Cloth menstrual pads are a reusable alternative to disposable sanitary napkins. While I personally would not use them exclusively for catching menstrual flow – as I prefer my menstrual cup is a much cleaner alternative – I think they are a great supplement for women who use menstrual cups, but want to protect their underwear should any leaks occur.

Although the situations when my menstrual cup leaks are rare, it does sometimes happen, if I don’t insert it properly, so if you want to keep your panties clean you may want to use a cloth pad for added protection on your heavy flow days.

Many women are devoted to using cloth diapers, recycling, and buy organic produce. Yet they still may continue to use disposable menstrual pads. Conventional menstrual pads are made out of wood fiber, which means that trees need to be cut down to make these products. They are then bleached using chlorine bleach, which adds additional chemicals to the environment. Finally, paper pads are thrown away after a single use, contributing to waste problem.

Choosing reusable cloth pads is a sensible environmental choice, and it’s not that hard!

Cloth Menstrual Pads

So, Let’s Talk About Cloth Pads

Cloth pads have the advantage for being environmentally friendly as well as cost-cutting. They may come with or without wings. Generally they are made from layers of absorbent fabrics (such as cotton or hemp) which are worn by a woman while she is menstruating, for post-birth bleeding or any other situation where it is necessary to absorb the flow of blood from the vagina. After use, they are washed, dried and then reused.

Advantages of using Cloth Menstrual Pads

Just like menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads are environmentally friendly and do not contribute to landfill as they are reusable and do not come in or contain plastic packaging.  When cloth menstrual pads wear out (after years of use), those made from natural materials can be composted whereas disposable sanitary napkins made from synthetic materials cannot be recycled or composted.

Fewer chemicals are used in the cloth compared to disposable menstrual products. They create less overall waste compared to disposable menstrual products as they can be made from reused materials, including old pillow cases and towels.  Some cloth pads use hemp as the absorbent core which is more environmentally friendly to grow when compared with cotton or wood pulp. Organic options, such as pads made of organic cotton grown without pesticides and chemicals, are available.

In the long term, it is less expensive to buy and produce cloth menstrual pads compared to disposable menstrual products. They can be made by hand for little or no cost.

While less convenient than disposables, they are still convenient as they can simply be cleaned in the washing machine.

Cloth menstrual pads are less likely to cause rashes, contact dermatitis, as well as helping women afflicted with certain types of vaginitis. Women with sensitive skin and allergies may find cloth pads to be more comfortable against their skin, particularly cloth pads made of undyed organic cotton. They do not use adhesive.

Many women note that they have shorter periods, lighter flow and/or less cramping. Though no studies have, as yet, focused on this phenomenon, anecdotal evidence is widespread. However, this may be an example of the placebo effect or some other form of selection bias.

Cloth menstrual pads reduce the scent of menstrual blood on the cloth pad. As they are more breathable than the average disposable sanitary pads, they carry less odor.

Cloth menstrual pads, like all menstrual pads, remove the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) sometimes associated with tampons.

Disadvantages of Using Cloth Menstrual Pads

Washing reusable pads requires water. The desire to reuse must be balanced against any local need to conserve water. Also, it is important that the water used to clean pads be disposed of appropriately. Even “biodegradable” soaps take a long time to break down.

Cloth menstrual pads are generally more time consuming due to the need to wash, dry, and care for the pads.
Special care may need to be taken if the user has a Candidiasis infection (i.e. yeast infection). Once the infection is treated, the cloth menstrual pads may need to be sanitized in order to prevent reinfection.

Initial cost for reusable menstrual products is typically higher per pad than for disposables, although savings over time make them more economical.

Personally, I prefer silicone period cups. But if you don’t like wearing a cup inside, a cloth pad could be a good alternative. Read more about menstrual cups and other reusable feminine hygiene products on my blog.

If you have never heard about menstrual period cups, you may be surprised to learn that such a simple and economical solution is not more widespread. Many women are still not even aware that such a thing exist, and even if they heard about it, they are not sure where they could buy a menstrual cup - they are still hard to find in regular pharmacies or convenience stores.

Could it be it’s because large corporations spent billions on marketing ”essential” products –  sanitary napkins and tampons  – that most women buy every month for most of their lives.  Hmmmm…..

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

The Mooncup – An Amazing Alternative to Tampons and Pads

By Vanessa Attlee

My discovery of the Mooncup was somewhat of a Eureka moment. Having been used to churning through boxes and boxes of tampons, and just regarding that as “what one did”, it was with some skepticism that I tried the Mooncup. I can honestly say it has been life-changing. I could not believe how easy it was to use and I am determined to spread the word about this amazing invention.

The Mooncup is a menstrual cup worn inside the vagina during your period to collect the menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. They are a fantastic alternative to tampons being very safe and hygienic. They do not encourage bacterial growth or prevent vaginal cleaning and they don’t leak and can be worn for up to twelve hours including overnight and for sports. Recent research has shown that the action of the tampon absorbing blood may not be beneficial. The Mooncup addresses this by being passive – it just collects what your body releases.

Sometimes ‘ethical’ products can mean having to spend more, or making a compromise in comfort or convenience. The Mooncup is unique not only because of its obvious environmentally friendly credentials but also its significant safety benefits compared to tampons (not to mention being a thousand times cheaper!)

The Mooncup is basically a small squishy cup made from medical grade silicone which sits inside the vagina and collects blood/fluid during your period rather than absorbing it. The Mooncup is safe, ethical, environmentally friendly and cheap. It really does mean you can kiss goodbye to tampons and pads forever.

Interestingly, menstrual cups are not a new invention, they have been around for as long as tampons. Tampons probably ended up being the preferred product because large corporations spent billions on marketing an “essential” product that women buy every month for most of their lives. This has caused the menstrual cup to fall out of favour. Naturally this means we have been conned into believing that disposable sanitary products are the only option. In addition to this is the bizarre Victorian idea that ladies should not be familiar with their anatomies, let alone touch our vaginas. The good news is that products like the Mooncup (and the Keeper in the US) are starting to become more mainstream – they are for busy, modern, normal, ethically minded women like you and me!

Finally, there is the environmental argument. In the West, the average woman uses over 10,000 tampons during her life. We all know of the huge environmental impact that the millions of tampons used every day around the world causes. The manufacture, transportation and packaging of sanitary products like tampons and pads all takes a needless toll on the environment. Using a Mooncup is an easy way to feel a little bit better about your impact on the environment. Another brilliant reason to use one.

I want women to find out more about the wonderful moon cup and how to use one. Hopefully this article has given you a good introduction to the Mooncup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Attlee; http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Mooncup—An-Amazing-Alternative-to-Tampons-and-Pads&id=2291954

Read more about menstrual cups and other reusable feminine hygiene products on my blog.

OK, I’m usually not the one to use scare tactic to convince people to do things that I think they should do (like giving up tampons, and start using silicone menstrual cups for catching menstrual flow).

The fact is that toxic shock syndrome is very rare, so I don’t want you to be scared when you find yourself during your menstrual period with nothing else to use but tampons.  That is not my point.

But still, the truth remains that TSS happens, and all women should be aware of the risk of using tampons, especially, since there are many safe and convenient alternatives – namely, menstrual cups.

So read the article, and decide for yourself!

What Women Need Now!  By C. Manuel Grace

We will begin the the year 1975, though it started eons ago. There were five major tampon manufactures spending millions of dollars on advertising each year. Their key words were comfort and security. Still companies failed to improve on the quality of their product with the old cardboard tampon design, though some offered plastic tube applications as an alternative.

Tampax’s vulnerable point was security. Women could try the utmost care, but there were those humiliating occasions when the old tampon failed to do its job. I have witnessed this event at a clinic when a woman was waiting in line to see a doctor. Blood had seeped through her cotton sweat-pant. A lady mentioned the stain on her garment. The women immediately covered it with her jacket wrapping the sleeves around her waist.

These new products were allowed on the market without any demonstration prior the plastic insert designs or the proof of safe way for either the plastic insert designs or the perfumes.

Let us jump to 1980: The news coverage was horrific, “Teenager dies of tampon use. Details at eleven!” “Toxic Shock Syndrome Survivor tells her story tonight on eyewitness News.” “Centers for disease control warning women to beware of tampons. Stay tune for more!”

Most American women reacted with a sense of helplessness: how could something which had become such an essential part of a women’s life turn out to be potentially deadly. The CDC thought most of the female TSS cases involved super absorbent tampons. By 1994 Toxic Shock Syndrome was an enduring addition to the list of human pathogens, and though it is no longer attracting law suits and front page news, the novel S. Aureus strain was causing nearly as many infections, ailments, and deaths in the 1900s as it had in 1983.

Though tampon boxes were covered with a variety of warnings, menstruating women continued to come down with TSS, practically with those who used super absorbent products. What occurs with the traditional feminine hygiene products?

1) The synthetic materials are known to advance toxic shock Syndrome (TSS) in young femals not having time to develop necessary antibodies.

2) When chlorine is used in the bleaching process it will release dioxin, a carcinogen into a women’s vagina and uterus. These dangers were known years ago. No product since 1980 and before had a standard for absorbency. The TSS symptoms incur a 2-to-3 day period of mild symptoms before the disease develops. These mild symptoms may include low grade fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, redness in the sensitive areas. nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and low blood pressure just to name a few maladies.

Now men should know why at many times it is difficult to deal with their better significant other. Most TSS cases in the United States are not reported. It could cost the states to report to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention much expense, gathering the data and submitting it to the CDC.

In February, 1999 USA Today article “The CDC estimates that 1300 people get toxic shock syndrome annually. Half are related to tampons; 5% die” This information has been suppressed and not linked directly to their products. Its all about the money. There are only a few independent studies.

One study of two New York University medical center researchers, Dr. Philip Tiemo and Dr.Bruce Hanna, tested tampons. Their 1999 article in E Magazine, “concluded that tampons containing synthetics amplify the production of the TSS — causing toxin by certain strains of bacteria, whereas the all-cotton tampons produced no measurable toxin.” Dr. Tiemo is quoted in the same article saying, “Synthetic tampons absorb more water than [does] cotton, leaving concentrated proteins, that are used by staph bacteria to create the toxin, creating toxin factories.”

Dangers of Dioxin

Dioxin is a term used to describe a group of hundreds of chemicals that surround our environment like smog. Dioxin forms into unintentional by-product of many industrial processes which contain chlorine such as waste incineration. Yes. dioxin can cause cancer. The EPA report confirmed Dioxin as a cancer hazard to people. The International agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) a part of the world Health Organization published their research on dioxins and reported in February 14,1997 dioxin is considered a Group1 carcinogen a “known carcinogen”.

Now there is a product that saves lives. It is from Winalite. It doses all the needed and necessary job to make a women feel safe and secure in any given situation.

Stay tuned to my next installment, “Menstruation is not a Natural Occurrence”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Manuel_Grace  http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Women-Need-Now!&id=2629559

Read what FDA has to say about that. Whether these allegations about dioxins and TSS are true or not, one way to prevent the occurence of toxic shock syndrome is to STOP USING TAMPONS altogether. Read more about safe, eco-friendly and convenient alternatives to tampons on my Menstrual Period Cup blog.

If you have never heard about a menstrual cup or a period cup – unfortunately you are not alone. Although there are many reusable menstrual products available on the market today – DivaCup, Mooncup, the Keeper, Lunette, and several other brands – the majority of women still are not even aware that there is an ALTERNATIVE to tampons and sanitary napkins.

I too was in that group, until a couple of years ago, when I learned about menstrual cups. I did not buy one back then (I had other things on my mind – like being pregnant and having a baby), and it wasn’t until a couple of years ago when I finally made the switch. I bought a Mooncup UK brand (unfortunately, the manufacturer no longer sells cups to the US due to tradename issues with another period cup manufacturer).

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

Back then, buying menstrual cups online was your only option.  Today, period cups are available in more and more pharmacies and stores.

All I can say is “Wow!”

What a difference a Period Cup makes!

Buy menstrual cups online.

So, What Exactly is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is form of reusable menstrual protection. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids. Once in place it forms a seal, preventing blood flowing out of the vagina by collecting it in its “cup” shaped reservoir.

Unlike a tampon which absorbs the blood along with the vagina’s natural secretions, a menstrual cup simply holds the fluids until you remove it – so they do not dry out the vagina and do not hold the Toxic Shock Syndrome risk that tampons do.

Most of the period cups, including the Mooncup, are made from medical grade silicone, is latex-free and contains no dyes, toxins or bleaches. It’s also great for women with sensitive skin.

A menstrual cup is a conical shaped cup made of flexible material, such as rubber or medical grade silicone, which is inserted into the vagina to catch menstrual blood. It is worn lower in the vaginal passage than a tampon and with only a little practice is simple to insert and remove.

Although there is a learning curve, it’s not difficult to learn how to use it. If you’re not too squeamish, you’ll find that it’s extremely empowering to take charge of that aspect of your reproductive health.

With many of us becoming aware of the effects of our lifestyles on the environment, lots of women are choosing to use menstrual cups as an alternative to standard sanitary pads and tampons.

One woman uses up to 22 items of sanitary protection every period. Regardless of your flow, you only need one menstrual cup, and it lasts for years and years, making it the most economical sanitary product for menstruation you can buy. A menstrual cup may be worn up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied and after removing and a quick wash with hot soapy water, it is ready for reuse. In between menstrual periods it is recommended that the cup be sterilized in boiling water.

9 Benefits of Using a Menstrual Period Cup

The benefits of using a reusable menstrual cup are enormous, especially for the environment. Here are 9 of them, in no particular order:

1.  Eco-friendly. Just consider this: on average, one woman will use over 11,000 tampons or disposable sanitary pads in their lifetime, which will end up in landfill or in the sea.

2.  Cost-effective: Consider the monthly cost of pads and tampons versus the one-time cost of a menstrual cup.

3.  Easy-to-use and comfortable, needs emptying only 2-4 times a day. Can be used during the night and during sports activities.

4.  Easy-to-clean. The lining of the cup is totally smooth and the tab is flat, so cleaning is extremely easy.

5.  Sanitary. Can be sterilized by placing in boiling water for 2-5 minutes.

6.  Available in different sizes and can be used by all menstruating women, with the exception of  post-natal bleeding due to the risk of inflammation.

7.  Can be used before first sexual intercourse and also with an IUD and contraceptive ring.

8.  Does not dry the vaginal mucus membrane.

9.  Safe. FDA approved. No outbreaks of vaginal candidiasis, cystitis or toxic shock syndrome have been linked to the use of menstrual cups.

buy Mooncup UK

In my humble opinion, menstrual cups is the best thing that ever happened to feminine hygiene products. They are comfortable, clean, easy to use, great for any kind of physical activity such as riding a bike, running, swimming, and snowboarding–you’ll completely forget it’s there.

When you do it for the first time, it may take a couple of attempts to insert the cup and then take it out. It may look like a challenge at first. However, once you try it once or twice, it’s really not much more difficult than inserting or removing a tampon. If you are having any difficulty and just don’t seem to get it right, read manufacturers instructions, or ask more experienced users a question at one of the forums.

Give it a try, and you may never go back to tampons and pads again.

Buy a period cup online.

Menstrual Cup Brand Comparisons

When trying to insert or remove a menstrual cup for the first time, make sure you have enough time to work with, and are in a washroom you feel comfortable in (public bathroom stalls are bad). You might not succeed in inserting the menstrual cup perfectly the first time, but you should get it right after a few tries.

Since the menstrual cup does not dry out the mucous membrane, you can practice with it even when you are not menstruating. In this case, you should wet the menstruation cup with water and use a water-soluble lubricant to help position the cup. However, during menstruation, there is naturally more moisture in the vagina so it is usually easier to practice inserting the cup during your period.

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

Inserting a Menstrual Cup

1. After washing your hands, hold the menstrual cup upright and simply fold the upper and larger end of the cup in half. Then, once it is halved, fold it in half again.
2. Now hold the folded menstrual cup between your thumb and index finger.
3. Stay relaxed and try not to tense your muscles. This may make it painful or difficult to insert. Be patient; the first time inserting it is always the hardest, so don’t give up if you’re having trouble at first.
4. Sit on the toilet or squat in a comfortable position and insert the menstrual cup into your vagina.
5. Let the cup unfold by releasing your fingers from the cup and allowing it to expand inside your vagina. The base of the cup (often called the tab) should be within the inner lips of your vagina. Pull the tab slightly downward and forward until the menstrual cup fits firmly into place.
6. The cup follows the natural slant of your vagina. It does not touch the cervix but rests comfortably below it.

Removing the Menstrual Cup

1. Sit on the toilet and bear down with your muscles. This makes it easier to remove the cup.
2. Grasp the stem firmly so that the tips of your fingers pinch the base of the cup. This action is very important as it allows air to enter around the cup, releasing the suction, and making it easy to remove.
3. As you are sitting on the toilet, pull the cup forward and downward to prevent spilling. Empty the contents into the toilet, wipe and reinsert. Ease your cup gently forward and downward, supporting the bottom of the cup with your fingertips to prevent spilling.
4. Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet.
5. If you are still having your period and want to reinsert your cup, simply rinse it or wipe it with a tissue and reinsert.
6. At the end of your period, wash the menstrual cup in hot soapy water. Or it can be rinsed (not soaked) in dilute vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water). Rinse it in this solution for no more than 3 minutes.
7. Let your cup air dry. Place your cup in the fabric bag it came in to store it between periods or store in a plastic bag or purse.
8. DO NOT rinse or soak in any solution stronger than 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water or in any other chemical solution. Exposing your cup to such solutions can damage it.

Tips & Warnings

• When properly inserted, you should not be able to feel the cup inside your body. If it feels uncomfortable, you may need to push it a little deeper.
• If you find the stem on your menstrual cup is too long, it can be trimmed to a shorter length for comfort by using a standard pair of scissors.
• Empty and rinse at least every 12 hours. If you leave it in longer, watch out for signs of infection.
• On heavier days, when the cup is full it can leak. Wearing pads for these days can help.
• There are many different types of menstrual cups. Always follow the instructions that come with your particular brand.
• Follow your brand manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning your cup.
• Although it is preferable to wash your menstrual cup each time you empty it, if you cannot access water it is fine to wipe it with a piece of tissue, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned the next time.
• The menstrual cup fits the natural tilt of the vagina below the cervix. If inserted properly the lower portion of the cup (or the tab) should fit inside the entrance of the vagina.
• You may want to use a lubricant for easier insertion however, stay away from petroleum based jellies as they will damage the cup.
• In case you were wondering, menstrual cups are NOT a form of contraceptive, and must be removed before sexual intercourse.

Here is a video I found that explains this process:

Read more about various types of <a href=http://www.menstrualperiodcup.com/>menstrual cup</a>, and various types of feminine hygiene products.

Tampons, like pads, are products used to absorb your menstrual flow. Tampons come in various sizes, which are related to their absorbency ratings and packaging. The outward appearance of a tampon is similar for all brands, but once used some will perform differently to others.

The two main differences are in the way the tampon expands when in use; for example applicator tampons such as Tampax tampons and Natracare tampons will expand lengthways, while OB, Natracare and Lil-lets tampons will expand width-ways. All tampons have a cord for removal and some have an additional outer cover to aid insertion and withdrawal. Some women prefer to use a tampon which is contained within an applicator to further aid insertion.

The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton. Organic cotton tampons are made from only 100% cotton. Tampons are sold individually wrapped to keep them clean, and because the vagina is not a sterile body-cavity, and for the vast majority of women contains “good bacteria”, there is no need for any menstrual device to be sterilized.

If you are currently using tampons, consider switching to reusable menstrual cups. A menstrual cup offers superior protection, is safe, and ecologically friendly.  Most popular brands include Divacup, Mooncup, the Keeper and Lunette.

Tampon applicators may be made of plastic or cardboard, and are similar in design to a syringe. The applicator consists of two tubes an ‘outer’ and ‘inner’. The ‘outer’ tube has a smooth surface to aid insertion and sometimes comes with a rounded end that is petalled.

The tampon itself sits inside the ‘outer’ tube, near the open end. The ‘inner’ tube is encased inside the ‘outer’ tube and held in place by a locking mechanism. The ‘outer’ tube is inserted into the vagina, then the ‘inner’ tube is pushed into the outer tube (typically using a finger) pushing the tampon through and into the vagina.

Digital or non-applicator tampons are tampons sold without applicators; these are simply unwrapped and pushed into the vagina with the fingers.

Tampon Absorbency

2 water drop marks mean that the absorbency is between 6 and 9 grams.Tampons are available in several different absorbency ratings, which are consistent across manufacturers in the U.S.:

Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under
Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams
Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams
Super Plus absorbency 12 to 15 grams
Super Plus Extra absorbency 15 – 18 grams
In the UK absorbencies range as follows:

Lite (light flow) 6g and under
regular (light to medium flow) 6-9g
Super (medium to heavy flow) 9-12g
Super plus (heavy flow) 12-15g
Super plus extra (very heavy flow) 15-18g

Brands

Some common tampon brands include:

Kotex
O.B.
Playtex
Tampax
Seventh Generation Inc.
Natracare

In rare cases, using a tampon may lead to toxic shock syndrome, a serious and potentially lethal condition. Be sure to read instructions how to insert a tampon.

Also, read about menstrual cups – eco-friendly tampon alternative, as well as instructions how to insert a menstrual cup.

Most women use some type of feminine hygiene product to absorb or catch their menstrual flow. There are a number of different methods available, both disposable and reusable, including sanitary napkins, tampons, silicone menstrual cups, padettes, and other.

Disposable feminine hygiene products

Disposable sanitary napkins (sanitary towels) or pads — They are probably the most commonly known and used. Somewhat rectangular pieces of material are worn in the underwear to absorb menstrual flow, often with “wings,” pieces that fold around the panties, and/or an adhesive backing to hold the pad in place. Disposable pads may contain wood pulp or gel products, usually with a plastic lining and bleached. Older styles of sanitary napkins were held in place by a belt-like apparatus, instead of adhesive or wings.

Divacups - Reusable Menstrual Product

Padettes – Disposable wads of treated rayon/cotton blend fleece that are placed within the inner labia to absorb menstrual flow.

Disposable menstrual cups — A firm, flexible cup-shaped device worn inside the vagina to catch menstrual flow. Disposable cups are made of soft plastic.

Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

Reusable cloth pads are made of cotton (often organic), terrycloth, or flannel, and may be sewn by hand (from material or reused old clothes and towels) or storebought.

Menstrual cups — A firm, flexible bell-shaped device worn inside the vagina to catch menstrual flow. Reusable versions include rubber or silicone cups.

Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads — healthy alternatives to disposable menstrual pads, both for you and for the environment.

Cloth Menstrual Pads

Padded panties — Reusable cloth (usually cotton) underwear with extra absorbent layers sewn in to absorb flow.

Blanket, towel — (also known as a draw sheet) — large reusable piece of cloth, most often used at night, placed between legs to absorb menstrual flow.

In addition to products to contain the menstrual flow, pharmaceutical companies likewise provide products — commonly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — to relieve menstrual cramps. Some herbs, such as dong quai, raspberry leaf and crampbark, are also claimed to relieve menstrual pain; however there is no documented scientific evidence to prove this.

Divacups, the Keeper, Mooncup are all great reusable menstrual cup brands!

Read more about menstrual cup products on my blog.

So, you have never heard of menstrual cups or just don’t like them, and you want to use tampons, but you are not sure how to go about it.

Well, first of all, tampons – unlike menstrual cups or period cups, are disposable products used to absorb your menstrual flow. They are made of soft cotton pressed together to form a bell-like shape, so that they can be inserted into the opening of the vagina. A tampon absorbs menstrual flow, or blood, before it has a chance to leave the body. Tampons come in various sizes and absorbencies and can be purchased at most supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores.

If you are currently using tampons, consider switching to reusable menstrual cups.

A menstrual cup offers superior protection, is safe, and ecologically friendly. Most popular brands include Divacup, Mooncup, the Keeper and Lunette.

Follow these simple steps to easily insert a tampon.

How to insert a tampon

Inserting a tampon may seem awkward and uncomfortable especially for girls and women who try to use it for the first time. You may a little feel nervous about inserting a tampon for the first time. If you are learning on your own, follow these instructions to have a positive experience:

1. Select and purchase the correct type type of tampon. Tampons fall in two main categories: by type of applicator and absorbency. Initially you may want to start with the applicator variety, as it is easier to use. Tampons also come in different absorbency levels and you should buy tampons that are appropriate to your menstrual flow: light, average or heavy. Use the super tampons only when your flow is at its heaviest, and purchase a variety pack until you find what works for you.
2. Wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after insertion.
3. Prepare the tampon by removing it from the wrapper. Depending on the type you purchased you may have to extend the applicator for use (follow the instructions on the box).
4. Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to place one leg on the toilet seat or tub, while others prefer to squat down.
5. Hold the tampon with your fingers in the middle of the applicator and the tampon string pointing away from your body. Position the tampon at the entrance to your vagina. You may have to pull back the folds of the labia.
6. Gently slide the applicator a few inches into the vagina (tampon side in), following the angle of your body, until your fingers meet your vagina, and the outer tube is completely inside you.
7. Be sure to relax! The more you relax, the easier the insertion will be. When you are nervous, your muscles tense up, making insertion more difficult. Try different positions until you find one that is easy and comfortable.
8. Push the inner part of the applicator tube into the outer end while holding the outer end still. This pushes the tampon inside your vagina. Be sure that you push it all the way until the applicator stops. If the tampon feels uncomfortable, you may not have inserted it all the way into your vagina and you will need to remove it and try again with a new tampon.
9. Slide the applicator out, while making sure the string is hanging outside the vagina. The string will be used to remove the tampon.
10. Wrap the applicator in toilet paper and throw it in a garbage can. Do not flush it down the toilet!
11. Tampons can be disposed of by throwing them in the garbage or flushing down the toilet. However, flushing Tampax Pearl tampons is not recommended for septic systems.

There you have it! Remember the more you do it, the easier and faster it becomes.

Tips For Using Tampons

• You shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon inside your body. If you can, you may not have inserted it far enough. Remove it and try again with a new tampon. Try inserting the applicator a little further into the vagina before pushing the inner tube of the applicator into the outer tube.
• You may not be successful on the first few tries. Relax and use a new tampon to try again.
• Use a small amount of petroleum jelly if the tampon does not go in easily.
• Tampon packages have directions inside. Read all of the warnings and advice that are located on the tampon instruction sheet.
• Change your tampon every 4-8 hours, or more often, to avoid leakage.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Important Warning about Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons

Leaving a tampon for more than six hours is not healthy. It can cause a toxic syndrome. Sanitary towels should also be changed regular according to circumstance.

Learn about Toxic Shock Syndrome on the insert that comes with tampons to reduce your risk for contracting this disease.

If you experience the following symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove the tampon, and contact your health care provider immediately! These symptoms may seem similar to the flu. If they occur while you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, they may signal TSS. Otherwise, it might mean that you have another infection. It is recommended that you see your health care provider regardless. Symptoms of TSS include:

• Sudden high fever
• A sunburn-like rash
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
• Vomiting

Also, read about the menstrual cup, an eco-friendly tampon alternative, as well as instructions how to insert a menstrual cup.