Thanks to equal rights, women can now do virtually any job a man can do-but being on our period can make it…meh. While we don't love talking about our "cycle" too much, it is a fact of life, annoying as it is. And half of the annoyance over it can be in those feminine hygiene products we're using to *ahem* deal with it.
Hygiene. Even the word itself sounds rather sterile. But you don't need to be a doctor to see the benefit in keeping certain parts of the body extra clean, safe, and attended to, during your menstrual cycle–especially if you've got an active lifestyle that makes laying on the couch and eating chocolate all day an unlikely respite. So, you do what women have done throughout history-smile, suck-up the cramp pain, and hope you don't bleed through your favorite skirt.
Read our investigative report on pads and tampons
And while there is certainly no shortage of products on the market designed to make your cycle more comfortable, many can contain unpleasant ingredients. For one, cotton pads are mostly made with genetically modified cotton (it's one of the most common GMO crops grown in the U.S.). GMOs are heavily sprayed with toxic pesticides and well, let's just all visualize for a moment where you're putting those chemical soaked products. That's right. Not any place I want chemicals. Feminine hygiene products can also include artificial fragrances, colors, adhesives and other chemicals best as far away from there as possible.
Before we look at some rather healthy, natural alternatives, let's get real for a moment. Menstruating is a natural part of life. In many cultures around the world and throughout history, it's been honored as a sacred and important part of femininity. It's not meant to be minimized by drugs or treated as a nuisance. When we start embracing our cycles, we can better care for them, too. Ok, now that I've gotten that off of my pre-menstrual-and-proud chest, let's get to the products.
1. Organic cotton pads and tampons: They are out there and widely available at health food stores and Whole Foods Market. They work just as well as the other brands, but you minimize your exposure to GMO cotton and other harmful ingredients. Look for brands like Natracare and Seventh Generation.
2. Reusable Pads: Am I serious? Indeed. These are an excellent choice if you're a light bleeder. Remember, goddess, menstruating is sacred. Rinse them out in the sink and wash with your laundry. You'll greatly decrease your trash footprint and seriously, it's not nearly as gross as you think. Look for Glad Rags.
3. The Cup: If you've worn a diaphragm, this will be easy. Similar in shape, this device simply catches the flow and some can be worn again and again. You remove and rinse out. No trash, no fuss. I've personally had issues with leaking from these, but a light pad can help mitigate any spillover. Unlike tampons, this isn't sucking moisture out of your body, it's simply catching the flow. Check out the Diva Cup (reusable) and Softcup (single use).
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
