Sustainable Periods

While single use menstrual products have been revolutionary in achieving menstrual equality, the creation and disposal of these products can cause significant damage to the environment. Let's learn about some alternative products that are reusable and create less waste.

Menstrual Cups and Discs

Menstrual cups and discs are reusable period products made from medical-grade silicone. They can be reused for about 5 to 10 years. Both products are inserted into the vaginal canal and can be worn for up to 12 hours.

Menstrual Cups Insertion

1. Find a comfortable position and relax your pelvic muscles. Some people prefer to insert their cup in the shower, their bed, or on the toilet.

2. Using your index or middle finger, push the cup to form a “V” shape (pictured beside). Hold the cup in this shape using two or three fingers.

3. Insert the folded cup into the vaginal opening, ensuring to follow the natural angle of the vaginal canal (which is different for everyone).

4. As you insert it, try to slightly rotate it to release the cup from its fold and seal it to the vaginal walls.

5. It is inserted when the end of the stem of the cup is approximately at the vaginal entrance. However, the exact positioning is personal preference. If the stem is too long, it can be trimmed!

Menstrual Cups Removal

1. Ensure that you are in a place where period blood can land, such as on a toilet or in a shower. Ensure to relax your muscles.

2. You must release the suction of the cup. To do so, slowly push and twist the base of the cup (not the stem) to release the suction. Once you feel a release of pressure, you can simply pull the cup out by holding its base.

Menstrual Disc Insertion

1. Find a comfortable position and relax your pelvic muscles. Some people prefer to insert their disc in the shower, their bed, or on the toilet.

2. Using your fingers, ‘pinch’ the disc to be a long, narrow shape. If the disc has a pull-tab, ensure this is positioned at the bottom of the narrow shape.

3. Insert the disc, with the pull-tab facing towards the bottom, through the vaginal canal up to the vaginal fornix, which is behind the pubic bone. The disc will sit here, covering the cervix to collect blood.

4. If the disc is properly located and open, you should not be able to feel it. If you can feel it, try to make sure the disc is pushed fully behind the pubic bone.

5. Have patience with yourself! Learning how to insert the disc (and the cup) can have a learning curve, but you will become a master in just a short while!

Menstrual Disc Removal

1. Ensure that you are in a place where period blood can land, such as on a toilet or in a shower. Ensure to relax your muscles.

2. Simply, grab the bottom of the disc or the pull-tab and gently guide it of the vaginal canal.

Cup and Disc Removal Tip!

If you are struggling to remove the cup or disc, do not panic! Take deep breaths, relax your muscles, and try to gently remove the product.

Caring For Your Menstrual Cup or Disc

- Before their initial use, boil them in water for 5 to 10 minutes.

- After each removal, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned with warm water and oil-and-scent-free soap.

- At the end of your cycle, ensure to thoroughly clean them (some people prefer to also boil them) and place them in a dry, breathable bag.

- To prevent stains, rinse your cup out with cold water before cleaning it.

Reusable Pads

Reusable pads are made of cloth and are designed to be washed and reused. Depending on their degree of use and the quality of care, reusable pads can last anywhere from 3 to 15 years. Reusable pads sit on top of your regular underwear. They are secured by the wings of the pad, which connect underneath the underwear by button snaps.

Reusable pads can hold the same amount or more blood than disposable pads.

Reusable Period Underwear

Reusable period underwear are very similar to regular underwear, except that they contain absorbent layers to collect and prevent the leakage of period blood. Depending on their degree of use and the quality of care, reusable period underwear can last for several years.

Depending on the absorbency level, some period underwear can hold the same amount of blood as 10 regular tampons.

When should I change my reusable pads or underwear?

For best hygienic practice, you should change your reusable pad or period underwear at least every 12 hours. However, depending on one’s level of flow, they may wish to change them more often. A good rule of thumb is to replace the underwear when it begins to feel wet.

Caring for Reusable Pads and Period Underwear

Be sure to wash your products before their first use.

When it is time to change your pad or underwear, rinse the product under cold water until the water runs clear.

If you are not able to rinse the product when it needs to be changed, place it in a wet/dry bag or ziploc bag until you are able to rinse it out.

Place your products in a place with good airflow (a laundry hamper may be okay). Keeping the products dry will prevent mold and bacterial growth.

When it’s laundry day, simply place the products in the washing machine with your regular laundry. It is best to wash the products on a cold cycle.

Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners to increase the longevity of the product.

The best practice to dry your products is to lay or hang them to air-dry. They can also be placed in the dryer on a low heat or tumble setting.

Store them with your regular underwear, or in any location that is dry.