We all need something we can bleed on.....

Clearly, I think a lot about menstrual products.. I think about them, read about them, and try them. Clearly, ALL women bleed and most of us don't feel inclined to just let it flow wherever it may. It's a pretty basic need, but most women really aren't informed about the options. Is there life beyond Tampax? So, here's a quick little list for you of your menstrual product options, ranked from what I see (based on what I've read and experienced) as the best options to the bad ones that you should never ever use.

Washable Pads
Random Girl says: You should DEFINITELY use washable pads!

Good Aspects

  • They let your blood flow naturally, as it was meant to
  • NO risk of toxic shock syndrome
  • No chlorine bleaching, so no worry about dioxin
  • Reusable, hence better for the environment
  • Affordable
  • Soft and comfy

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • You have to be willing to wash them
  • Not so convenient when you're out. You may have to carry the bloody pads home in a plastic bag
  • Can be bulky
  • If you just wash them by hand, they get pretty hard and crunchy, so a washing machine is needed

Here's who makes 'em

 

The Keeper Menstrual Cup
Random Girl says: You might want to try out the Keeper!

Good Aspects

  • COLLECTS blood.. does not absorb blood
  • Reusable, hence better for the environment
  • No chlorine bleaching
  • Lasts for 10 years
  • Affordable
  • 3 month money back guarantee
  • You can't really feel them when you're wearing them, much like a tampon

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • There is a slight chance of TSS
  • It can be messy to change it, especially in a public bathroom
  • The suction effect is initially disconcerting
  • Only comes in 2 sizes, so it might not fit you perfectly
  • Takes a few tries to learn how to insert it properly
  • If you have a full bladder, it can knock it out of place and make it leak

Here's who makes 'em

* There is also a similiar thing out now, called the Diva Cup. It's not The Keeper, but I can imagine it's a very similiar product and worth giving a try. The only differences that I'm aware of are that the Diva Cup is made of plastic, so it's the right choice for women who have latex sensitivity. Also, this may be a minor point, but it's white as opposed to brown like The Keeper, so I'm darn sure it'll get stained and turn a funky color with use. I don't think that's a big deal myself, but it might gross some people out.

 

Sea Sponges
Random Girl says: Now that I have a bad thumb, I find it hard to insert The Keeper, so I've started using sea sponges at times, and I can now reccommend them from personal experience.

Good Aspects

  • Reusable, hence better for the environment
  • Haven't been linked to TSS
  • No chlorine bleaching
  • Affordable
  • You can't feel them at all when you're wearing them, much like a tampon
  • You cut them to the size that is right for you
  • Much easier to insert and remove than The Keeper... in fact, a neophyte might want to start out experimenting with the sponges before moving up to The Keeper

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • It can be messy to change it, especially in a public bathroom
  • Have to be changed much more frequently than The Keeper, and if you bleed heavily for a day or 2, you might want to wear a thin washable pad as well, just in case
  • You have to be sure to clean them really well
  • They can fly out if you sneeze or laugh when they are heavily saturated
  • Technically, they are an animal product, so they're a no-no for strict vegans
  • The fact that they are being harvested from the ocean seems sketchy to me.. this could be causing a problem with the ecology of the ocean
  • Since they dwell on the bottom of the ocean, they are probably chock full o' pollutants and toxins

Here's who makes 'em

  • They aren't generally sold as menstrual products, so you just buy the sponges at any health food store and cut them to the right size (about golf ball size)
  • You can also get them through Glad Rags

 

Non-Chlorine Bleached, all cotton tampons
Random Girl says: If you absolutely NEED to use a tampon, these are the way to go!

Good Aspects

  • No chlorine bleaching
  • Convenient to wear and change
  • Organic ones are available and are not laden with pesticides
  • They generally are applicator-free, so cause less waste than traditional tampons

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • There is a chance of TSS
  • More expensive than mainstream tampons
  • Absorb vaginal lubricants that shouldn't be absorbed; alter the environment of the vagina
  • Disposable and wasteful
  • Clog up septic systems

Here's who makes 'em

 

Disposable Pads
Random Girl says: These are not so good.. if you are using pads, you should go for the washable kind!

Good Aspects

  • No risk of TSS
  • Let you flow like you're supposed to
  • Never a challenge to find where to buy them

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • Use chlorine bleaching.. bad for you and bad for the environment
  • Disposable and extremely wasteful
  • bulky, scratchy and uncomfortable
  • Most are made by companies that are just evil (e.g Proctor & Gamble)
  • Since you have to keep buying them, the cost adds up

Here's who makes 'em

  • A whole bunch of bad boys.. you know them, you see them in every convenience store.. next time, you will walk on by.. :)

 

Mainstream Tampons
Random Girl says: Never, never, never EVER use any of these things.. Tampax, o.b. and all of the rest are just awful!

Good Aspects

  • Convenient

Not-So-Good Aspects

  • Use chlorine bleaching.. bad for you and bad for the environment
  • STRONG link between them and TSS
  • Disposable and extremely wasteful, especially the ones with plastic applicators
  • Most are made by companies that are just evil (e.g Proctor & Gamble)
  • Absorb vaginal lubricants that shouldn't be absorbed; alter the environment of the vagina
  • Clog up septic systems
  • You have to keep buying them, so they are expensive
  • They are NOT sterile! In fact, they are filthy
  • Many add deodorants that should NEVER be in a product that will be inside of your body
  • Contains artificial ingredients, such as rayon, and many other things.. companies are NOT required to label all of the ingredients in tampons

Here's who makes 'em

  • A whole bunch of bad boys.. you know them, you see them in every convenience store.. next time, you will RUN on by!
  • FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS WEAR TAMPONS!!!!!!!

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