Menstrual cup all the way! Tip about menstrual cup: it's easier to take it out if you pee first. If the bladder is full the cup has less room to move and it can make taking it out quite stressful (specially if you are a little bit nervous).
I use a menstrual cup, and I have been really happy with it! It’s much more comfortable than pads, which I used before, and I don’t have any problems with it leaking at night or during activity. Plus, I am a teenage girl living with my dad, and using the cup means I don’t have to have the awkward conversation with my dad asking him to buy me pads.
For anyone intimidated by the thought of using reusable menstrual products: it's totally okay to have both traditional and reusable options in your period product rotation! For example, maybe reusable pads work great for days when you're at home but you'd prefer to use disposable ones during the day when you're at work or school. Reducing your use of disposable products some is better than not at all! Also, don't be discouraged if you try one kind and it turns out not to be a good option for you; the next one you try might be great!
I was just thinking that I could try this, since I'm so used to using disposable, I think it would be a huge adjustment for me. But this sounds like the right way to start.
I did it, I start using reusable pads at home, and the traditional ones when I was out, them I tried the menstrual cup and I really like it so I start using it sometimes and each month a little more to the point I do not have any disposable products anymore, it was just the matter of time you get used with
that is so weird... here in Germany we only have applicator-free tampons (at least where I live...) I've never seen such an applicator before, and I always wondered why American tampon packaging is so big :D Funny how different countries can be
I know! I'm from Norway, and it's the same here. The tampons with applicator are so weird to me. You can buy them here, but only cardboard, not plastic.
@@PaigeA6741 you just put them in with your finger...(wash your hands before of course) It's not that hard actually. She explains it in her video as well.
@UCOy6k9LnoM_1fQ5mvRVWing By inserting the tampon with the index finger. Just wash your hands before and after and the whole thing is hygienic and produces less waste (exactly how she shows in the Video).
Same for me, it’s amaaaazing. I forgot my cup on holiday a couple of weeks ago and had to use tampons and absolutely haaaaaaaated it. So thankful I found this
Dropping $30 on a menstrual cup was the best decision of my life. I got the one from the flex company because I like the finger loop they have on theirs. It makes removal super easy. I've been using it for over a year, and yes it really sucked inserting at first, but after doing it a couple times I had it nailed down. I've also saved myself hella money on period products. Seriously, a menstrual cup is something everyone should invest in. So worth it
That’s exactly what I have. I have both sizes and it’s the best cup ever! It almost feels weird even going down the period aisle now because I have reusable pads that I occasionally use us panty liners as well
i just got mine but i literally ended my period the day it came here but im exited to use it but im probably gonna try it out anyways off just to get it right yk
Same I am on the last day of my period with the Saalt Soft. I bought the Duo pack small and regular. I use the regular on my heavy days and the small on my last days. There was a learning curve on the first 2 days but by day 3 I feel I like a pro. Best $45 ever spent
I've been using a cup + absorbant undewear for 5 years now and: my life has changed. No more funky smells, no more itching, i feel cleaner, free and very in sync with my body!!
I've just switched after years of feeling irritated and itchy... But I was scared of cups... I finally decided to try! First month for me... We'll see it this works!
It’s been 4 years since I’ve switched. I wish we had these options when I was in high school. So much better and easier. No more remembering to buy tampons and keeping them on me. No more accidents.
I starded using a cup like over half a year ago but because of heavy flow i still needed pads at night. Im due for my period and i am trying cloth pads for the first time this month.
I was seriously dating a girl for 7 years and I was told all about menstrual stuff and bra fitments. Men need to be aware of all this sort of stuff as well as women. Knowledge is NOT the same as experience but it is better than knowing nothing at all. I remember from my past following my menopausal mother upstairs with a towel and living with the girl I was dating during her 8 month mega-period. She eventually managed to get on "the pill" to regulate her body. The doctor didn't approve of her positive thoughts on this. GPs don't necessarily know EVERYTHING.
Please know you are greatly appreciated for taking the effort to learn this kind of thing :) period is such a pain, literally and metaphorically. Even without the cramping and whatnot, it can be a messy and/or time-consuming business that we have to put up every month-ish.
@@roxxyir11 it could be spotting on some days and lite on others and heavy in some days as well. I bled for three months like that. I had to have a d and c. I almost died because I had very heavy days. Hemoglobin was 5
@@ladybug-mv8tn Mine was 3.6, but I've never bled for months at a time. I think it was due to not eating like I should to replace what was lost. The Dr. couldn't understand how I was walking around 😁
I am so happy that you've been fully informed about all of these things!! I 100% agree & think it needs to go both ways--young girls should learn everything about boys bodies and boys should learn everything about girls bodies. There is absolutely zero point in making it awkward or some kind of unknown, mysterious thing that's just "not supposed" to be known. I'll be having a son very, very soon and when he's old enough, I will absolutely make sure he understands everything about this. Thank you for being open to learning it. You're so right that while education may not be the same exact thing as personal experience, it's still extremely helpful. My husband grew up with three sisters so he's totally fine with all the stuff we have to go through. He is genuinely baffled when guys are freaked out when they see a box of tampons. He's like "it's literally just cotton, plastic and cardboard." He doesn't see it as a big deal at all and the more people who gain knowledge, like you did, the better things will be. ☺️
Period undies are a game changer for me. As someone who has super sensitive skin who'd get rashes from using pads and found tampons were uncomfortable they are great and make me actually feel like a human being during my period.
As someone who has used so many different products, I LOVE my period underwear. They are amazing. And for the woman who sometimes has issues with coughing and sneezing, they handle that too. I have no issue with smell, reaction, and as Holly said I feel like a human again.
100% yes to all of this, period underwear was a game changer. I also find products that are inserted to be uncomfortable, and it took me forever in the 90’s/00’s to find a brad of pads that didn’t add “delicate, light, fresh!” fragrances. Awful for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. The period underwear is so much more comfortable for me to use, there’s no fear of the company changing the design and adding fragrance (changed pad brands TWICE due to this), and there’s no chance of the undies sliding or shifting around like the reusable pads can.
Please make a menstrual cup video!! They are so underrated and such a period gamechanger once you get used to using them. It would be great if you talked about the ecological/economical benefits, maintenance and why they might not be the best option for everyone ( ex. people uncomfortable with vaginal insertion for personal reasons)
I started using one about 3 years ago and I'll never go back. That being said, I was already completely comfortable with using tampons before that. I have a friend who finds tampons uncomfortable so the cup probably wouldn't work for her, but I often tell other friends how great(?) it is.
Washable pads don't weird me out at all, mostly because I got so tired of blood-stained sheets at night during my period (I don't like using tampons, so I just used pads, but my flow can be very heavy), I just started using very small towels and washing them. At some point I got a set of red and dark magenta towels, and my partner enjoys poking fun at them - for example if he's the one folding laundry, he'll give me a stack and be all "here, washed your crotch rags, darling
I’m 50 and not had a period in 2 years, but I always wore pads at night. Don’t know if that’s healthier to switch it up or not. Told my daughter what I do (at the time) when she started asking questions before she started.
Menstrual cups are so underrated. I mostly believe that all this "hate" comes from misinformation and no education on this topic. I don't live in the US, and 1 in 5 women might know about them. This is a life changer and every woman should know about all the alternatives..
@@RawrLyss The cup is the best thing that ever happened to my period. When I use it, it feels like I'm not on my period. You can keep it in for 7 to 8 hours if you want to! I went to an amusement park with it once, and didn't have to think about it untill I came home!
I feel like they're very widely known here in the US, to the point where if you don't use one, for whatever reason (can't, not sustainable, don't have access, whatever), the people that do use them are actually the ones giving hate.
I have tried 3 different cups so far and I really want it to work 😔 but it just doesnt. I have no idea whats wrong, I've tried to find out what size I need through different website tests. My cup use to "move" inside me, which indicates that they do not fit completely, and release blood because they dont stay in place. This results in having to run to the bathroom every half an hour or less. Also I cant sit, lay or basically do any other movement than just standing strait without the cup "plopping" out of there position. I do feel a suction when I put it in, although it never feels very secure. I am really disappointed, because I like to have a eco-friendly-lifestyle, yet I still have to use tampons. I dont want to buy more cups to see if one eventually fits, they are quite pricey.
@@micatge1694 I get that some people like them, and it's a miracle for some, and that's great. But some get kinda mean to those of us that can't/don't use them, forgetting that it simply isn't a feasible option for some. Period products aren't a one size fits all type of thing, and a lot of times, it isn't as simple as "wanting to create waste vs wanting to save the earth"
The switch to menstrual cups was a huge thing for me while working as a server. Twelve hour shift without the need of changing the pad or a tampon, what a relief! I had to do my research to choose the right cup (high or low cervix, strenght of pelvic muscles as mentioned in the video, flow, etc.), but it was totally worth it. I'm so happy periods aren't taboo anymore and we should normalize other things like discharge as well. Btw reusable pads are great for that, I used them a lot during my pregnancy. :)
[laughs tiredly in Turning Red] …we’re not as close to periods and period products being non-taboo as I hoped. Especially when discussing female puberty. There’s still more normalizing to be done…unfortunately
@@anonymousfellow8879 i remember about 2 months ago, when i was on my period having a cramp so terrible that i was laying as still as i could on my bed so i didn’t have unnecessary pain, and my brother barged in and was like “what’s wrong with you?” and i told him it was period cramps and he said, and i quote “uh, ok. please don’t talk about that to me.” like dude *literally what?* you seriously can’t talk about a common bodily function that happened in 3 of the 6 ppl in our house? yeah i was upset with him for sure, and i wonder what about that made him so uncomfortable given that i was the one basically bedridden for a short amount of time
I switched to a cup last year and it was the best choice I ever made. Everyone made fun of me, called it gross. It isn’t gross at all. It took getting used to but I just can’t justify going back to such wasteful products just to make other people comfortable. I will literally never use anything else now. The cup is awesome!
@@therabbithat it's probably more along the lines of family or roommates noticing OP wasn't using or buying tampons/pads anymore, & the follow-up explanation includes explaining that yes, you wash it before reinserting it. My roommates FREAKED OUT at the idea of period products being washed in the bathroom sink, it took months of me using a cup without incident to convince them there wasn't going to be some sort of elevator scene from The Shining situation. In the beginning, no matter how much I explained that you empty it in the toilet, they were somehow convinced that using a menstrual cup would inevitably result in the bathroom turning into a gruesome crime scene of blood-splattered walls and floors. I have no idea where the "menstrual cups are inherently messy" belief comes from, but it's definitely out there.
Girl, you do what is right for you! I have found people that call using a reusable hygiene product gross are just ignorant. Those same women telling you it is gross are also wearing panties (clothing that protects your pants/skirt from bodily secretions) or using makeup applicators (also a product intended for better hygiene) and I bet you they don't wash the makeup applicators as often as you wash your hands!
Yup same thing with me im 15 and ive done alot of research on the benefits of menstrual cups for a few months now. I asked my mother if she can buy me she told it was unhygienic and disgusting why would you ever want to Do that? She was being so ignorant about it without even knowing what it was I wasnt even allowed to explain myself.
She told me she would never buy it for me as long as I lived under her roof but she didnt say I couldnt buy it with my own money which is what I will do.
Finally switched back in the summer months (allergic or highly sensitive to adhesive… can’t even wear bandages and sensitive to paper products) and never knew this was a solution before and it was the best solution ever for me
All of us from countries where applicators aren't a thing: "holy shit biodegradable tampons! wait aren't they already biodegradable?.... wtf is an applicator"
In America tampons (and anything vagina related really) are still looked at like "ew". Some problems us period pals have to deal with here are mostly due to that, because they get ignored. It's getting better, but there are still a lot of misconceptions that prevent changes, like a lot of people here still think that tampons "break a person's virginity".
@@Steph-lc7hy Honestly the concept of "virginity" itself, in my opinion, is a shame. I think Dr. Jones puts it best when she said "first sexual experience" is a better term for it.
@@thelovelybunny9012 oh I have a lot to say about virginity. yes, I like the way they said it because if someone told me they’re not a virgin. And I’m I’m like well “who did you sleep with” the person cannot honestly tell me a tampon. I think they may be referring to the hymen part of that. Lol what?
@@Steph-lc7hy I also think the whole concept of virginity is so stupid. It applies only to straight people and amab people (in America at least) are basically expected to have sex at 13-15 while afab people are expected to have sex at 18 or when they're married. It's so stupid and honestly creepy.
I love the Thinx period underwear! I have a physical disability, so I used to wear pads all the time (it's hard to get someone else to help insert a tampon properly), but if I unexpectedly started my period when I was by myself, it was hard for me to put a pad in my underwear properly. The Thinx underwear protects better than I thought they would (and I can have heavy flow), and I can actually pull them up by myself. It's great when somebody invents a product that turns out to be handicap accessible when it probably didn't even cross their mind that we could be target consumers. Also, they're prettier than my normal underwear (sad, but true), and they have so many styles, you can find one you like (I like the hiphuggers (shown in this video), but they have boy shorts (very absorbent, but heavy to pull up), bikini style, high-waisted, cotton briefs (although I didn't find those as absorbent), even thongs). The only thing is that they are somewhat pricy ($37 each, but considering how much we probably spend on pads or tampons, I think it's worth it), and I have probably spent more money on them than I need to since I get excited when there are new colors or patterns, lol.
Oh my goodness! You have exactly described the experience my 13 year old is going through. I have struggled to find a product that she could manage and use independently because of her physical challenges. The period panties have allowed her to be self reliant, which as you probably know is a BIG deal.
Joyja is the brand I always use for period underwear. There are some fun patterns and I find that they are just as good (and cheaper) than my thinx pair. I always get excited to wear them because they are so pretty!
@@kathleenallen7498 I'm disabled too, and have some tips that may help! I'm not quadraplegic from a spinal injury, but have the same level of function due to a muscle disease, if that helps to imagine the minimal hand function/movement for comparison. I.e. little finger control, but can use wrist movement via tendonesis that automatially clenches my hand due to tendons being pulled, to give me some grip but not fine control oveer that grip, if that makes sense! I personally don't use tampons very often, due to a heavy flow not making it very time effective, but when I did, I used products designed for help with self catherisation (via intermittent self cathing, not the foley cath type that stay in all the time). I can give you links, they basially are designed to grip the catheter (or tampon) and needs very little dexterity or strength to use. Often used in conjunction with leg positioners (if you can't spread your legs independently) which can have mirrors mounted for easier visualising of the aimed area, be it urethra or vagina. I have a supra pubic cath now, so don't do ISC anymore to know if my decreased funciton is still enough to use those tools but I could then with still very shoddy hands!! Also, modifying period pants to have velro or whatever fastening methods at the sides is a very low key way to enable someone to put them on themselves. This can be done from bed, assuming a small ability to either roll to the side or back and forth to get them under your hips when lying on your back, or using the shower/toilet chairs that have a hole cut out of the seat (that's my preferred method), then just fasten them at the sides once in place. Even having only 1 side velcro-able makes them easier to pull up independently, like with shorts with more room so they dont get stuck as easiler when going over butt/hips area. I initially worried about them coming un done but actually once wearing trousers or shorts, there's no way they can come undone really unless you're trying to! I have endless more tips and tricks if anyone is interested! :) hope this helps somebody
@@lillianm3816 Thanks, I'll have to look them up. I'm not currently getting my period because of birth control, but this is still good info for when my periods start getting heavy again.
@@unknownentity7964 Could you link me to the device you're talking about that can help put in the catheter (or in this case tampon)? I think that could help me. Thanks!
If you care about staining on your reusable cloth items, make sure to rinse with COLD water! You can get out so much more that way, then use hot water to actually wash them.
Also if you rinse with or soak with hydrogen peroxide first of all, even before water, you get more of the stain out. Maybe all if you're lucky. I have extremely heavy periods and the hydrogen peroxide soak has really helped get blood out way better than cold water.
I went straight from only ever using pads to using a menstrual cup. Never tried tampons and I was raised in a very conservative family that never talked about sex, anatomy, or period products. The transition was waaaay easier than I expected and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Forgetting about my period for the most part has been life-changing. I can't recommend the Saalt Soft cup enough!
@@CrownedLily I discovered when I started using cups that a lot of my period discomfort was from the products I was using. It might be different for you but since I made the switch to cups and period underwear my periods have barely been an issue
Gonna be honest here, I use a diva cup and sometimes forget it’s there until it overflows (which could be anywhere from 3 to 12 hours depending on day or flow) but it’s so good. Does require a learning curve and you gotta be comfortable with your anatomy, but I love it and have been using it for 6 years.
Right, on the later days of my period i wear a cup for almost 24 hours, not have to think about it and it never does anything bad, it's SUCH gamechanger.
ture. i have one too and i also forget about it until overflow or if its not sitting corretly. i do still use regular pads with it just of my own comfort and avoid leeking
i’ve forgotten about mine until it overflowed (more than once lol) and literally 2 days ago it overflowed after 2.5 hours which is incredibly quick in my experience, but i also don’t use it that much on the heaviest day of my period bc occasionally it makes cramps worse
A national drug store here in Canada just gave high schools in Ontario free period products. They'll be providing 6 million pads per year for the next 3 years to help combat period poverty. I can't help but think how much more of a sustainable project this would be if they were reusable products.
@@jennalacaria3924 The reason they are not doing reusables is that the girl may not have access to a washing machine. Yes they cam be washed by hand but they need tome to dry. I made mine after making reusable diapers for my first Grandchild. Wish I had known I could have been using them many years earlier. I am allergic to Dioxin which Paper and plastic pads leach into our bodies. It made my "female" parts very sick.
I'm Scottish too, and I wish the local councils would have an option of receiving free menstrual cups instead of disposable products. They're the bee's knees!!
@@kathrynmacrae1470 cups and cloth pads ARE available as part of the Scottish scheme. They are regularly found on the free stand in our local medical centre. Might be worth asking if a request can be given to the stockist of your local place for more reusables?
I'm aussie, and my parents took us on a trip to North America when I was about 14 and I wasn't very good at tracking my period yet so I got a little surprise from aunt flo during the trip and had to buy tampons. I have never been as horrified as when I realised I could only buy them with applicators, it totally freaked me out and I had not idea how they worked, so any time I changed I had to take the tampon out of the applicator because I just couldn't wrap my head around them. In my opinion, applicators really over complicate the process and I really struggle to wrap my head around why North America have gone down that path.
Same here, we don't have applicators in Germany. I've seen them once when traveling and refused to use them. By now, I've been using a menstrual cup for ten years and I'm never going back.
USA here. I remember thinking how strange the applicator-free ones seemed when I first saw them, though I much prefer using the plastic applicators because they slide in smoothly with little to no pain for me. Cardboard applicators hurt, they’re too rough, and similarly with applicator-free ones: they’re dry, kinda rough and tend to stick rather than slide in smooth. I’m glad there are options to suit peoples preferences.
@@kore3919 that also depends on the brand of the tampons. the cheaper ones are often rougher than more expensive tampons. That being said, a little drop of lube on the tip of the tampon lets it slide in super smoothly
Natural sea sponges are the skeletons of animals. As a biologist who has sensitive skin I'd be really worried about developing a horrible allergy if you shoved an animal product up there regularly.
As a biology... well, only teacher, I can calm you: it's not "a dead animal", it's the skeleton made from solely spongine. Spongine is very similar to the collagen of our own skin. So, extremely little risk of allergies. Think of ivory or bone, which, in your analogy would be "dead animals" too. How many allergies to ivory and bone are there?
@@elektra121sensitivity to materials like wool are very common despite it being from an animal. and even if straight out allergies are not likely, the sponge itself could irritate the area considering how abrasive sponges tend to be. besides, we dont have that much data about spiongin and how common allergies to it are. even so. allergies are one matter but sea sponges are dangerous for many more reasons than just that. there was a report by the fda done a while back that showed many of them contained contaminants like sand and glass which isnt surprising considering they grow in the ocean. also as mama doctor jones mentioned, they can fall apart very easily and are almost impossible to clean properly
@@shreepriya4118 Well, in short... most of it: no. "Allergies" to wool are in fact, allergies to Lanolin, not the fiber itself or reactions to the abrasive nature of very rough qualities of wool, again, not to the fiber itself. If a substance is similar to our own body substances (sorry, English is not my first language), as you know, the risk for allergies become vanishingly small to non-existing (see my example of bone). Second, if a sponge is soaked (like it is when inserted or taken out), it is very soft, much more so than, say, a tampon. Third, "a while ago" was 1984 and the sponges they examined back then were simply harvested from the sea and not treated in any form or kind. The production of period sponges today is completely different. It's comparing apples and oranges. I get that you can be opposed to the use of period sponges - but if it's a fair argumentation, you can't support this opinion with arguments that doesn't hold much water (pun intended). ;(
@Shreepriya Well I have to disagree on multiple points. 1)The sea sponges they sell as menstrual products are not abrasive. That's false. When wet or damp they are softer than tampons. 2) They also do not fall apart very easily. 3) And they are pretty easy to clean in an aqueous solution of acetic acid. Acetic acid is scienetifically proven to prevent staphylococcus aureus from multiplying. Although Mama Doctor Joned is totally correct, they should be properly tested and regulated.
I love my period undies and wish they'd been available when I was a teenager. Also, some brands have started producing period swimwear, and it is great! As a gal who hates tampons, I love that there's finally an alternative that actually works!
@@leighadaig24 I usually wash mine in the shower in the morning for the over night one, then just in my laundry for the others. Then put them in the next wash.
@@leighadaig24 At home, in the sink, cold water. Rinse after use, wash with other laundry. Mine (Snuggs) usually last all day easily, I just put them on in the morning, wash them in cold water at night, then throw them into the washer with the next 40 degree (Celsius) load of laundry. No odor, nothing like that, and they absorb perfectly. If I'm out too long and need a change (never happened), I'd just switch to a spare, throw the used piece in a waterproof bag and rinse it when I get home or to a private restroom.
This might sound gross but it works for me. I just take my period undies into the shower, take them off and leave them right under the shower stream and step on them to rinse them out until the water runs clear. It takes soooo long to rinse them by hand and soaking them makes the inside all lumpy and weird. So I do the shower method and then wash them in the machine as normal. I use the bonds brand and they are a life changer. I get irritation and pain from disposable pads and tampons but these are pure comfort and look cute too.
I started using a menstrual cup on a whim about 5 years ago and I could seriously be a menstrual cup salesperson. I love it so much and it works way better for me and makes me feel way better during my menstrual cycle. 10/10 can't recommend enough
Thanks for this. Sad how women's health (childbirth, periods, qbortions, birth control, etc) is still treated a taboo topics but you do such a great job of not even going down that road and just laying out the info we need. Thank you for nailing it and being a girl boss 😍🤩
That's true! I always used a small one but then got a crazy heavy first post-partum period and had Amazon next day me the bigger size because I was filling it every 2 hours. It's chilled out since then but I know heavy flows are normal for some women and it did help!
@@whossoul I had a similar experience from my flow changing due to other reasons. Since it's the heaviest for the first 1-2 days for me, I realised I can use different size cups during different times of my period. So if one is able to purchase two cups that could be an option. ☺️
Also a tilted uterus. For years I leaked with the diva cup until a doctor told me I had a tilted uterus out of the blue....never even knew that was a thing....got the large femmycup that is great for that plus low cervixes and wow at this point my back up thinx isn't even necessary (but great to use on days you are at home and don't want to insert anything up your privates.)
A note I was disappointed didn’t get mentioned is that when used gently, those silicone cups and discs can last 10 years!! And you realistically only need one that entire ten years, unless you have preferences or special circumstances. It’s fantastic!
woah that’s crazy! i can’t imagine how much money that’ll save as well i’ve just had my full first period using tampons and i almost went through the *entire* value pack of 36. they are the littlest ones they make but i don’t know if i’ll be able to fit a wider cotton inside
Be careful of going for larger absorbency levels! Do a your research, especially on TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), they may call it something different now but that will get you started. When I first began using tampons, I had the same issue and went up the absorbency ladder, for necessity ad expense. Hours later, I began feeling queasy, then feverish. Got home from school and fell into the door. My mom, who had similar issues, checked my fever, was able to get a few coherent answers out of me and had to pull out the tampon right there at the door and drag me to a cool shower. TL:DR- do NOT hop up levels with tampons!
I have never heard of anyone using a sea sponge 😰. Like: “excuse me while I shove a marine carcass inside me.” I love period panties though. It’s amazing when you’re out for hours like at the zoo or amusement parks and you don’t have to worry about a disaster zone in public because it’s hard to find a restroom.
I started my reusable menstrual product journey back in 2016 and definitely tried sea sponges! I actually just came across them again a couple months ago and threw them all away bc I think they only last like a couple months to a year or something anyways. They were okay to use, but now I know to never use them ever again bc of this video lmao
I saw sea sponges in Whole Foods like, 15 years ago? I was transitioning into using more natural products for everything but I immediately noped right out of that one.
I’ve been sewing my own cloth pads out of fabrics I have laying around! Super comfortable with fun patterns and you feel good up-cycling material and saving the planet from plastic waste! Also saves you money. I just use them as a back up in case of overflow/ overnight.
I used an old pillowcase of my Grandma's to make the top layer of my cloth pads (with flannel underneath), and they are the softest gentlest thing I've ever felt. I don't know what the thread count is or anything, but they are amazing. If you have an old sheet or pillowcase to use, I highly recommend it.
Reusable pads are amazing and they can handle an amazing amount of flow! I always had leaks with the disposable ones, but the reusable ones are totally safe🎉
The best thing about menstrual cups is at every period i look at the trashcan in my bathroom and am happy how it's not filled in only 3 days bc it's full of hygiene product trash :D
@@marias1609 I might go with that, or maybe reusable cloth pads. I'm not entirely sure yet if I'm comfortable with shoving a silicon object inside my vag every month.
@@thelovelybunny9012 I tried out three different ones (because I was told there are different sizes and materials and I really wanted to use them) and spent over 80€ in total (they are not cheap in Germany) just to throw all three away, because they didn't work (it always leaked, especially at night) and were really impractical at work or on the road (no sink next to the toilet). I just keep using tampons like I did the last 24 years.
@@Hitsugix It sucks that didn't work for you. I've heard that some people simply can't use them for various reasons due to their anatomy differences. I'm still going to give them a go, maybe with the addition of some period underwear as backup.
I switched to reusable pads about a year ago and I wish I had done it years before. Best decision ever. No more sensitive skin, no more itching or spots or soreness. I wish we were taught about alternative products instead of just pads and tampons (without applicator as those are the most common ones here in Denmark). Yeah the bulky sensation takes a few months to get used to and the rinsing too, but it's just normal for me by now. Money well spent, absolutely 😄🤘🏻
@@shadow4040 I hear you, it's the most annoying part of using them. But honestly, I got used to it pretty quickly. And if I'm not fast enough and they're soaking in the bathroom sink (makes them easier ro rinse if they've soaked for half an hour), my husband will rinse them so I know I'm kinda lucky that way 😅
@@shadow4040 yeah I found they take a bit of time. But if you have a good amount of reusable pads then it’s not really time consuming and you only would have to wash like every 2 days. It’s way less work than you think, at least the way I do it. They are so amazing and so absorbing, I recommend trying them out!
@@ehlenastormborn3189 soaking them in salt water can help as well, or just try and get some in a nice dark blue, red or purple, like you might as well have fun with the colours ,😃
I have to use them sparingly. I have good sets of washable pads, but the wings still chafe. The underwear turns out to be my best option, but I did try the pads in good faith.
I've been using reuseable pads for almost a year now, and I'm so happy with them! I used to always use the longer thicker pads from Always, because I often leaked onto my underwear and pants even during the day. That made the transition to reuseable ones easier, because they are a bit thicker than most standard pads. But they're also very soft and 10x more comfortable to wear; no perfume, no itchy plastic, no coming off during the day and getting stuck on my leg, etc. They also stay in place way better, to the point where I often don't notice I'm wearing them, whereas with regular pads I'd always notice the plastic rubbing together and scraping my legs. Of course you do need to wash these fabric pads, but that's not a huge hurdle. I clean my cat's litter box daily, and it's no more icky than that imo. Once you take it out, you hold it under running water, then rubb the blood off and rinse it as if it were a washing cloth. Then I keep it in a bucket of water and biological stain-remover until I can wash them, after which I hang them up to dry. You touch blood for like a minute, but it's your own blood, and you can just wash your hands with soap right after. Feels way cleaner to me than filling a trashcan with bloodied plastic every month. Another small detail: You can use the clips to fold up an close the pads if you're not able to wash them immediately. This makes it very easy to use them even when going out; I just have a small water and odor-proof closeable bag with me that I put the used pads in, and when I'm home I wash them!
thank you for this! im only 17 but i am very environmentally conscious and have severe eczema on parts of my body that has a joint or folds. so the disposable pad for me is very irritating, and its bad for the environment. im planning on ordering period stuff like a cup and some reusable pads, but i have been thinking VERY HARD about it since i live in a very conservative country and family, so i have to provide for myself because im sure that my family wouldnt approve of cups :((( this video and the comments sold me on my decision! i am just waiting for the monthly 10.10 sale so i wont have to spend that much money since i dont make a lot from babysitting xD i really appreciate this, thank you!!! ♡
@@thelawyerdoggo I'm so glad it helped you! I know the struggle of eczema in those places! The pads I use are just a soft cotton fabric, and honestly better for my skin than most of my underwear without them 😆.
I'm new to using menstrual cups and on my heavier days they always leak out(without the cups being full) and I can't figure out what might be wrong.It's extremely frustrating. Would you happen to know?
@@anondolphin71 yeah I have this problem, too. On my heavy days I usually wear a panty liner to catch any leaks. If I am at home, I will empty the cup when necessary, take a shower and insert the cup and that helps stop leaks. When out and about I just accept that there are leaks and deal with it using the panty liners. I only have a heavy flow 1 day so it's not a bother for me. Now I don't know WHY there's a leak on those days but my guess is that since the flow is so heavy, it covers the sides of the vagina and even though I clean the cup and insert it, there's some blood on the sides of the cup/vagina that won't flow into it and that is the 'leak' we see. The reason why I think this is the case is because when I tried cleaning up a bit (without showering) just using tp wrapped around my finger like a tampon to clean the essy to reach edges before inserting the cup, it leaked less. And when I shower there's no leak at all. Tmi ahead: I don't douche (that's not recommended by doctors) , but I do insert my fingers and try to get blood that's already there out so that there's the least amount of blood on the walls when I insert the cup. Oh and also a very important thing in preventing leaks: ensure you have a tight seal. I run my finger around the edge of the cup twice, then I twist the cup around until I think I got a good seal and then I twist it 2 more times just to be sure. Good luck, hope some of this helps
@@anondolphin71 You need to make sure you have purchased the correct size menstrual cup and that it is rigid enough for your pelvic floor muscle tone. Some women have a very strong pelvic floor and end up buying very soft cups that end up not being very suitable, try to see if a more rigid cup can prevent leaks, because the main factor for not leaking is the formation of a suction around the cervix.
@@anondolphin71 on top of what others said, sometimes it's not a leak... how do I explain. This happens to me often so I'm going to try my best to explain. The vagina is like a "tube" right? The cup creates a seal, lets say, 5cm inside the vagina. Any blood that flows into the vagina will go into that cup (unless you put the cup too far in and passed the cervix, this has happened to me a few times). However, what about the "leftover" vagina beyond the seal, on the way out? If there is any blood on that, it will "leak" out. If you take out the cup and it overflows all over on the way out, you have blood all over the walls of the vagina and that mess will slowly come out, because it's beyond the seal of the cup. This is the main source of leaks in my experience.
A menstrual cup + reusable pads changed my life. Soooooo much more comfortable than typical tampons or pads. I use a skoon(can't remember how to spell it) cup because they're ultra soft silicone, but that does make it trickier to open once it's inserted.
I wish my skoon fit me better because it's my absolute favorite design, but I just picked up a honey pot on impulse from Walmart a few months ago and it's definitely my new favorite. It has a similar design to skoon and is definitely softer than a Diva cup. I think next year is my 10 year anniversary with cups and I've never once regretted it!
@@pawpower1023 no, you just wipe it out with to, and maybe a wipe of you have one and reinsert. I think I’ve only had to change in public one time in 5 years and I have a very heavy flow, but not abnormally so.
I don't use inserting products. Probably bcz I am scared to put things in. I am a virgin and I feel like inserting things will make my it broke or make it more pain. I just want someone who use them to advice me about it. I hope doctor will do a video abt them. Cause I am interested.
Tip about menstrual cup: it's easier to take it out if you pee first. If the bladder is full the cup has less room to move and it can make taking it out quite stressful (specially if you are a little bit nervous).
Also a little bit of vaseline around the lip and widest part of the cup helps with insertion and removal! Vaseline is completely inert and won't hurt anything, and I've found it even helps the cup open back up smoothly after insertion, so no vagina snap.
I've definitely lost more menstrual cups to the toilet this way. Too slippery for my uncoordinated butt to keep hold of if I pee first lol. If it works for you great but not something I would recommend personally.
AISURU.TOKYO/AGNEZ 💞 (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。18 years and over RU-vid: This is fine Someone: Says "heck" RU-vid: Be gone #однако #я #люблю #таких #рыбаков #Интересно #забавно #девушка #смешная #垃圾
THANK YOU for mentioning non-insertable options too! Before I had surgery to correct my neuroproliferative vestibulodynia I would always find it upsetting when resources only ever mentioned insertable reusable options, especially because it tended to feed into the narrative that using disposable pads is 'dirtier' and people who use pads should 'just get over it/grow up.'
THANK YOU!!! Tampons freaking HURT so I get super annoyed with people who try guilting me into sticking a cup up in there-HELL NO. If I can’t use a regular tampon without a lot of pain and discomfort the entire time it’s inside, WHY would I want to shove something up in there that’s even bigger?!?? Nevermind that my periods are heavy enough that 10 hr “overnight” pads barely last 4 hrs before things run off ‘cause the absorption just can’t keep up or legitimately fill on my heaviest days. Like, my health isn’t what’s killing the environment, I’m pretty sure that’s commercial fishing nets and general manufacturing. At some point I’ll invest in thinx panties to finally have some peace of mind, especially while trying to just get some sleep when my cramps keep me awake. I MIGHT try the reusable pad-but only ‘cause I’m very sensitive, especially with liners (I’ll use a regular pad despite it being “wasted” at the very end of my cycle). That much bulk looks pretty miserable and like it’d show through anything but a loose maxi skirt.
Exactly. Im tired of the judgmental attitude some menstrual cup users have. They can call pads and tampons dirty and gross. They can accuse pad users of being childish or not in touch with their bodies. If you have a negative experience with the cup, they want you to be quiet and not scare anyone off, but they can say whatever they want about bads and tampons.
@@anonymousfellow8879 I hope you get a chance to try period underwear. That's all I use now and I swear by them! They are comfortable for sleeping which is a HUGE bonus too.
I discovered the menstrual cup about 4 years ago at 44 years of age. I love it and my only regret is not learning about it sooner. My hope is that every teenage girl learns about all the options.
Just a heads up for biodegradable: biodegradable has become a buzz word lately. They will not break down in a landfill and their time to breakdown outside of a standard compost facility can very wildly. I know many people who think that biodegradable means they can bury the item (I'm a backpacker) and it'll breakdown quickly. This is not necessarily the case and contributes to an out of sight, out of mind psychology. Obviously, it's better than plastic. But understand it before you buy it
Regardless of the speed of breakdown, we shouldn't be leaving anything behind in nature, not even tissues and apple cores (definitely not tampons either). Most biodegradable plastics (if they are biodegradable at all, because traditional tampons aren't), leave microplastics behind, so we're still better off looking for completely plastic-free solutions instead.
@@Etianen7 um they are just cotton no plastic in an actual tampon It os biodegradable by nature or cotton clothing would never break down. However what is the difference is that the applicator is a paper product. Regular Tampax Yampons used to come with a paper tube. I remember them because I am 55 years old and I got Toxic Shock before they went to plastic. I use the same reusable pads that I used for my period for urinary incontinence. I sew so I made my own. And now I make and give away a bunch every year.
I was curious about it, so I buried in my flower pots the handle of a bamboo toothbrush and a sea sponge (I use it to wash my face). They had both disappeared within a year. Obviously, I never leave anything behind me in a forest, this was just a little experiment of mine.
Yeah, often to label their product biodegradable a company has to prove it breaks down in ideal or laboratory conditions. Landfills are often far from that and many things can't biodegrade in them. Burying in good soil might do the trick over time, though you need to be careful that what you bury isn't going to contaminate the soil as it breaks down
Since I’m highly allergic to traditional disposable mensural products, like get contact dermatitis, I used the cup for years. After having my first baby I started using period undies and cloth pads and it’s been a game changer for postpartum!
Did you use the underwear postpartum? Or just for periods? If you did use them for postpartum bleeding, how did the period undies work? I wanted to try them with my last baby but was worried they wouldn’t hold up well enough those first few days after birth being pretty heavy. With my next baby I’d like to try it so I’ve been trying to find info on it and it’s so hard to find! I don’t know anybody that has used them for that lol. Sorry for the long reply, just really curious to see if it worked for that.
I always wonder how other woman are able to work with just pads. Just one wrong move and it gets on the side and then on the trousers. Especially reusable pads. Where do you put them without making the whole office stinki and disgusting after a 9 or 10 h workshift. Also it looks weird if you walk with a huge purse/bag into the toilets. Maybe I'm just unlucky but i can't imagine working with such unreliable utensils.
Yes! I haven't used pads for years because I'm so allergic to the adhesive, I break out into a rash on my thighs and vulva. 😬 side note I also have issues with bandaids and tape.😑
I've always been a pad user. Tried the cup once, but insertion was too uncomfortable that I was scared to try again, so I switched to cloth pads. It was a game changer for me, because now I don't have to deal with the plastic waste of disposable pads, and not worry if I don't have any in supply like I used to. For washing, I usually rinse the used pads over the toilet until the water runs clear, and then soak it in a small container with a bit of detergent overnight, then rinse them off again. It helps that I'm not grossed out by my own bodily fluids, because I usually wash mine by hand.
so glad you found what works for you! I totally understand - when I first started using cups, insertion was uncomfortable and it scared me. If you ever do want to try cups again, like for swimming or something, something that made it so much better for me and no pain at all was using a little bit of lube :) made the whole process much better! Just make sure it's fragrance/scent free and water based if you ever do want to give it a go
Menstrual cup changed my life. Period is not a topic anymore. Just make sure you have the right size. This is such a great video! I finally understood why someone would use tampons with plastic applicators. It was a big mystery for me for years! Thanks for a great content.
For people wondering about the applicator: The first tampons were developed in the US by Tampax - with an applicator. Whereas in other countries tampons weren't a thing yet. In Europe tampons were developed a decade or so later by o.b. - without an applicator. Tampons with applicator stayed popular in the US (and UK?) while in Europe the ones without are the norm now.
I think it has a lot to do with shelf space/how women are valued... big stores are commonplace in the USA pretty much everywhere (so more shelf space) vs in places like Europe while there are big stores, they’re usually more difficult to access (they’re outside the city center)- the shops in the city center are usually fairly small- substantially less shelf space, so you don’t want the items taking up as much space- applicator free tampons take up a significantly smaller space than applicator tampons 🤷🏼♀️ You also see way more options/brands in the USA vs Europe or other countries- foreigners (or really even Americans) can get overwhelmed by the wide variety of choices (eg usually a whole aisle of period products in most stores)
@@candicecart9786 I don't know which European counties or cities you've been to but where I live and traveled to before (even in small towns) there are drugstores inside and outside of the city. Period products often take up at least one full shelf/aisle with lots of different brands. Of course smaller towns also have smaller shops. But the infrastructure of stores in most EU countries is way more dense than, let's say, in the middle of the US. I think this is not a space issue but just historically grown preference.
In the UK tapax (with an applicator) and lil lets (no applicator) are the two main tampon brands. As far as I know they're similarly popular and shops that sell menstrual products will stock a selection of absorbencies from both brands.
I think the main thing is "American" Women were taught that you did not touch your body like that so an applicator had to be used and it was made of paper. It was flushable too. Because it broke down as soon as it got wet ot uncurled and separated into 3 or 4 layers. My Mother started her period when she was in her preteens and was given a pad and belt. Shown how to put it on and told that she needed to change it when it needed and that she would need to wear it every month and that was it. She had 3 children before she knew about Tampons. She was out for an evening and the only thing that was available was a friend had tampons. My mother took it in the bathroom inserted it came back out and asked her friend how she could stand being so uncomfortable. She had not removed the cardboard tube. True story.
I am a devout menstrual cup convert. Changed my life and made my periods so much more bearable! I proselytize to all of my friends about them constantly.
I use a cup. The first time I tried it I couldn’t get it in and I hated it. I was a strict pad wearer. My periods were heavy, so I wore the massive pads (only for the first couple of days). I love my cup now. I don’t like the insertion or removal process but it’s so much more comfortable than pads and I love that it creates no waste. I still use panty liners though. I need to get a pair of period underwear.
@@kimberlykenyon9440 If it’s still too difficult you can always try some water based lube to help with insertion. Be careful though because it can make it super slippery and can pop right out of your hands haha
Amber Ale I also need to get a longer cup, taking the cup out first time I thought my fingers might not be long enough and was afraid I'd need to ask my mom for help, but I do need to get some lube
I actually just went to the store and decided for the one which seemed to fit the best. I use it for 1,5 years now and i am absolutely in love with it. I suffer less pain during my period and i don't feel "dried out" anymore. It is definitely something worth to try! Here in Germany we differentiate between sizes small (women who never had sex before), medium (had sex but no vaginal birth) and large ( had a vaginal birth).
I make cloth pads and I love them so much, I make mine so the pattern side is the side you’re meant to bleed onto so you see the fun patterns. Cloth pads literally make me excited to get my period and I have endometriosis so that’s saying a lot 😂
I was so surprised when I found out that Americans mainly only use tampons with applicators! I'm in South Africa and I've never used an applicator; I thought they were like training tampons.
I'm Canadian, but I could never figure out how to us an applicator properly, it would always get in the way. A finger works perfectly fine as long as you wash your hands, and I guess it would also be an issue for people who get acrylic manicures. The applicator free ones are usually small enough to fit in pockets of jeans too. I always keep a handful of tampons in my backpack, as well as some organic pads, because the plastic pads are so itchy and stinky, at least most of the ones I've tried make my itchy and just feel gross.
South African here. Once I switch to applicator (cardboard) tampons, I never used the ones without the applicator ever again. And then I started using a menstrual cup - now that's a game changer! Haven't bought tampons or pads for 3 years now.
The best decision I ever made was switching to a menstrual cup. When I'm working a full day out on the farm, I love not having to worry about changing a pad or tampon. So convenient!
Okay, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for confirming that a menstrual cup CAN pull out an IUD. I went through THREE because my doctor never believed me when I said that I believed the menstrual cup pulled it out, saying it was incredibly unlikely. Thank you for making me feel sane!!
oh shoot! I just got mirana and started my period today and i didn’t even think that it would effect it! lord in heaven i bet that hurt! bless you girl!
This happened to me and my (male) gyno had never heard of a menstrual cup! Clueless! This was in 2015 so maybe they were not as well known, but still... I think it was because I did not squeeze it to release the seal properly before tugging to remove it. I was always dilligent with using it carefully except during one period I drank some while with friends and removed if sloppily a few times in that state. The next morning was when I pulled it out. For my next IUD they trimmed the strings so short they cannot find them, and I am terrified of my removal (tomorrow morning).
It was one of the first things my WHNP asked ne when I got my IUD replaced. It was never asked with my first IUD, but with my second one, I was counseled to not use one.
I am in my 35th yr of monthlies and i only learned about period underwear a year ago!!! Life changing for leak control. So glad youre putting this info out. Wish we had had this info 35yrs ago. I wouldve ruined far fewer pants, skirts and … even satin shoes. If youve ever dripped horribly at a corporate event while wearing satin shoes … yeah. Good times.
It’s so funny to me how everyone was talking about the plastic in tampons while all my life I had never even SEEN tampons with applicators and was like “what kind of tampons are you guys wearing??”
First time I used a tampon with an applicator, the tampon folded in half inside me. 😠 Had further accidents with inserting more to one side and ended up having staining. Just so much better, actually making sure that it sits right, by using one without the applicator.
Same thing! I'm from Brazil and live in Italy.. in both those countries you can find the tampons with the applicator, but they cost twice the price for half the tampons, so almost no one uses it. The first time I actually had tampons with applicator was in the US and after 5 minutes trying to understand how to use it, I took it out of the applicator and just used it as always 😅😅
@@BrunaBOss meu deus, achei uma brasileira no yt minha vida tá completa kkkkkkkk americano deve ser tudo meio doido mesmo pra usar esses aplicadores, que medo de me machucar
I am grateful to grow up in a time and place where I can learn about these issues without feeling embarrassed, and also that there are people who use these platforms to give information about this. Thanks for sharing I really needed this video.
Omg yes. I'm so thankful for living t this timd. I started using a menstrual cup when it was still a bit taboo, but my gosh. It changed my life. I'm so happy that we talk about these things now and alternative options to apds and tampons and more available and talked about
I was just thinking the same and how I wish this stuff was available when I was a teen. Makes me really appreciate what my grandmother and great grandmothers dealt with.
Also, re-useable products are more comfortable; anyone else's hair "down there" get stuck on the sticky adhesive on disposeable pads? Or irritated skin? Also, my periods are 2-3 days shorter since switching to reuseables. Most of the time I use period underwear and a menstrual cup.
i noticed mine got shorter too!! mine used to be anywhere from 7-10 days now they're 5-8 days, i never would have put those 2 things together until i saw your comment.
@@Wolffangs100 i'm not op of the comment but i have some months i'm more heavy and some light months. on the heavy months using thinx supers alone i change them 2 times during the day, sometimes 3 then again just before bed 1 when i wake up (eg 7am) 2 midday (12pm) 3 again around 5pm-7pm only if its super heavy then just before i go to bed to make sure i'm covered overnight
@@Wolffangs100 I'm also a heavy bleeder and I have to change mine every 4-5 hours on the heavy days. I think, the thinxx ones hold a little more blood though (they're not available in germany, where I live). Sometimes, when I know I'll be out for longer than that, I'll stick a normal pad in them, then throw it out when it's full, so I'll basically have pad time + 4 hours.
this is really good to know, ty so much!! I've used Diva cup for like six years and when I first started using it, I don't think there were really any other brands... at least not any that were well known. but yeah I have endometriosis and my periods suck anyway but the suction that the Diva cup causes when I insert it or take it out always makes my cramps worse for an hour or so. will definitely try the Lilly cup, ty so much for leaving this comment!!!! ☺️♥️
@@carinajolierouge oh no omfg I've heard of that happening, that sounds horrifying and painful!!!! ty so much for letting me know ☺️ I might still try the Lily cup in hopes that it's just not quite as strong a suction as the Diva cup, but I'm definitely looking at other brands. I love that there are so many options nowadays!!!
I tried sea sponges once. Never again. The second time I tried to remove it, tiny little pieces came off on my fingers before I as able to get enough of a grip to pull it out. Absolutely terrifying. It went straight in the trash. The fact that they can be marketed as a tampon alternative is mind boggling.
There are synthetic sponges, though they’re obviously not environmentally friendly. But they’re the favoured choice for sex workers, because you can use them to prevent leakage, but you can have sex with them in without anyone noticing a difference. They can be more difficult to remove as they don’t come with a string, you gotta get your fingers up there to remove them. I cannot even fathom using actual sea sponges! That’s just… it’s like chucking jade up there. It’s so silly.
@@katherinemorelle7115 can you just imagine having sex while you have sponge in your vagina and how deep it gets? I feel so sorry for girls in countries where they are not protected with Nordic model.
@@radayar Many women like to use cup or beppy sponge to have sex on their period. Many women use diaphragm for contraception. Many women have IUDs inserted through their cervix and kept in their uterus. No need to bring your politics into it. FYI: Nordic model is not so great in practice, I know several women in Sweden who've been negatively impacted, and there are stories of many more. It's abolition in disguise, and damages women who choose to do sex work because it is a good, very highly paid, highly flexible, job/career. Nordic model wants to 'save' them from this by destroying their livelihood, making them homeless etc. Yes I know all about Nordic model, I used to advocate for it when I was a radical feminist. I am now a sex worker and it is the best, easiest, most enjoyable, highest paying job I've ever had (I'm post-grad educated and have had well paying 'good' jobs). Obviously, I am in a position of privilege. But Nordic model does very little to help those who actually need it.
So glad you spoke about sea sponges! I've seen discussion around them online, but really only by people who recommend them. These just happen to be people who also recommend using natural deodorants and cosmetics because "chemicals are bad for you", so I wasn't going to take their word for it.
AISURU.TOKYO/AGNEZ 💞 (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。18 years and over RU-vid: This is fine Someone: Says "heck" RU-vid: Be gone #однако #я #люблю #таких #рыбаков #Интересно #забавно #девушка #смешная #垃圾
yeah, natural does not mean good for you. They'd better look into cloth alternatives (period panties or reusable pads, or I've even seen cloth tampons that you unravel and wash)
Aresnic, chlorine, amonia, I now realize amonia is a bad one because I've heard people drinking urine "because its good for you", quicksilver, and a myriad of different natural occurring minerals, metals, liquids etc, are all normal. But I don't hear anyone claiming we should be drinking arsnic. People like that don't have critical thinking skills, and don't realize that just because its natural doesn't mean its good.
Bruh hear me out store bought deodorant contains parabens which cause breast cancer. But yeah I wouldn't use a sea sponge in my cooch it sounds like a kak idea. Had to correct this haha
“Empowerment does not happen without education.” I think you just found what to put on your next t-shirt design. As a person that owns 2 of your shirts, I’d totally buy that one too 👍🏻
This is why I'm so happy to be on a daily pill, I honestly do not get a period anymore at all, and I LOVE it. Not the choice for everyone for sure, but for me it is the only way to go. Life is just sooooo much simpler without a period and it also really helps regulate my ADHD as well. You should do an episode about skipping your period with hormonal birth control, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it!
I didn’t have my period for 4 years because of the pill. Life was great without it but than I have noticed I had 0 sex drive :) so I have stopped the pill
I used to "stack" my birth control pills, as in I would skip the placebo pills and just start the next pack. I did that for years and it was so freeing not to get a period, especially in the summer!
yes, it's nice to not have to buy the products or deal with the hormonal mood swings and craziness. I'm on depo and I've been very happy with it. We have 4 and 5 year old boys and my husband is in PhD program, so not a lot of nooky time anyway, but when we can, it's nice not to have to worry about an unexpected period or unplanned pregnancy. We are pretty sure we are done with having babies but I'm not ready to make a drastic decision to have a tubal or hysterectomy.
@@a.mandafesto1658 But back in the day, it was common to have pregnancies back to back, especially if you were married and had a normal sex life. For years these women may only have 1 or 2 periods a year. So yes, for many women during their child-bearing years that they had no cycles because they were in various stages of a pregnancy throughout the year. I’m not sure if it was healthy or not, but at one time in our history it was normal out of necessity to have as many children as possible. My ancestors were farmers and had large families, but I’m not wrong here. Just stating facts.
I am so happy that everyone who is starting their period now have so many options. It would have been so nice and empowering if I had been able to have more than two options when I started at 10.
I switched to a cup and reusable pads a few years ago and there’s definitely a learning curve for the cup! Try to buy more than one size when you start so you can play around with what fits best and opens easiest. But once you get passed the learning curve it’s a game changer! I’ve had waste free periods for over two years now and that makes me so happy
When I switched my oldest to cloth diapers I started looking into cloth pads and switched to them. They're the easiest thing, they don't cause me rashes and discomfort like disposable ones do, and managed to keep up with my insane endometriosis periods. I've since had a uterine ablation and no longer have periods, so my daughter has inherited all my cloth pads. She prefers to use disposable ones at school as they're less bulky and noticable, but she loves the cloth ones at home. For cleaning, we just pop them into a wetbag (leakproof cloth bag) when we remove them from our underware, and when the wetbag gets full after a few days I toss it open into the washer and do a rinse cycle. I then toss whatever is the next load to go into the machine on top and run as normal. They get clean with little fuss, and some of them are nearly as old as my teenage daughter. I use Treehugger pads, which are a Canadian company started by a mom out of her own home. She now employs a number of other moms in her area to help her sew them.
For your daughter, period undies might be more comfortable, as they are not bulky, don't need to be changed through the day Most of them have their protection going all the way up so less risk of leakage than most reusable pads
I also use treehugger pads! They're excellent! I got the pack that comes with random patterns, and all of the random patterns were adorable. As a non-tampon user they're a life saver. Not sure how I feel about inheriting pads, I would never wear my Mom's underwear or pads myself, but if your daughter doesn't mind, then to each their own, I suppose.
I bought an Eva cup(made in Ca) for about $25 in July 2019. I’ve saved maybe $600 so far, not to mention the waste(I was a Pearl girl.) they’re not for everyone and yeah, learning curve but DEFINITELY recommend it to any fellow menstruators. Thanks MDJ! This is so important to discuss!
Yes, my cup changed my life! I use a Junecup though. Got mine for $6 on sale. Off sale it's like $8. I remember the shock of only paying $12 with shipping for my cup. Especially when price was a barrier preventing me from trying one to begin with. So many trendy brands change like $30-60 for a darn silicone cup! That's insanity & robbery imo! Yes, there's a leaning curve. However it was much shorter than I imagined. By day 3 I figured things out & was good to go. No more leaks, no more tampon changing every 3 hrs or bleeding everywhere. No more super plus tampons combined with expensive nighttime pads to prevent the dreaded spillage when standing up or even sitting up.. Best of all no more waking up in the middle of the night to change a tampon! Had to set an alarm clock nightly telling me to change my tampon or I'll wake up in a crime scene. Having the ability and freedom to wear my cup up to 12 hrs, though I don't go beyond 8hrs, is life-changing! Truly life-changing! My Junecup changed my life.. Ntm it's even shortened my period by a full day! I stg!! Crazy to think I don't even need to buy anything for my period anymore. It used to require 2 boxes of kotex super plus tampons & a big box of always infinity pads. I'd spend over $30 every month. Not having that worry or financial burden is amazing! No longer having to smell my mental cycle is an added bonus! It's not super smelly, but we can smell our period. I feel so much cleaner, less cramps, shorter period.. All a win! I just wash & store it safely when I'm done for the month. When I need it again I just wash it, boil it in water to sterilize, & boom! Good to go! Takes less than 10 min to accomplish. It's such a freeing feeling to not stress or worry about your period. I literally had trauma every month from the fear I'd leak while standing up in public.. It's happened too many times to count. So embarrassing! I never wanted to go out during my period for that reason. So much time I lost hiding myself away at home from fear, stress, & stigma surrounding my period. Not anymore!
The Cup is a game changer!! I wish I had one in my teens!!! There are some ladies on RU-vid by the name of “Put a cup in it” who give you ALL the ins and outs (pun not intended) about cups. Because of them I was able to order a cup right for me from the United Kingdom and I live in Canada. I’ve had the cup for a few years now and loving it! It did take a while to get used to but I highly recommend!!!
@@willowwarrior47 Actually Kim, who used to be on the Put A Cup In It channel, started her own channel called Period Nirvana. Check her channel out instead. She is awesome and very knowledgeable when it comes to menstrual cups and discs.
I'm so glad there are so many more products available these days! I would have *loved* period underwear (or a period leotard!) when I was younger. I love the underwear I have now that I wear as backup for my cup. I've been a cup user for over a decade now and when I started it was almost impossible to find them and I think there were only a couple options. It's nice to see so many options (and much easier to find options!) now.
Hello, sorry to bother you. Since you said you have experience using cups i have a question. I'm a virgin, Do you think i can comfortably use menstrual cups ?
So glad you mentioned reusable pads…I love mine! I bought Hannah Pads because the other brands I saw had dyed pads and I didn’t want dyes next to my skin. I’ve never been a tampon user and disposable pads were giving me the WORST rashes every month. The reusable pads work great! I would highly recommend them for anyone not comfortable with inserting a menstrual product.
Thank you for making this video! I've been thinking about getting off birth control since the side effects have been so uncomfortable, but am dreading going back to a regular period. The way you presented each product was so calm, matter-of-fact, and positive that I am now way less timid about trying different period products. Thanks, Doctor Jones! Keep up the great work. :)
Menstrual cups are the business! I was a little intimidated at first, but honestly since making the switch I’ve only ever resorted to a traditional pad or tampon in an emergency. I always found disposable pads very uncomfortable and irritating, since I do have sensitive skin. And I hated tampons because I think the string is gross and then if you misjudge the heaviness of your flow, you’re screwed. Taking out a tampon that isn’t saturated hurts, but you also don’t want to leave it in because TSS. Plus, I’m a heavy sleeper. Also speaking of sleep, I personally hate wearing underwear to bed, so I hated having to in order to use pads. Anyway, yeah, I switched to a cup and once I got past the learning curve I never looked back. It’s the next best thing to not having a period at all. Can’t feel it at all when it’s in, does the job whether it’s a light day or a heavy day, saves money in the long run. I will say that since going off birth control, I do have to use a backup washable liner on Day 2, but that’s really very little trouble compared to the overall benefit.
Only time I use tampons now is if I'm going somewhere where I don't know how the toilet setup will be. If it's individual stall with sink., cool. But a bathroom with multiple stalls and multiple sinks? I'm not gonna go in the stall, remove my cup, get out to wash it, go back in the stall, reinsert my cup. That's a big no no for me.
@@empain_ I’ve heard that some people just use a water bottle or toilet paper to clean it a little bit before putting it back in and then wash it properly when they can
My mom insisted I learn how to use OB’s (the brand of applicator-free tampon widely available in the us) while I was still a teenager, and I haven’t used an applicator since. I usually forget that other people actually use those! Very useful, especially if you’re into backpacking!
In Australia I've never seen applicator ones, so I only ever used applicator free, so I too forget that applicator ones are the "standard" across places like the US.
Also, it's good that the packaging is clear because you can see if it's in good condition or not. I've seen pictures of plastic applicator tampons contaminated with mold and it was pretty scary.
@@rominac1389 nooo oh my gosh. That's disgusting. I typically use applicator-free just as default, but now I'm really not going to use the ones with applicators
Same! Ob is what my mom used so I just got used to them by default. Never found applicators necessary. Plus they always seemed less likely to get torn up or yucky in your bag.
Fun fact: o.b. is an abbreviation for "ohne Binde" which is German for "without a pad". In Germany o.b. is the most common tampon brand and a lot of people actually use the brand name instead of the word tampon.
I’m so excited you did this! I’ll be 37 next month and I just had my first waste-free period! It felt so empowering and I don’t know why. My daughter is 11. She hasn’t started yet but I’m excited to pass on different options to her when she’s ready.
I am around the same age and got on the bandwagon maybe three years ago? I am on my 3rd cup now and I've discovered that I need one brand at the beginning and another brand at the end. I love not having to deal with overnight leaks and not having to worry about nasty gas station bathrooms on road trips. I don't like swimming under any circumstances but I do like the fact that I'm not wearing a tampon that's absorbing lake water. And I love not having that nasty dried out feeling when using a tampon, or having to sleep flat on my back all night when using a pad. My mom is of the generation that had the belts and the clips, and so she switched exclusively to tampons as soon as she was old enough for them to be comfortable. When I hit puberty, she went to the drugstore to buy me some pads, discovered all the new pad technology that was around in the mid 90s, and delightedly bought one of everything. She came back with armloads of products. I didn't have to buy any new period products until I left for college.
I've literally tried all of these. Sea sponges included. They were my most comfortable option (I didn't know they were dangerous), until the time I tried to remove one and it was not budging at all. So I pinched and pulled really hard and realized I wasnt pinching the sponge at all. I almost pulled out my vagina 😂 🤦♀️ I've tried so many cups and just can't find a comfortable one. Modibodi pants are a winner for me 👍👍👍
I also had this with a sponge. I had to flush it out with the hose of the showerhead. I cleaned it first 🙈. But I still went to my doctor to get a prescription for infection. I'm from the netherlands and we get taught only to use a sponge during intercourse 🤷🏼♀️. That's still a bad idea 😂
@Lisa Misik that's a long story that I cannot share online. Let's say it was during a certain job. And it was in combination with some other protection. I wasn't born yesterday 😜
@@AnHeC They are difficult to remove Does anybody know other contraceptive 'Objects' or anything physical that can be used safely as contraceptive as a Plan B alongside a male condom? Cos hormonal pills or injectables cause me srs side effects and reactions and my body is not okay with it, and it is not safe to take 'Emergency contraceptive pill like take action or planb pills' each week over the counter So please suggest me any physical object contraceptive like suppose a female condom, are there any else ?
I've been using a cup since I was thirteen (I'm twenty-one now)! Eight years ago, there were so few brands, but now there's so many! Put a cup in it has a great quiz to help you choose your first one. I can say that there is a bit of a learning curve, but it's been game-changing and I will never go back!
I LOVE my reusable pads. They wash easier than people think, they're cute, and they're more comfortable. I will say that they do smell if you leave them unwashed for too long, so I recommend rinsing out most of the blood like Dr. Jones said
@@leighadaig24 You can rinse them in the sink when you get home. Some people rinse them out and drop them in a small bowl or bucket they hide under the sink with some cleanser in it until wash day.
Period underpants are AMAZING. I do use disposable pads occasionally when I’m going to be out and about a long time but my use has cut way way down. (I start with the disposable pad *in* the period underpants as if they are normal underpants, then dispose of it and just go with the underpants for the rest of the day. It saves having to carry around anything wet/dirty. But I’m sure you could use a reusable pad the same way and just have the little dirty pad instead of a whole pair of underpants.) The underpants are more comfortable than anything else, though, so pads of either type are just when I need to extend wear time and won’t be in a good place for changing underpants.
I've started using reusable pads, and they are amazing! Very soft, no rash, and hold a surprising amount of liquid. The ones I got from Etsy are like a soft hug.
Cloth pads are a blessing. I tried buying a box with a collection of different sizes to try and the moment I started using them I loved them so much. All my female friends and sister have heard me gushing about them, they're so soft and comfortable.
Y'all, menstrual disks though: LOVE that Mama Doctor Jones talked about them. They've been my primary product for ~4years now. There is that learning curve, but IMO they are SUPER comfortable, and I personally like that they're disposable (depression: I'm not always the best at cleaning and don't want to risk that with anything that's going to be worn internally), you can wear them for 12hrs (PhD student; y'all, it's super difficult to plan your experiments around when you need to change a tampon), AND they haven't been linked to TSS (which is great for ya girl with anxiety).
I could never get the disposable discs to sit right, but I love my silicone one. I just soak it in hydrogen peroxide after my period ends, and shower more often during and rinse it off in the shower really well. Never had a problem with it not being clean enough, and I have problems with keeping stuff clean (also depression prone, though not so much post pregnancy and child which has been weird) You can also rinse them well then toss them in the dishwasher or some boiling water to be extra careful if you want.
@@jonist.pierre4599 you hook your finger under the rim and pull gently in a horizontal motion. Works best if you're sitting on the toilet but I like to do it in the shower so if I make a mess it's no biggie.
I am nonbinary and I tend to get more dysphoric around my period. I switched to menstrual cups and I find they really help with my dysphoria. I dont have to think about being on my period, I dont have to see the blood everytime I go to the bathroom, i dont have to go buy more products, and I think they're more comfortable than other products. If you're a trans person with period dysphoria I highly recommend trying other products
Don't be offended by my rant here; I mean it as another option. Rant: this is another reason I want to see modern IUD's as a common and easily available option. (and _way_ less expensive than $500.00!) I once thought women _had_ to have a period for their health. When I found out that the Pill placebos allowed a "false" period, that explained my confusion on subcutaneous birth control with no period for 3 months. So a person can have an IUD inserted and not have a problem not having a period. Huzzah! I felt so free! Had I had girl children and they wanted to get rid of their period, I would sign any release, arrange any permission, even take them myself to the OB/GYN so that they could get what they felt was right for them. And because I'm such a Biology fan, you bet I'd teach them about menstruation, sex, and all the stuff about women maturing, including consent.
Totally makes sense. I’m FTM. I’ve been kinda thinking about giving them a try but honestly I stopped taking testosterone so that I could one day have a baby. And having periods regularly is the physical manifestation of knowing that my body will be capable of producing a child one day. I was seriously getting so much anxiety being on T, knowing that taking it for a long time can reduce the chance of becoming pregnant or potentially make a person infertile. But that’s just my experience. I honestly never thought much about how having periods could make a trans person feel dyphoric but that makes so much sense and I’m glad you found something that works for you and relieves that feeling.
I love my cup! I've been using one for over a year and it's been a huge cost saver. I feel like it's lessened my cramps compared to when I used tampons, but every individual experience varies. ETA: after having a baby vaginally, the regular size cups are way too large and push on my bladder. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try the small or try a different style
I saw graffiti on a bathroom stall in university saying "I ,❤️ my diva cup". I researched them and bought one a few months later. Haven't used disposable stuff in thirteen years now.
I recommend cups to everyone, they make my period so much less miserable and I almost forget about it when I'm not having cramps. I was hesitant to start for the initial cost but I got one for free on a 'just pay shipping' scenario and now I save so much money not having to buy tampons! I still buy disposable for camping or changing it in public washrooms where I dont feel comfortable trying to properly clean them. All around fantastic products, i wish they would've taught us about these in school (Canadian)
I wish it as that simple for me but my body refuses to let me forget my period, the pain is ridiculous -.- I always have to take 800mg of ibuprofen and use a heating pad, only way I can get relief.
AISURU.TOKYO/AGNEZ 💞 (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。18 years and over RU-vid: This is fine Someone: Says "heck" RU-vid: Be gone #однако #я #люблю #таких #рыбаков #Интересно #забавно #девушка #смешная #垃圾
I use flushable feminine hygiene wipes if I have to dump and clean mine in a public restroom. Honestly though, they hold so much that I rarely have to clean it out in a public restroom unless I forget to dump and clean it before going out.
Thank u for this!! My sister bought me reusable pads for my birthday - I thought weird. LOVE them! From OKO Creations Canadian company. They r way less bulky and way more comfortable than pads! They get softer with each wash. I throw them in the shower with me and then laundry and hang dry :) They do not irritate my skin as pads r starting to do. I am perimenopausal, and am quite heavy and they r handling this better than the disposables!! I can also use the liners for every day to guard against old lady urinary drips!
Hey, bit late but just to let you know, you can also get reusable pads that are specifically designed for the old lady drips! My mum got some after she had gone through menopause and she swears by them. I think the design is a little different because they use fabric thats designed to absorb a less, ummm, viscous liquid than the period pads are designed for. She can now cough and laugh without a care!
I've never been able to put in a tampon or a cup and be comfortable with it in (I also had a violent physical reaction the first time I put a tampon) so I absolutely love my period underwear ! 1. they smells less and 2. apart from the 2nd day, I can put one on in the morning and change when I come home from work and not feel anything.
I definitely feel you! I always hated tampons I have since learned to insert them but the first and only time I’ve had a pap smear I reacted so strongly the doctor asked if I’d ever been raped. I have not been raped.
I just can't put them in at all. I only have 5mm of wiggle room at my outlet, so anything going in or out has to be smaller than a fingertip. Otherwise it jabs into my bone or crushes my skin against my pubic arch. For similar reasons, I've yet to have a pap smear. They had to order the smallest possible speculum(child size) and they still couldn't open it wide enough to fit a swab in. They could only look through the tiny slit.
The weird thing is, I've never had problems with a pap smear (or sex for that matter). Idk, maybe it's a psychological reaction that lasted from that weird tampon reaction time that leads to it being impossible to put in if it's gonna stay in ^^ I hope it's gonna be better for you in the future !!
@@sarahd6067 I use Fempo. They're a French brand and their products are all made in France or Europe if I remember correctly. It's been a couple of years and they're holding well. I have some normal panties, a medium flow and a heavy flow one.
Please please please do a video on lumps and bumps around the pubic area. I have hidradinitis supporativa and was misdiagnosed with genital harpies at age 11 (I wasn’t sexually active). Wether it’s razor burn, period product irritation, hs, or an std/sti, your platform could be so helpful in helping to educate and bring awareness. Love your channel! Love you always!
I've heard about a charity that makes reusable pads for women in third world countries as well as period education. I can't remember what it was called but it would be nice to give a shout out to them if you do any more reusable product videos :)
i just want to thank you for this video. not once (that i noticed) did you mention women or feminine people, which i’m so grateful for as a trans man. i cant use pads or anything without an applicator (because of dysphoria) so that reusable applicator you showed sounds perfect for me! but generally, i just want you to know how grateful i am that i can watch this video without feeling dysphoria. i just started watching your videos so i don’t know if that was intentional or not, but it made me very happy
One of the best things about cups is different brands specialise in different things so you can find ones designed for teens, different height cervix’s, different levels of blood so the more you get into them the more you just get slightly obsessed with learning all the different things about your body. There are a surprising amount of cups that have built in measuring numbers
I bought period panties for both my daughter and granddaughter and they absolutely LOVE them! They come in many different panty types (we get the boy shorts type from Ruby Love) but there are many brands and options to choose from.
I used to use Ruby love but I didn’t love how bulky they felt, or the mesh ring in the style I got, so I recently switched to thinx and I found that they were more comfortable than most non period underwear. I’m glad you had luck with them though and I have to say that you seem like a pretty cool grandma
I brought period undies in prep for my daughter's first period. My daughter is 12 but is the size of a small 8 year old so I was really worried about finding a pad or tampons to fit. Thank God for period undies we found the perfect fit!
Definitely give Thinx a try, they’re so much less bulky but still last all day. I ordered a bunch from Ruby Love, wore one pair and gave the rest to my friends daughter (hadn’t gotten her period yet) and told her if she found them more convenient than having pads that we could get her some that were more comfortable
My gut reaction is that would have to be way more icky than a pad you take off and throw away. Doesn't it bother you too be sitting in blood all day? Seems like it would be wet and unpleasant against the skin?
As a highschooler I used my period cup religiously for two years AND IT HONESTLY helped me with my education ever since I bleed excessively decided to get an IUD when I got in my relationship I was too terrified to use my cup afterwards I didn’t realize I could use a reusable menstrual disk I’m absolutely excited I just ordered my zingy!
I think having both in your collection along with some pads or underwear it’s a good way to cover the bases. Whether you’re crampy or gassy or heavy or light you have something for everything
One more item about sea sponges: they have tiny glass spicules, like tiny glass toothpicks. They would make cuts and tears and other irritations. And if there is _Staph aureus_ too, then you can get a blood infection quickly. Stay away from them.
You are talking about carnivorous sponges, not the sea sponges they sell as menstrual products (those are softer than tampons when wet or damp). Get out of here. Telling horror stories...🙄
My Zoology classes in University did not distinguish between sponges: there was no separate "carnivorous" sponge in my Zoology text. Besides, how do you tell? They are both hard when they are dry. The reasons MDJ gave are reason enough, though: disintegrating sponge, and harboring of _S. aureus_, and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Pick your poison.
having switched from pads to menstrual cups, another big bonus is that there's no gross smell. a lot of people with periods who use pads (it's been a long time since i used tampons, so can't speak for that) will find that disposable pads eventually get a metallic, sour smell after several hours, and they might feel self-conscious about it. whereas with menstrual cups, there's no scent at all!
I wouldn't say there's NO smell when you remove the cup. But if you mean no smell while you're wearing it, yes that's true. That would also be true of tampons tho, since they're inside as well
Yes MDJ! I feel like we need a full video on menstrual cups and discs, before I really found info I didnt know there were so many brands, sizes, lengths and even degrees of softness! I didnt know that you could measure your cervix to see which size would be a better fit, and why people often fail when brands classify sizes as just S: no kids L: has had a birth. We need to be educated on these things!
I've been using a cup for 10 years and cloth pads for almost as long and they are life changing! Some people have no idea they have options beyond Always and Tampax so I'm so glad you made this!
I've been using fabric pads exclusively for months if not over a year now. Here are my thoughts (TMI WARNING): Comfort level: - Yes, they're bulky, but they're incredibly soft and comfortable, especially when new. As they get older, they get less soft, but they still are not irritating like disposable pads. No sticky part to grab you down there! 😳 - Because they are so thick, they are very warm, and so they do increase sweating in that area. Be mindful of that during summer or if you are exercising in them. - Comfort score: 7/10 Leakage: - Fabric pads hold far more volume than disposable ones, I believe. I don't think I've ever had a fabric pad leak during the day, and it's become a far more rare occurrence at night too, though it has happened. Perhaps buy some larger ones for overnight to "cover more ground", so to speak. 😂 - Like the video said, they stay in place pretty well. That being said, they will move most when you're moving most (like if you're exercising), so just be mindful of that. Even then, they still don't move too far and are unlikely to leak, in my experience. - Leak resistance 9/10 Washability: - I've bought pads from two brands. The first one I tried was incredibly difficult to wash. The stains wouldn't come out easy. I think those were from EcoPads Australia. They were pink on top and flannel underneath. Would not recommend. Washability 0/10 - The second brand I got were incredibly easy to clean and I absolutely love them for that! No stains (though the dark fabric I chose might be hiding minor ones), the mess comes right out when I rinse them, machine wash them and they dry fast on the line. I believe I got these ones from Rudie EcoPads. They have a flannel strip down the front and pattern on the wings and back (there are multiple pattern options; for reference, mine are the pink flamingos, if you're looking for them). 100% would recommend. These are my go-to pads every month. Washability 10/10. - Only downside here with any washable pad is the extra effort you need to go to, doing laundry daily during a time when you want to do nothing at all, and rinsing them is definitely gross if you bleed heavily. Storage and travel: - Once they're clean and dry, I store them in a little bag in my underwear drawer. Very convenient and out of the way until I need them. My favourite brand above gives you a little storage bag free if you buy their pack of 6. - Because they're big, generally larger than normal pads, they are inconvenient to use when you're out and about. I take a backpack to work, so it's easy for me to accommodate their size, but you can't exactly carry one around in your pocket like I used to do with disposable ones at school, especially because you have to deal with the used one once you change it. (Throwing it in the bin obviously isn't an option.) How many should you buy? - I have 12 good ones and I kept the 4 I don't like as back up. I can usually get by with the 12 if I wash them every day (6 in the wash, 6 ready to wear each day) but I find it useful to have those extra 4 on hand just in case. I do still use them sometimes. Overall score for fabric pads: 8/10 Would recommend if you like wearing pads, have the ability to wash them daily when in use, and want to be eco-friendly. Even if you take something else to work or school, they are an excellent option to wear at home and at night.
Thinx are absorbent, comfortable, easily washable... I don't know why anyone would LIKE wearing pads but these are like undies with built-in pads. Just toss em in the wash... they even come in three different absorbances.
I bought reusable pads a few months ago, and I love them. They are very comfortable and definitely worth the money. The ones I ordered have an absorbent black fabric. I have 12 normal and 6 "night" pads, and I don't think I'll ever go back to disposable
I love washable pads. I used to get at least three yeast infections a year and now I just don't. They breathe so much better although you do have to sometimes hang them to dry even after they've been in the dryer if it's overnight one 🤣.
Your footprint is literally ZERO, calm down. 😒 Poor women are so brainwashed they think their pads add significant waste, while corporations laugh at them and continue destroying the planet.
@@eirschu8973 menstrual products take over 500 years to decompose so they absolutely do create a significant amount of waste. Standard menstrual products are also least with chemicals and tend to cause more yeast infections and in some cases cervical cancer.
When I got my first period way back in the early 80's there were ads on TV for OB tampons, designed by a woman gynecologist with 15 layers of protection. I grew up in a very small, very religious town. I sent away for a sample pack. I was sold the very first time I tried them. Our local pharmacy actually got them in stock, it seems their teenage daughter tried the same sample pack I did. I was very happy to see Carefree and Libra tampons in NZ when we were there, I was afraid I wouldn't find my preferred type there.
Tried a couple of different cups but they were incredibly uncomfortable to me and caused me pain. i gave up and switch to bamboo washable pads. it was life-changing. they feel very comfortable, less irritating and can keep up with my very heavy periods during long work days.
I have tried cups as well and really wanted to like them. Maybe I’m just not using them properly, but I always feel them “poking out”. Not very comfy and I don’t have a job where I can just go to the bathroom to reposition my cup.
I started my period early (age 7) and it has always been ridiculously heavy so if you have the same issue(s), here’s my experience with these products: *reusable cups/discs are AMAZING*
unless your heavy periods have a lot of or large clots. mine are life threateningly heavy and before the medication kicks in, the clots are massive. anything inside of my vagina stops them coming out and so they force my cervix to stay open, which is very painful.
This is another reason I am glad I am a geezer and do not have to deal with the monthly mess and aggravation: merchants gouging us for feminine hygiene products. Now you know if a man had to wrap his bits and pieces in a pad for a week or so every month, the merchants would provide the products at a lower price. I just recently bought sneakers at Walmart. One pair of womens and one pair of mens. The mens was two dollars cheaper than the womens and it was the same brand and style, Athletic Works. I messaged Wally World that I thought this thing of charging women more than men, for the same item, went out the window a couple decades ago. Ridiculous.
I’m so happy you shared about the dangers of the sponge. I’ve seen people raving about them not even to use but to use as a reusable product! Of course they get angry at anyone who brings up potential dangers of them too…. People need to know what to look out for!
Sea sponges are filter feeders, so there are sometimes bits of sand and other particulates imbedded within the sponge. Also, the sponge itself is abrasive and can scrape the lining of the vagina.
@@octoscorpion2506 yes! There is no way to be able to completely clean them or make them safe given how many issues there are with them. it’s just not a risk worth taking.
Yes omg the most intense internet conversation I ever got into was over a sponge. They’re just not good for that! There’s a reason you throw out your kitchen sponge regularly, I don’t want that in my body!! Omg!! I have an aquarium and that alone makes me see why it’s a bad idea. Ahhhh
I meant to ask my ob/gyn about them for less messy period sex as I heard some use it but I never really thought much about them and the characteristics they have. I always assumed it was a special kind of sponge (not a sea sponge but manufactured).
@@vornamenachnahme even the manufactured kind has too many little places to harbour bacteria, there is just no way to be able to fully clean it and make it safe. Lots of people like it but it’s just so risky… plus even the manufactured kind can have pieces rip off while inside you or have little pieces left behind leaving you more susceptible to an infection.
I had a hysterectomy in 2002, but was using a....I forget the brand name, but it was maybe a softcup? I liked it a lot, especially with a copper IUD. (paired with a big ol' pad!)
Me too! I'm menopausal, and previously had a Mirena, just as the mooncups started to appear. I could almost go back just to try them! The period underwear is especially impressive.
