Alternatives to Sanitary Towels

Sanitary towels are one method of hygiene used by women during their period, whereby they absorb the blood that is released by a woman to prevent clothing stains and then can be disposed of immediately after use. However, according to Self Sufficient Ish, sanitary towels are made using harmful chemicals like chlorine, which according to Sanitary Products, can cause allergies and irritation. They are also not recyclable; therefore, they are not very environmentally friendly. As a result, there are other forms of sanitary hygiene that some women favor because of their improved cleanliness, longer-lasting durability, cheaper cost or eco-friendly status.

Tampons

• Tampons are absorbent pads that you insert into the vagina manually or using an applicator, which is packaged with the tampon, and they are removed using a string that is attached to the bottom. They offer protection for between four to six hours and must be immediately disposed of after use. Some women prefer tampons to sanitary towels because if used correctly, bleeding is contained internally within the vagina, which can feel cleaner and more hygienic. On the other hand, they are nonrecyclable and have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Menstrual Cups

• Menstrual cups are silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect any blood released during a period instead of absorbing it. They can be left in for up to eight hours and then rinsed and used again for up to 10 years. They come in different widths and lengths to accommodate different sizes. Some women opt for a menstrual cup because they are a cheaper and more eco-friendly option to tampons and sanitary towels.

Re-usable Cloth Towels

• Re-usable cloth towels do not require internal insertion, which some women prefer not to have to do. They work in the same way as a regular sanitary towel without the need to throw them away after one use and keep regularly buying more. Cloth towels are reusable because they are machine washable and are usually made using sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and hemp so they are also environmentally friendly. Some women make their own cloth towels to save money and have their own personal and customized sanitary products.