Questions about alternative menstrual products!

[somethinguseful.livejournal.com]

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?

Comments

[overtaking.livejournal.com]

still not much help, because it's still INSIDE you, but i'd say try sea sponges before you tried a cup. if that doesn't bother you, then try to work your way to soft cups or even a diva cup. i've used sea sponges before and i don't like tampons AT ALL and they worked. i still had to wear a light pad so they wouldn't leak, but they were the most natural feeling thing. of course, i haven't used a diva cup, so i can't compare it to that.

[somethinguseful.livejournal.com]

I had read about those and it seemed like a good idea, but the downside is that they break up and sometimes inside you. I guess I'd rather have sea sponge bits inside of me rather than chemical soaked tampon bits.

[ellettra.livejournal.com]

i really love my sponges, but if you are squeamish, they are not for you. you have to squeeze them out, after all. but i will say this about them: i'll never go back to tampons for sure and i can NEVER feel them once i've got one in.