Menstruation

Menstruation A Gift – Say Yes To Reusable Pads And Cups!

Menstruation is something which women live with for an average of 40 years. Yes… it sounds rather a very long time indeed. But, although it is a major part of our lives, most women, don’t accept it as a boon or a gift. We make faces, feel depressed and curse the bleeding. Personally I disliked it and disobeyed my mother’s advice, but eventually realized it’s huge role in women’s life. It makes you a complete woman! Doors to Motherhood are through menstruation and hence taking special care these days is inevitable.

It’s your period. What do you use? Piece of cloth, Sanitary Pads, Tampons or Menstrual Cups? Have you ever researched or have thought of learning in details about the things that you use on your most sensitive part of the body, your Vagina? Is it hygienic? Is it Safe? Let’s throw some light on them which I am sure not many of us have Googled yet.

For a start, I would rather ditch about discussing reusable menstrual products, as they have been discontinued across the world for their hygiene issues. But, what you never knew is that they are hygienic than the sanitary pads and tampons. Yes you got me correct. Definitely it is going to be my first point. Let’s read why we should start using one while kissing other a goodbye.

Reusable Pads

  1. Reusable Menstrual Pads – Say Yes!
  • It lets the air circulation possible reducing your menstrual cramps, irritation, infection and not surprisingly rashes.
  • This would not dig a hole in your pocket.
  • Easy to use, comfortable and easy to clean.
  • Comes with no chemicals, plastic or unhygienic add ons.
  • It is eco-friendly.
  • Available in variety of colors, sizes, types and designs – Fashion!
  • Use: perfect wash; Dry it under direct sunlight/air; Repeat
  • You would support small scale Independent companies and artisans

sanitary pads

Image Source: starrfmonline.com

2) Disposable Sanitary Pads – Say No!

  • Expensive in comparison to reusable pads
  • Produced in lower value sold in higher prices
  • Hygiene is a question
  • Sanitary pads are made of bleached rayon, plastic and partly cotton
  • Pads leave behind fibers causing vaginal infections and bladder infections at long run
  • Sufficient amount of airflow becomes impossible leaving you prone to infections
  • Pads and Tampons may lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome

tampon

Image Source: time.com

3) Tampons – Say No!

  • Expensive than Sanitary Disposable Pads and Reusable Pads
  • Maintaining hygiene is very low
  • Made of bleached rayon, cotton and plastic
  • Known to absorb natural fluids and healthy bacteria that keeps the vagina protected
  • Tampons and pads are bleached using chlorine, leading to creation of dioxin, a chemical which can trigger breast cancer, endometriosis, immune system suppression, and many other infections.

Menstrual Cups - 2

Image Source: menstrualcupvcup.files.wordpress.com

4)  Menstrual Cups – Say Yes!

  • A flexible bell shaped silicone cup inserted in vagina
  • Though the most expensive, once bought, its durability lasts up to 10 years
  • A huge favor to environment
  • Leak free as a single cup can accumulate blood for 12 hours
  • You would save lots of money
  • Takes time to learn but a little care is acceptable than a deadly lifetime infection
  • Reduces cramps at higher level
  • Clean the cup neatly and rest assured about the hygiene

Hmm… so we have lots of information to think and to share. By choosing the correct method you are actually helping the Ecosystem. Tampons and disposable pads take hundreds of years to decompose.

Let’s calculate:

If an average woman uses 15 pads every month in her menstrual cycle of average 40 years then she uses 9600 pads or tampons. Now imagine 7.2 billion is the human population, out of which 3.5 billion are female. Simply imagine the number of disposable pads or tampons used by at least half of the female population. Do the math and you will be shocked to realize how much harm are we doing to ourselves and to the only home we have, our Planet. Make a smart choice! Take Care!

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