4 alternatives to replace the pad during menstruation –

We are increasingly conscious and demanding in the choices that involve our health, such as opting for organic food on our weekly trip to the market or fitness classes that fit into our routine. Another reflection of the concern with our body is the search for alternatives to disposable internal and external pads – the latter, preferred by 86% of women in the country, according to a survey carried out by the brand. Pantys –case of absorbent panties, menstrual cup, cloth pad and menstrual sponge.

The new methods are being sought by people who seek to deal with the menstrual flow in a less aggressive way to the environment, as is the case of the presenter Beautiful Gil. “It is not necessary to do tests before starting to use them. It all depends on the individual adaptation, menstrual flow, personal preference and lifestyle of each woman”, says Luciana Deister, integrative gynecologist at the Patricia Davidson Haiat clinic.

Read more: 7 signs your period gives when something is not right

Environmental impact of absorbents

According to a survey carried out by Fleurity, a woman with a four-day menstrual cycle spends, on average, 24 packs of pads in a year. In 40 years (average woman’s fertile life) 960 packs are used, which is equivalent to almost 8,000 pads – that’s 192 kilos of pads per woman! In addition to being more ecological, the alternative methods are more economical (in ten years, you spend almost BRL 1,500 reais with disposable accessories while reusable ones cost, in the same period, from BRL 20.50, in the case of tissue absorbent).

Read more: 7 facts about the menstrual cup for you to know it better

choose your method

With the many options available on the market, your menstrual period no longer needs to be seen as “those days” that are uncomfortable. But as each method has advantages and disadvantages, the best thing to do is try what works best for your body, lifestyle and cycle intensity. “The only recommendation is that women with intrauterine device (IUD) take care when removing the menstrual cup or sponge so that the IUD does not move and compromise its contraceptive function”, recommends Luciana. However, this care is not exclusive to alternative methods, since it must also be observed in the use of traditional tampons.

Check below the four options that are becoming more and more popular around here:

1. Absorbent panties

Reusable, comfortable and with high absorption capacity, the absorbent panty is made with antimicrobial technology fabric that blocks unwanted odors and is only 1/3 the thickness of the common absorbent. Even so, it retains the equivalent of two tampons, on average.

Read more: Absorbent panties for menstruation arrives in Brazil

In Brazil, the panties is the pioneering brand in this niche and offers four models (the value varies between R$ 75 and R$ 95) resistant to all types of flows – use it all day when it is light and for up to eight hours on menstruation days intense. The piece lasts up to two years and can be hand or machine washed.

2. Menstrual cup

The silicone cup has a malleable texture, natural pigmentation and usually has two sizes: one for women over 30 who have already had children and another for women below that age and who do not have children. The use of the accessory is recommended for all flow levels and, as it lasts up to 10 years, it is an economical option (costs between R$ 49 and R$ 89).

Necessary care: remove the collector every six hours and clean it with water and neutral soap every time it is emptied. To keep it well preserved, boil the cup at the end of each menstrual cycle.

User of the menstrual cup for years, the environmental activist and creator of the movement Minus 1 TrashFe Cortez, believes that “in addition to being financially advantageous, the cup is safer (does not have additives harmful to the skin) and hygienic (eliminates the odor of menstruation, as the blood stored in it does not come into contact with the air and does not oxidize )”.

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3. Cloth pad

Can last up to ten years, the Korui cloth pads (values ​​between R$ 20.50 to R$ 112) are made of smart fabrics that act as waterproof, breathable absorbents, with high absorption and extremely soft touch. The adjustment by buttons leaves the accessory perfectly fitted in the panties, which provides comfort and prevents leaks. When it comes to hygiene, practicality also reigns: just wash it as you would with your normal fabric panties.

Read more: Absorbent Use of Cloth for the Good of the Planet

4. Menstrual sponge

Despite not being reusable (it must be discarded after six hours of use), this tampon made of malleable material is a good alternative to conventional ones: it has superior absorption, is free of chemical compounds and can be used during sexual intercourse . Because it is introduced deep into the vaginal canal, removing the sponge (Menstrual Sponge Soft TamponsBRL 6.60) is more complicated than the other methods, but just put your finger in the hole in the center of the accessory to pull it out.