ext_59847 ([identity profile] somethinguseful.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] vaginapagina2005-06-26 01:02 pm

Questions about alternative menstrual products!

I have been thinking of making the gradual move to using a more environmentally friendly menstrual product but I have some hesitation with a few.

I was thinking about using the pads that you can use over, wash, etc. but I live in the dorms most of the year with a roommate and since I have a very, very, VERY busy schedule (20+ hours of work + 20 credit hours + club meetings, scholars, etc.) I will never get around to cleaning them out until the end of the week.

I also gave the Diva a thought. Now don't get all Diva-praising on me, I know it is a great product, but not for everyone. I have reservations about ANYTHING inside me. I can't even use tampons. I don't particularly care for sex (but that could be because I can't orgasm from anything either heh). None of it feels very natural. I walk funny with tampons in me and I constantly have to check and pull them out and put a new one in out of paranoia. And as much as I love my body, I have a huge fear of germs, so I don't care much for touching myself even in a bathroom setting.

Any suggestions? Anything that should make me reconsider those two options? Or should I stick with conventional disposable pads, etc?

[identity profile] mangofandango.livejournal.com 2005-06-26 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Remember that the Diva Cup is 100% refundable if you don't like it/can't use it, and you have a year to decide. So given that, there's not much risk in giving it a shot.

As for the pads, you could always give them a brief rinse as you finish with them and then keep them in a bag or something until the end of the week, when you could run them all through the wash. (Giving them a brief rinse should only take 30 seconds, and that should take care of the majority of the blood and stuff.)

If nothing else, you could always switch to organic cotton pads and/or tampons, because they are better for the environment and healthier for you, even if they are disposable. It's a step up, right? :)
flexagon: (Default)

[personal profile] flexagon 2005-06-26 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
The Mooncup is made of silicone too.

http://www.mooncup.co.uk

The dollar is weak against the pound right now though, unfortunately, which makes it more expensive than you might wish if you live in the US. :/

[identity profile] dial-zero.livejournal.com 2005-06-26 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I second this... some people get hung up on the idea of soaking them, thinking they can't use reusables because their roommate/family will get grossed out by a bucket of pads. Soaking is only necessary if you're concerned about stains, which I'm not. What I do is give them a good rinse, and let them dry out on the edge of my hamper (which is in my closet). When they're dry I throw them in the hamper and they get washed with my towels next time I do a wash. Even without the soaking they don't stain much, which is kind of neat.

[identity profile] supervillainess.livejournal.com 2005-06-27 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
Exactly. I've been rinsing and soaking my Lunapads in a bucket, and inevitably forget to wash them until about a week later. Not fun + smells badly. Last couple cycles I've gotten so busy I've skipped the rinse/soak process and just left them piled up *on* the bucket. They dry out and come just as clean after I give them a rinse and put them through the wash.

Reusables - the soak process = super convenient + comfortable.