Critical days: fixtures and hygiene
A quick overview of all menstrual gadgets today.
Today it is difficult to imagine how women coped at a time when there were no convenient means for personal hygiene. The invention of the simplest pads and tampons created a real sensation, relieving us of discomfort.
We got the opportunity to lead not only a normal, but also an active lifestyle during critical days, to wear whatever we want.
But progress does not stand still, in addition to pads and tampons, women are offered other options for hygiene products for menstruation. The choice is so wide that it will satisfy the needs of even the most discerning female representative.
When choosing gaskets, pay attention to the raw materials used (high-quality and hypoallergenic), comfortable shape (there should be no unpleasant sensations) and reliable fastening (wings and sticky layer to avoid an accident). Most often, the top layer is made of a special mesh. The gaskets have a pleasant scent to mask unpleasant odors. Depending on the degree of discharge, the pad will last from 2 to 4 hours.
Sanitary pads “close” several important points at once: they prevent leakage, protect the mucous membrane from the ingress and development of bacteria and infections, and, of course, provide comfort for a long time. The only drawback of the pads is that if they are in the wrong position, there is a threat of leakage, they also cannot be used with tight-fitting clothing and during a beach holiday. To plunge into a reservoir, respectively, will not work either.
Some will say that washing and reusing pads is the last century. But no! It is environmentally friendly, economical and healthy. Perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing as disposable, but fabric pads are made from 100% organic cotton. And considering that artificial pads and diapers decompose in the ground for 500 years, there is something to think about …
Cloth pads can be used many times, having previously soaked or washed in cold water before the main wash with the addition of bleaching agents, if desired. Many fabric pads use a removable liner for extra absorption and a waterproof lining on the inside. There are convenient buttons for fixing the pad to the linen. The pad itself has a special absorbent layer that contains only cellulose fibers (bamboo, cotton or rayon) and microfiber. Such a gasket is usually stitched in such a way as to eliminate leaks on the wings.
Women love tampons for their comfort. With them, you can go to the pool, swim in the lake, go in for dancing and sports – lead the usual rhythm of life, completely forgetting about the critical days. They do not have the disadvantages that gaskets have. They are not visible from under the clothes, they are suitable for any type of linen.
However, they also have significant disadvantages. With continued and prolonged use, tampons can create conditions for the development of infections. Tampons also have age-specific guidelines. Well, there is always a threat of organ injury if it is incorrectly administered. The feeling of comfort when using a tampon largely depends on the individual characteristics of the structure of the internal organs of each woman.
It is also worth remembering that toxic shock can occur from using tampons, read about it here.
The menstrual cup resembles a bell. It is made of medical grade silicone. Basically it is a container for collecting menstrual flow. Unlike tampons or sanitary napkins, this cap does not absorb anything and lasts much longer. There are two types of cups – disposable and reusable. Disposable lasts 8-12 hours. And after using the reusable cup, you need to clean it and rinse it with warm water and soap. You just need to get used to it before learning how to insert the cap. But, judging by the reviews, using this cup, you get complete freedom of action. You don’t feel the menstrual cup, it is soft and takes the shape of the body. As if there are no “red days” of the calendar at all! The main thing is to choose the right size. There is one important point to be aware of when choosing a menstrual cup: firmness. Usually it is of three types for all types of internal muscles – Soft (soft), Sport (very elastic) and Classic (medium elastic).
Menstrual shorts are by no means a substitute for pads or tampons, but they are very useful for keeping leaks, for example, at night or during physical activity. You can find a wide selection in both color and size range. Such underwear has a convenient design for attaching pads. It is easy to sew and looks different only by a special insert on the back. The quality of the panties is 95% cotton and 5% special absorbent fiber. The only drawback, based on their main function, is that there is no such protective layer in front, which means that this zone remains dangerous.
But there are also such underpants, in which you can forget about pads and tampons. There are three modifications. Some are shaped like a thong. They are intended for very small discharge, approximately half the volume of a medium absorbency tampon.
The second option is like a chikini with slightly open buttocks. Such underpants can be used with an average discharge equal to one medium tampon.
Well, the third, classic tailoring option is suitable for heavy menstruation. They can absorb the volume of two medium tampons.
You will be surprised, but there are women who use sea sponge as tampons. Not all, of course, are so radical and in most cases use hypoallergenic synthetic sponge tampons. They take the desired shape inside the body, absorb liquid better, and can be worn for up to eight hours (including at night). The sponge is so elastic that it allows you to play sports, go to the sauna, swim – and all this without any unpleasant sensations. Manufacturers claim that with such a tampon you can indulge in intimacy.
Before using, the sponge should be bathed in warm water with natural soap, and then treated with hydrogen peroxide (you can use table vinegar, soda or tea tree oil). Synthetic or scented detergent should not be used categorically. A menstrual sponge is not a universal hygiene product. It’s hard to imagine girls washing it in the sinks of offices or nightclubs. But as a home option, it is quite suitable.
This membrane is not just an alternative to tampons, but a means that allows women to have sex during their periods without any problems and embarrassment. Flex is a flexible, hypoallergenic disc that blocks fluid from escaping. You can wear it for up to 12 hours. The perimeter of the device adjusts itself to the perimeter of the cervix.