowering not feeling "wet" from leaks or when wearing a disposable pad. I really did fall in love with reusables.
Time passed and I eventually ran into disposable menstrual pads. A lot of the ladies that used the cup liked to wear a reusable pad as back-up or during times where they just didn't want to mess with the cup. I toyed with the idea. It was much harder to get over the idea of rinsing off a used pad though, I have to admit.
I thought back to when I had first started my period. It was literally Hell for the first couple of years. I had so many stains that it was ridiculous. It seemed like something, some horrible thing, that could never be controlled. It was the remembrance of the stains that gave me the nudge for the reusable pads though. While the stains were ugly, they weren't so gross that we couldn't clean the clothes and wear them again.
I remember approaching my husband with the idea of the reusable pads. He had been an encouraging aspect when I purchased my Lunette and was all for me trying any reusable cup brand I had chosen. His first question when I discussed reusable pads was, "But I thought you liked your cup thing?"
I did, and do, like my cup. Sometimes I just don't want to take the time to pop it in, to be honest. Sometimes I like to free-flow, too, and let everything come out as it naturally would. Also, at night, sometimes I do leak out of my cup since I have a very heavy flow and I have to use back-up anyway. My husband understood all of these reasons and he encouraged me, again, "Well, why don't you buy a few then and see how you like them?"
I did. Almost instantly. My husband even had a green light to get them. I made my purchase of the cheapest pads I could find to give them a shot.
Reusable products have a few benefits to them:
- First, and most importantly, they are comfortable. If you've ever had a maxi pad rash or a tampon-induced yeast infection after a period then you know that disposables aren't always unicorns and rainbows. The cup keeps things from feeling wet and doesn't mess up your natural vaginal PH balance. Cloth menstrual pads are just like a soft hug on your vagina to say, "It's okay. It'll go away soon and it'll be all better again!"
- Secondly, is the fact that they are much, much less harmful. Neither of these items have been associated with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome--which can be deadly!). Neither of these items are typically bleached out and exposure our bodies to harmful, potentially fertility-damaging chemicals. Neither of these types of items encourage infections, cause irritation, or enhance menstrual cramps if used correctly.
- Third, is that many women report that their flow and/or cramps are reduced when using reusables. While it isn't always the case, many women have noticed that they don't bleed as much as they use to. I'm all for a shorter, more comfortable cycle!
- Fourth is the realization that these products lead to less odor. Odor control has always been a huge concern for me while I was menstruating. I have showered multiple times a day, washed my girly bits each time I went to the restroom at home, and have sprayed the stronger body perfumes on me throughout the day to help cover the odor that I could smell. I will admit that my fear of smelling was a bit intense, but I'm surely not alone with period odor worries. I quickly found out that the cup helps to keep the blood--and odor--safely on the inside of my body--where no nose goes! For some reason, cloth menstrual pads just seem to not hold odors like disposables do. I can wear either of these items for a longer period of time without as much odor-worry.
- Fifth, is the fact that they are generally a one-time purchase, and, as such, a great money-saving purchase. A cup can last you anywhere between 5 and 10 years. Cloth pads are intended to last between 3 and 5 years. This means that they are, generally, more cost effective for a woman than purchasing more throw-away items each month.
- Sixth on the list is in conjunction with the fifth reusable reasoning, and it's because these purchases have a tendency to assist a person in saving more money. The more money you aren't dishing out on plastic wrappers in the trashcan means the more money you have in your purse you to turn around and buy some nifty knickknacks. Who is going to say no to saving money while reaping all of the benefits?
- Seventh is the fact that you can effectively make them (the pads, at least) yourself. If you're the crafty type of person then it can become a new hobby. It can even become a new money-making hobby, if you're really into it. It is considered an affordable, useful craft, and it's becoming increasingly popular so it may even make for a good conversation starter with friends interested in picking up new hobbies.
- Eighth, is the environmental and waste factor. Fewer thrown away items means smaller landfills. It also means less plastic wrappers in your trashbin once a month (if you've ever had a toddler or a dog then you know that this is a risky area for them during your period)! It is definitely a plus for the bathroom smelling a little fresher and reducing my contribution to the world pollution.
