Menstrual cups & menstrual underwear
Growing up we had two choices in menstrual wear- pads or tampons. I personally wasn't a tampon person, they didn't work/hurt. I never really was shown how to insert one properly and was born in the pre/internet days. So no video to watch on how to do it safely and properly.
I know I first heard of period underwear and menstrual cups a few years ago in Ayurveda school. I didn't know exactly what they looked like, or how to use them but have since tried both of them. Here is my take on them personally and a little bit about what Ayurveda says as that's always a guiding wellness practice I take note from.
In Ayurveda your menstrual flow should be going down and out of the body calling that- Apana Vayu. We want the menstrual fluids to freely flow out of the body in that fashion to not become ungrounded, backed up, or have energy get stuck in the body.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are typically a silicone based cup that you insert like a tampon. You squeeze the opening together and insert where it opens like a flower once inserted properly into the vagina.
You can read more about the brand I purchased here- https://saalt.com/
It collects the blood and you just need to take it out every few hours to dump it out in the toilet. You can sterilize the cup in between uses. Saalt sells a wash you can buy from their website and rinse in your sink or bathtub.
I personally did not love the cup. Nothing against the Saalt brand any menstrual cup I've learned is not for me. Just like a tampon it doesn't feel great for me. It's more of a comfort issue. Ayurvdically speaking you want to wear pads or underwear so you can let all of the blood freely flow without obstruction. If you love tampons and menstrual cups continue to use them. I just am sharing their philosophy and why they are not a huge fan of them. Ultimately it's up to you and your comfort.
Menstrual Underwear
After I had a fail with the menstrual cup did I want to invest in another period product? The answer no, but figured this would be more on brand with a pad. I tried the thinx underwear.
I love them!! I used them one cycle and decided I needed another pair. I would advise buying two pairs if you think this will be a fit for your lifestyle. That way you can rinse and wash a pair and have a backup pair to wear in the meantime. Plus if you have a heavy flow you might want to rinse or wash them so they don't have an odor to them by the end of the day. You are supposed to wear them all day but I will say on a heavier flow day two pairs are needed.
I would love to know what you prefer to wear or have you tried a menstrual cup or menstrual underwear? Let me know over on Instagram what your product of choice is- @seasonallivingmamas
Why wear one of these options?
They are the sustainable way for periods going into the future. Both products are a cheaper way for periods as they are 1-2x purchases for a many years. If you do the math vs a monthly supply it will save you money. Plus they don't have to get stuck in landfills for years on end.
Peaceful Period
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