On May 28th, we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day â€ïž in order to raise awareness about the importance of women having access to hygiene products worldwide.
Menstrual hygiene management is an essential aspect of hygiene for women and adolescent girls that are going through menstruation. By management, we refer to the access of hygiene products for menstruation absorbing or collecting menstrual blood, privacy to change the materials and access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials.
As society develops, the need for accessible and sustainable menstruation products increases.
These are the currently available hygienically products for menstruationđ€:
Menstrual cloth
This type of menstrual product is one of the oldest one and consists of pieces of fabric (mostly cotton) that is worn externally to the body, in underwear or tied to the waist to absorb menstrual flow. They are reusable, after carefully washing and drying them.
Reusable pad
Reusable pads are made of natural or synthetic fabric and are worn externally to the body, in underwear. They are reusable, after carefully washing and drying them, making them very cost-efficient and environment-friendly. Other advantages: they are more comfortable than disposable pads and come in various cute prints.
Disposable sanitary pad
Disposable pads are made of synthetic products that have high absorbance properties and are worn external to the body, in underwear. They include wings that adhere to the underwear in order to prevent leakage and maintain them in place. They can be worn up to 8 hours. The variations regarding absorbance, size and materials make disposable sanitary pads accessible, available and affordable.
Tampon
Tampons are made of cotton or rayon material and are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. The tampon has absorbent properties by expanding in contact with moisture and avoids leakage. It can be worn for up to 8 hours, after which it is removed using the removal string. The variations regarding absorbance, size and materials make tampons to be accessible, available and affordable.
Menstrual cup
The menstrual cup is a non-absorbent product which is made from medical-grade silicone and is inserted into the vagina. The cup is held in place by the walls of the vagina and it usually collects three times more blood than a pad or a tampon. It has to be emptied every 6-12 hours and after a rinse, it can be used again. Only at the end of the menstrual cycle, the cup needs to be boiled and stored in a dry place. The menstrual cup is sustainable and environment-friendly, as it can last up to ten years.
Menstrual disc
The menstrual disc is an alternative to the menstrual cup as it is inserted into the vagina and collects blood. It has a disc shape that is positioned at the base of the cervix, making it possible to have penetrative sex. It can be worn up to 12 hours and afterward it needs to be discarded, as it is for one-time use only.
Period pants
Period pants look like regular short pants or underwear, being one of the reasons why they are so comfortable. The absorbance properties derive from a special layer of material (cotton, bamboo, or merino wool) that prevents leakage. Period pants can be worn up to 12 hours but it may vary based on a womanâs flow. Therefore, they can be used complementary to tampons or panty liners. They have to be washed with cold water within 24 hours. As a pair of period pants can be used for several years it is very environmentally-friendly and economical in the long term. One disadvantage of period pants is that they are pretty expensive and if it is used as a single menstruation product, more pairs are necessary.
As researchers are continuously working to make our periods easier, new technology helping the menstruation experience arose.
Tampon applicator
This reusable tampon applicator facilitates tampon insertion into the vagina and has a very stylish design. Whatâs awesome? It is made of a polymer that contains natural antimicrobial elements, guaranteeing a hygienic surface. It can be used for up to 10 years. Environment-friendly and safe? Double-check!
NannoPad
The Nannocare company developed menstrual pads that contain particles emitting electromagnetic wavelengths with the purpose of relieving menstrual cramps. Less pain, fewer painkillers. How cool is that?!
Livia device
The Livia device aims to ameliorate menstrual cramp pain through electrostimulation. It is a device with electrodes that can be put either on the belly or on your back, depending on where you feel pain.
Stay tuned đșđ!
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