A Period Drama (Unsuitable for the Immature and Judgey)

People with periods can go through a lot of disposable plastic each month. Sanitary towels come wrapped in an individual plastic wrapper, which come in a plastic packet. Tampons can be equally as bad, often using plastic applicators and wraps. Luckily for you, I'm researching the Earth-friendly alternatives so that you can change your period ways and reduce your plastic use. I will spout forth my findings below, but check out this great website too if you are keen to try ending period pollution: https://www.citytosea.org.uk.

From what I've researched, there are 3 main options:

1) Reusable Sanitary Towels

2) Menstrual Cups

3) Period Pants

I will try to explain them in the most useful way I can. If anyone has any experience or tips they think should be added, let me know and I will edit the post!

Reusable Sanitary Towels:

Exactly what they say on the tin - sanitary towels that you don't throw away. I can hear screams of horror:"But that's disgusting!", "That's NOT sanitary","What are those hippies going to do next, reusable nappies???". Cotton pads have been used for a very long time, so this isn't new. Plus they're completely hygienic, as long as you take care of them.

I admit that I was dubious at first, especially as periods are just so uncomfortable and degrading anyway that you just want the easiest solution. Reusable sanitary towels were the best option for me to try out as it was closest to my usual routine - disposable towels. They are easy to use, you just pop them in your pants like a normal sanitary towel, but they popper together rather than use that noisy, sticky stuff (yay for people in nearby cubicles not being able to hear you change your towel). There are also great schemes in which pads are donated and communities are supported when you buy their reusable towels if you want to be doubly ethical (check out https://ecofemme.org/).

What I love about them:

• For the days when you know your period is lurking around the corner, but you don't know when it's going to spring out, they are great. It feels wonderful not to just be throwing away unused disposable sanitary towels on those days of waiting.
• They are SUPER comfortable. So much more comfy than the disposables, it's like you have a little cushion in your pants just to give you that extra bit of support during this difficult time.
• They hold more than normal sanitary towels. This means less worrying about leaking and more thinking about actual fun stuff (or contemplating your period pain).
• You are taking responsibility for your period. However much effort that is, it feels good to be dealing with it yourself, rather than putting it in the bin for the world to deal with instead.

Things to be prepared for:

• You need a decent number in varying sizes. I decided to buy a starter pack of mixed sizes (https://www.amazon.co.uk) as that was the most economically viable way for me to try them out. I needed more than what I ordered and ended up having to buy disposable ones as supplements. I would recommend having at least 12, but it depends on how often you do washes.
• You need to be prepared: order a wet bag to keep them in when you are out or don't have time to rinse them to keep everything clean. This bag can then be washed when you wash the towels.
• A soaking bin is helpful - rinse them out (I do mine in the shower) and then keep them soaked until you can do a full wash. This keeps everything a bit more hygienic and saves having to put a wash on everyday.
• They cannot be tumble-dried, so if you are secretive about your period stuff then you may want to go an option that doesn't involve your sanitary wear being aired  and free (see menstrual cups)!

Menstrual Cups:

For the lovers of tampons, here is your alternative. Being subtle, reusable, and safe, they are perfect if you just love dealing with you period internally. My friend Hannah has kindly provided her knowledge of menstrual cups to give us some first-hand experience. She has been using them for 18 months and uses a Mooncup (https://www.mooncup.co.uk/) and a Tulip Cup (https://thetulipcup.com). 

Using a menstrual cup involves folding the cup and putting it in your vagina, lower down than a tampon, so that it sits comfortably. To empty, the cup should be squeezed at the base and removed from the vagina, with the contents emptied into the toilet. You then rinse the cup and use again! The cups should be sterilised with every cycle. Make sure to check out this great guide showing how to use them properly (with diagrams and everything!) on the Mooncup website (https://www.mooncup.co.uk/how-to-use/).

What she loves about them:

• They are convenient - they don't need to be emptied often so you can go for a long time without having to worry about your period, depending on your flow.
• Money-saver - although you have to spend a little more money to begin with, usually menstrual cups last up to 5 years, so you don't have to worry about dishing out the cash every month for something you are literally throwing away.
• Comfortable - they can be difficult and take time to get used to, but if you persist they are very comfortable, giving your vagina the love and care it really needs.

Things to be prepared for:

• "You HAVE to be okay with blood" - enough said.
• Getting the right size and cup for you is important to avoid leaks and discomfort. The website that you order from should give you the rundown on what is right for you.
• Apparently they can be uncomfortable to begin with for those who are not sexually active. Whoever you are, just be chilled and do what you are happy with, there are different options to choose from.

Period Pants:

They look like pants, act like pants, fit like pants. They are infact pants, but, hold the phone, they carry period blood! Supposedly great for on your lighter days and also to use in conjunction with towels and cups, they are good for avoiding leaks, plus help avoid that granny-pants feeling. The reason I haven't tried these out yet is that the ones that seem really good are actually quite pricey, so I will have to save for them. I'm keen to try them out for night-time use so that I can sleep soundly without having to worry that I may ruin the sheets.

Why they seem fab:

• They give the illusion that you are not on your period. You want to look great in your underwear when your self-confidence is super low? The designs of Thinx are perfect for you (https://www.shethinx.com/), plus they come in different designs suitable for different flow.
• Less leaks - if you know you are prone to ruining underwear during periods then these seem great to use in combination with cups or towels (or even by themselves!).
• Great for post-partum perioders as they give you that extra support and comfort.

Things to be prepared for:

• I've come across many "period pants" that are only designed to be used in addition to other menstrual items, so watch out if you wanting some that work on their own (or this could all end in disaster).
• Some people have commented that using pants that aren't black is better so that you can see when they have reached capacity. 

Going disposable plastic free for periods isn't easy and is likely to take some time to find the best way to suit you. Don't give up, you are wonderful for trying. Hopefully this post gives you some insight and I will keep you updated on any new finds!

Thanks for reading,

Liv