Menstrual cups, reusable pads & co. may seem a bit strange at first. But after a short period of getting used to them and proper use, they are a great asset. Because in the long run, they not only save money, but are also better for you and the environment.
Many commercially available panty liners and tampons contain plastic or even chemicals that actually have no business being in or on the body.
On average, people use 9,000 tampons in their lifetime. That corresponds to approx. 90kg of raw material. If you line up these 9,000 tampons, the distance would be approx. 414m long đ€Ż
So, A LOT of cotton & co. is needed. But it doesn't have to be. With reusable products, you only need a fraction of this raw material.
In this post, I want to show you alternatives and perhaps also take away some of your fear. Because periods are natural; they should not be taboo.
So let's get started:
Menstrual cup
If you've been using tampons, this will probably be your new favorite. A menstrual cup is a small silicone cup that is used like a tampon. Because it contains no chemicals, it can stay in the body for up to 12 hours.
Like a tampon, you won't feel or see it in everyday life, and you can easily do sports or go to the pool.
For the very first application, it is advisable to take some time. You can find an explanation video HERE.
To get used to it, you can use it together with panty liners or period panties, and once you feel confident, you can leave them out.
When you empty the menstrual cup for the first time, it is recommended to do so in the shower.
If the cup is full, you can simply empty it into the toilet. Before reinserting it, simply wash it with gentle soap.
As already mentioned, the cup can stay in the body for up to 12 hours. Due to the vacuum, it is leak-proof and absorbs much more blood than a tampon. Most people will only need to empty the cup in the morning and evening, so it doesn't have to be emptied on the go, at work, or at school.
Since the cup does not let blood through, it is also absolutely hygienic and odorless. The cup is also invisible, with no strings or anything similar that could be spotted.
When your period is over, you can wash the cup as usual and then boil it for 3-5 minutes, so it is sterile for the next use. If you don't have the option to boil it in the kitchen, there are also special small sterilizers. Just google it :)
Our menstrual cups are from All Matters: They are made of medical silicone and are available in 3 sizes.
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Reusable menstrual pads
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These are, simply put, washable panty liners. You use them exactly like commercially available panty liners. They are attached to your underwear with a snap button.
Menstrual pads require no getting used to.
The washable pads from Taynie have a PUL layer and are impermeable to liquids.
They contain no chemicals or additives. This is not only healthier, but also prevents odor formation. Because menstrual blood from a healthy person does not naturally smell.
After use, the pads can simply be taken home in a Stasher bag or wet bag; then rinse them with cold water (if you don't wash them immediately). After that, you can wash them directly in the washing machine.
The great thing about cotton pads: You can even sew them yourself! :)
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Period underwear
Period panties are essentially a fusion between regular panties and reusable menstrual pads. They are excellent as a backup; you can't tell they are period panties, and they are very comfortable. Period panties are available in many designs and colors.
Our panties are from Taynie (available in many designs & sizes from us). They contain no silver ions or biocides. Thanks to the thin TPU or PUL layer (without plasticizers), they are leak-proof.
Period panties are also suitable for people who practice "Free Bleeding."
You can wear the panties for a maximum of 10-12 hours, then you should change them. As with the cotton pads, it is best to rinse them briefly with cold water and then wash them in the machine with the rest of your laundry.
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Washable tampons
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As an alternative to the period cup, there are also washable tampons. They are very similar to disposable products in handling and size. That's why they are ideal for people who don't get along with the menstrual cup or who don't want to or can't use it for various reasons.
Our washable tampons from Taynie are made from 100% organic cotton and are available in 3 absorbency levels.
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Sponges
There are also sponges. However, these sponges are either made of natural sponge (not vegan, as a sponge is strictly speaking an animal) or plastic. Therefore, you will not find them in the shop.
Even if we do not carry these two products in our assortment, we still consider it important to mention them.
Concluding remarks
We hope we were able to show you some alternatives and spark your enthusiasm for reusable period products. Because these products clearly have the edge over disposable products: they are cheaper, more sustainable, and healthier. However, it is also important here to rely on good manufacturers and to avoid cheap products and imitations.
You can find all our period hygiene products HERE.
Do you have any questions or additions? We are happy to supplement and expand our knowledge :)
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