Every month women spend a lot of money buying toiletries for their period. This includes buying tampons, panty liners or sanitary towels. All of these products are not reusable and pollute our environment. For some women, reusable menstrual products may seem uncomfortable and even disgusting. But washable sanitary pads are a really natural, eco-friendly and comfortable way to get through your period.
If you’re still unsure about reusable sanitary pads, here are a few reasons why you may consider trying them.
1. Reusable pads are environmentally friendly
Imagine how many tampons and pads are laying on the landfill. About 20 billion every year and that is only in North America. Disposable menstrual products decompose over hundreds of years. They leave a palpable carbon footprint on our earth. By using reusable menstrual pads, you can help save our mother Earth.
2. Might save your body
Cancerogenic pesticides, chlorine, and many other harsh chemicals are involved in the production of menstrual products. Their content is not so high but it can still have a negative effect on your health. In order to stay away from unsafe chemicals, you should choose reusable and natural menstrual products.
Moreover, even when made of organic material, tampons still can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). If you wear cloth menstrual pads you don’t have to worry about forgetting to take your tampon out in time. It decreases unnecessary risks. Your gynecologist can recommend which one will be better for you.
3. Saves you money
Investing in quality reusable menstrual products may cost you more at the beginning but it saves money in the long run. Purchasing disposable pads and tampons costs more because of regular consumption. A pack of reusable pads can serve you for months or even years.
Reusable pads are also applicable in situations where sanitary toiletries are not accessible. Women can buy cloth pads which will last longer.
4. They are highly absorbent
A normal size tampon or pad may hold about 5 ml of liquid. The thinnest reusable pads may absorb up to 40 ml which is 8 times more. The absorbency level may raise up to 120 in more capacious pads. Such pads may handle not only the blood flow but even mild incontinence.
5. Disposable pads are not sterile
Menstrual products are things you expose to the most sensitive area of your body. The manufacturing, transportation, and displaying processes make disposable pads and tampons not sterile. You never know the way the pad you are putting on took to get to your hands from the moment production began.
Unlike the disposal pad, with reusable pads, you can be 100% sure and satisfied with hygiene. You set the standards of how to clean it and how thoroughly. This is not an option when using disposal pads.
6. They are more comfortable
Menstruation is a period when you want to feel comfortable and extra cozy. It is a time when your body purifies and renews itself, so extra self-care is a need during these days. While not every woman has the opportunity to spend these days at home, they can at least choose to use the best menstrual products.
If you are going to wear something between your legs for several hours, let it be comfortable. Cloth pads have a soft cotton surface that doesn’t cause irritation or other unpleasant sensations. They will give you extra comfort during menstruation.
7. Easy to clean
It is likely that you thought about reusable pads as something disgusting. But it is not that bad! The cloth pad just requires more hygienic maintenance but it is quite easy and manageable if you know what you are doing.
Reusable pads and menstrual cups are easy to clean after use. All you have to do is wash them thoroughly with the clean cold water. You can soak them or rinse immediately after removing. You might also shower with them or wash them while taking a bath.