Reusable
The advent of disposable menstrual pads did not entirely end the use of washable pads. In the early days of disposable pads, although they were inexpensive for some women, many other women could not afford such luxury and continued using various cotton materials. The influence of environmental awareness over the last 30 years has renewed the interest in reusable, washable menstrual pads. A search on any search engine for "reusable menstrual pads" will return a long list of vendors selling these products. Or if you prefer, you can make your own reusable menstrual pad.Disposable
Menstrual pads are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and brands. There are maxi pads for heavy days, and mini pads for light days. Some pads are thick and some are thin. Some even conform to the style of panties you wear. And some have "wings" that fit over your panties to hold them in place. Anyone who's every given birth probably can't forget the largest pads--the maternity pads. A visit to your local grocery, drug, or discount store will provide you with a wide variety of brands and prices of disposable menstrual pads to choose from.Tampons
Tampons entered the American market in the late 1920's or 30's, according to the Museum of Menstruation. However tampon-like materials have been used by women probably for thousands of years. Many of the first commercial tampons did not have an applicator, and one did not have a string. Tampax was the first tampon to have an applicator in 1936.Today women have a wide choice of brands of tampons available. Some have cardboard applicators, some plastic, and others no applicator. Some tampons contain deodorants to help reduce menstrual odors. There is much controversy about the safety of tampons and their possible connection to women's health conditions such as endometriosis and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Women who enjoy the convenience of tampons but who are concerned about possible health risks can find all natural, organic, cotton tampons on several websites, as well as at your local organic market.
Tampon Absorbency Ratings
What all currently available tampons have in common is an absorbency rating system to help you determine which tampon is right for your flow. Some companies sell boxes of tampons with various sizes in one box so that you can use the smaller ones on your lighter days and the more absorbent tampons on your heaviest days.- Junior:The junior tampon will hold up to 6 grams of menstrual fluid.
- Regular: Regular absorbency tampons hold between 6 and 9 grams of menstrual fluid.
- Super:These super tampons have an absorbency rating of 9 to 12 grams of menstrual fluid.
- Super plus:Super plus tampons are for your heaviest days and absorb from 12 to 15 grams of menstrual fluid.
1 gram of menstrual fluid equals about 1/4 teaspoon.
Tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours. If your tampon doesn't need changing in 4 to 6 hours, you are using a tampon with too high an absorbency rating and should switch to a lower absorbency tampon. Other signs you are using a tampon that is too absorbent include:
- Difficult removal.
- Dry vagina.
- Tampon shredding upon removal.
Properly inserted tampons are comfortable to wear and do not cause pain or other irritation. You should not be able to feel your tampon when it is inserted correctly. If you can feel your tampon in your vagina then you will need to reinsert it deeper. Tampons are a great choice for women who are physically active. They do not interfere with exercise or swimming. You should not have an odor when you are wearing a tampon-- this could be a sign of infection. An odor can also be a sign that you have forgotten to remove a tampon. Tampons can be safely used by women and girls of all ages. If your daughter feels comfortable using tampons, she can use them beginning with her first periods.
Anytime you experience an unusual vaginal odor consult your clinician.
Not A Pad, Not A Tampon
Another option for women during very light days, or for women experiencing vaginal discharge or urine leakage is the nSync miniform. The miniform is not a pad or a tampon. It is designed to fit comfortably between the vaginal lips (the labia). It is currently available in stores in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain states, or can be ordered by calling 1-888-8INSYNC.Reusable, washable menstrual sponges have been used for thousands of years. Today a silk sponge is available called Sea Pearls. The Museum of Menstruation recommends that sponges be boiled for 5 to 10 minutes to kill any bacteria that may survive regular washing.
