Personally, I'm a fan, but I know that not every product will work with every body -- or even every lifestyle. For those looking to get a general overview of what's out there, this post is for you. Hopefully you'll be able to pick out an alternative that will work best for you.
The old faithful -- The Mooncup
The Mooncup was my first foray into reusable blood-collection devices, and to this day it is still my favourite go-to sanitary product. Since 2009, this little silicone cup has been keeping me (mostly) high and dry, and free from the tyranny of the tampon aisle. I've saved so much money since I stopped needing to stock up on disposable menstrual items, and it's been so long since I bought them that I can honestly say that I have no idea what generic tampons/pads even cost any more.
Pros
- body-safe silicone
- pretty much indefinite use life
- lower TSS risk compared to generic tampons
- cost-effective (mine paid for itself in a year)
- has two sizes and should fit most bodies
- simple to clean/sterilize
- won't dry out vaginal tissues
Cons
- has a learning curve
- large initial cost
- not a South African product
- can be messy to empty in public restrooms
- not for the squeamish/body-repulsed (it's basically a goblet of gore)
Woman-Kind Reusable Pads
Although I love my Mooncup, sometimes you just don't feel like using something internal. Maybe your flow is just super light, or you're a bit sore for some reason, or maybe you're just plain lazy. Reusable pads are a great alternative to internal collection methods, and I really liked this large/medium combo pack from Woman-Kind. They're comfy and cute and kind to the planet, and I found them to be a delight.
Pros
- locally-made from pure cotton and fabric scraps to reduce waste
- very absorbent
- good for at-home use
- affordable
- you'll have pads pegged up in your window as a great conversation-starter
Cons
- you need to wear tighter underwear or stockings/leggings to ensure they sit close to your body
- washing and drying can be a pain
- you need to carry a spare in a little re-sealable baggie if you plan to wear them out all day
Woman-Kind Menstrual Sponges
I actually really liked using these little sponges! It was a little ideologically strange at first, but it was a super interesting and entirely organic alternative to tampons/cups. This is probably the most environmentally-friendly out of all the options I tried, but hardcore vegans might take offence to the fact that sea-sponges are technically animals (they don't have a brain or a nervous system though!). They are super soft and easy to insert, but be careful not to be too enthusiastic – retrieval can be tricky. These babies are best when they ride low.
Pros
- 100% biodegradable (toss them in your compost even!)
- reusable up to 6 cycles
- more cost-effective than generic tampons
- comfortable to wear
Cons
- messy to remove/clean in public restrooms
- not entirely vegan-friendly (depending on your personal ethics)
- must be carefully inspected after each cycle to make sure they are fit to re-use
- squeamish users might be put off at needing to squeeze out a bloody, uterus-rimed mass
- I found they got a little painful and 'heavy' when full initially, but you get used to it (?)
HannahPad Large Overnight Pad
This was probably the item that I had the most mixed feelings about. It's functional and effective in its absorbency, but the sheer size lends it a heft that subverts its purpose. Unless it's pressed tightly against you, it flops around and leaks and is basically ineffectual as a collection device meant for sleeping. Those with heavy periods would find it immensely during the day, but unless you have a really fitted pair of undies, restless sleepers will struggle at night.
Pros
- good for a really heavy flow
- natural cotton
- fancy leak-proof under-lining
Cons
- moves around a lot due to its size
- fairly bulky and may show through clothing (if you're wearing it out and about during the day)
- as is standard with reusable pads, washing/drying can be a hassle
Fortunately, there's a fair amount of choice for eco-friendly menstrual products – it's not just about collection method any more (tampons or pads? Sponges or cups?), we now also have a vast array of available brands to choose from as well. I am fairly certain that there is a more ethical, environmental option available for every body and flow. If you need a starting point, check out Faithful to Nature's stock of goodies. Happy bleeding!
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