I am a big fan of reusable period products and there are a lot of reasons for this. Here are four reasons I think you should consider reusable products
Lower risk of Toxic shock syndrome
Have you heard of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? It is usually linked to tampon use and when they have not been changed regularly enough amongst other things.
Products such as menstrual cups and reusable pads reduce the risk of TSS significantly.
They are much cheaper
Whilst the initial cost of reusable products is higher the money they save in the long run is significant. For a pack of reusable sanitary towels, you may pay £20 however these will last at least a year, often much longer. Just one pack of disposable sanitary towels is around £3 so it is easy to see how quickly that money will be recouped!
Better for the environment
Think of all the tampons, sanitary towels and bags that are often used to dispose of them, that go into landfills every year. Could you save quite a few by making that step towards a zero-waste life and instead change to reusable products and save yourself money. If everyone made that change the environment would be in a much better position for our children, don’t you think?
Better for medical conditions
They’re also a convenient option for people who have medical conditions, such as endometriosis or vulvar pain, or who have certain sensitivities to regular disposable products. If you have issues with incontinence then it can make a big difference to have reusable sanitary towels with you that absorb any small leaks too.
They are also great if you have irregular periods due to menopause!
Menstrual cups – what you need to know
Menstrual cups are a type of feminine hygiene product that is bell-shaped and inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. They are made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex.
Menstrual cups are not as popular as tampons and pads for a variety of reasons. They can be more costly upfront, messy and difficult to insert, and they take some getting used to.
Women who have never used them before might be apprehensive about using them because they think it will be uncomfortable but there are different sizes available and when you find the right one you should not be able to feel it is inside.
The advantages of using a menstrual cup include increased comfort and decreased risk of infection when compared to tampons and pads.