In my previous article, Would You Use A Reusable Menstrual Pad?, I discussed the increase in women choosing sustainable, reusable menstruation products over disposable pads and tampons. In this article we look at the different types of non-throw-away items that can be used during menstruation, and the benefits and downsides of each in addition to the aspects of sustainability, health and cost-effectiveness.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Cloth pads are becoming a highly-popular option. They offer the convenience of a regular pad but with some suggested extra benefits. Cloth liners and pads come in a variety of shapes, styles, absorbency level, with or without waterproofing, with or without wings, even for postpartum use. They are used just like a disposable pad except without the “throw away at the end” final step. Instead, pads are washed, either by hand or by machine. Some users opt to soak in a lidded bucket to reduce or eliminate staining and wash in one lot. Others wash them day by day with the usual washing. There are many variations of how to launder cloth pads and it’s a case of finding what’s most convenient and suitable to you.
Pros:
Comfort. In theory, you’d think having cloth would be noticable, bulky, and uncomfortable. On the contrary, they are gentle, soft (some materials even more so than others). They conform more with your body than disposable pads, and soon you can forget their presence; it feels like you’re just wearing underwear.
Attractiveness. Cloth pads can be very stylish! Not a word one would usually associate with menses – BUT – with such a variety of colour and pattern options out there you can find a plethora of pads that suit your liking. Some prints and hues are better at camouflaging stains than others, which can be a priority for some users. They are also easily available to be custom-made by many WAHM pad designers, so your artistic flair can be translated into your pad style of choice.
Washing/drying them is not that difficult. It’s no more than “a load” of washing at worst, and does not require any special treatment unless you choose.
Cons:
Initial outlay. There is a reasonable cost with obtaining a “start-up stash” of cloth pads, however several makers do offer “try-out packs” for you to purchase to discover what does or doesn’t work for you, before committing to a large order. Even with the costs associated with obtaining a good supply of cloth pads, it is still a more economical option in the long term than disposables.
Movement. Depending on the design, some cloth pads may have a tendency to move around a bit when you are active. For women who are often physically active, designs that incorporate wings (using snaps to hold them in place) are a better choice than those without.
Visuals. You do have to see your blood, and potentially interact with it if you choose to handwash. Some women remain uneasy with seeing/handling menstrual products, in which case this option may not be for you.
Planning ahead. If you are out and about, you will need a “wet-bag” system in place to place the used item in to take home for later washing, and also having spare pads available in your bag (just as you would disposables).
Reusable Interlabial Pads:
“Interlabial” pads or “demi-pads” are made from the same washable materials as cloth pads, however serve “almost like a pad, almost like a tampon”. They are compact tubes, rectangular or oval-shaped material absorbent pads which are placed in between the labial folds and catch immediate flow. They have an absorbency similar to a regular tampon and are washed akin to cloth pads.
Pros:
External, yet compact. They offer an intermediate level between a pad and a tampon, being more compact than a pad, yet without the requirement to be inserted like a tampon.
Extra absorbency when needed. During heavier flow, these interlabial items can be used to provided additional absorbency when used with a cloth pad. However they can also be used on their own as an independent menstrual product.
Discrete. They are small – like a tampon – and can fit into a small purse or clutch bag,
Cons:
Similarly to cloth pads, interlabial pads have an element of “dealing with your own blood” when it comes to washing/laundering, and also require a wet-bag system if they are going to be changed when out and about. In addition:
Foreign feeling. They can be awkward/difficult to get used to the new sensation of this “different” positioning after being used to pads/tampons.
Toileting. They must be removed when going to the toilet, and they run risk of dropping into the toilet if not removed at the right time!
Be sure to check out part 2 of Pros and Cons Of Using Reusable Menstruation Products tomorrow