Well, I mean technically, it’s still red. But the green-living community has made its way into feminine protection products too! Don’t be scared or grossed out, these products will make your “moon time” far less gross and uncomfortable.
Cloth Mama Pads
I had some pretty old school mama pads that I used mostly for after childbirth. I can’t handle uncomfortable disposable pads. They drive me crazy. Recently though, I got some of the newer Comfort Pads made by FuzziBunz.
The ones I previously used kind of snapped in to a liner that wrapped around the bottom of the underpants. I have to say, I really like the feel of the one piece-ness of the newer design. No part of them slide around in any way.
They are also tremendously soft and have the layer of fleece just like their diapers do that really help keep things feeling dry. I often wonder if any woman could use these after using disposable pads and then not turn around and switch to cloth diapers for her children.
Cups
The only time I’ve ever ran into someone who has tried a menstrual cup and not loved it are in cases of a woman with a tipped uterus. I’m not sure why this makes it feel so uncomfortable, but the rest of us basically can’t even feel it.
I’ve been told I’m gross for using a cup. I don’t mind. I just explain how actually tampons are gross because the tiny fibers cut up the lining of their vagina creating tiny tears that get irritated and inflamed. I then explain that the normal “period smell” is absent when using a cup. The smell, I have to assume is a mild infection. Likewise, not having tiny tears and “roughed up” tissue, makes for far less annoying cramps.
I also like how I can put the cup in before my period actually starts so I’m not surprised when I’m out in public. This eliminates the whole, “Uh oh, I think I just started my period.” run to the bathroom.
Both of these “Green Menses” products make for a more comfortable, healthier period. They both save tremendous amounts of money. They both eliminate you having toxic chemicals next to one of the most sensitive parts of your body. They also save a tremendous amount of waste.
They are cleaner than disposable pads and tampons.
And if your husband or significant other gives you any grief about it, you can explain that you’re A.) making sure your vagina is cleaner than the general population’s and B.) saving him a potentially embarrassing emergency run to the store.
I’m glad someone thought to mention the smell issue lol I recently switched to cloth and I’m NEVER going back. So soft and comfy, and guess what? No funky period smell!
Questions about using a menstrual cup–what do you do if you are out in public and need to empty the cup? Aren’t you supposed to rinse it out before reinserting it? Is it messy? I’ve wanted to try using one, but haven’t quite gotten the nerve to try. Thanks for the warning about the tipped uterus–at one point I was told I had a tipped uterus. I will keep that in mind.
I often dump my cup without rinsing it afterwards. As long as your hands are clean it shouldn’t be an issue. Just be sure you rinse it a couple times a day when you can. Also, I l-o-v-e it to sleep in…I nearly 2n years I could never stand to sleep wearing a tampon or pad!
I know, sleeping is the BEST now….
I have done it a couple of times and I just didn’t rinse. If you pay attention to what you’re doing it’s not very messy, but I understand your concern. Thankfully, because of their design and the fact that they don’t make TSS, changing them every couple of hours isn’t a concern like it is with tampons. I don’t change it during my work day. I usually change and wash it with my morning shower. Change and rinse it when I get home from work if I’m working . Then, change and rinse it before bed. I change it about 3 times a day.
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Is there a brand of men. cup that you prefer over others? Are there any good sites that compare the different brands?
Not really, they pretty much work the same. The real question is choosing between silicone and natural rubber. I have a very small latex issue, so I don’t want to push my luck. I use the silicone one. I have used both the major brands and they are pretty much the same. That’s just my opinion keep in mind. Others may feel differently.
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