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Showing posts with the label Reusable Menstrual Products

Which Period Product is Right for You? A Complete Comparison Guide

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Navigating the world of modern period products can feel overwhelming with so many innovative options available. From leakproof panties to menstrual cups and discs, each product offers unique benefits that might make it the perfect match for your lifestyle and body. Let's explore the key differences to help you find your ideal period solution. Leakproof Panties & Period Underwear Period underwear and leakproof panties have revolutionized menstrual care with their simplicity and comfort. These absorbent undergarments look and feel like regular underwear but contain special layers that trap moisture and prevent leaks. Best for: Light to moderate flow days, backup protection, overnight wear, or those who prefer external products. Benefits: Wear up to 12 hours depending on flow No insertion required Environmentally friendly alternative to disposables Available in various styles and absorbency levels Perfect for sensitive bodies or those who can't use internal products Menstrual...

Is It Safe to Use a Menstrual Cup with an IUD?

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When birth control emerged in the 1960s, it revolutionized reproductive health, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) brought added convenience by eliminating the need to remember daily pills. Today, as menstrual cups and discs gain traction, questions arise about their compatibility with IUDs. Research indicates a potential increased risk of IUD expulsion when using menstrual cups or discs. A 2020 study showed that 14% of menstrual cup users experienced IUD expulsion within a year, compared to 5% of non-users. By the two-year mark, expulsion rates rose to 23% for cup users versus 6.5% for non-users. Most expulsions occurred during cup removal due to suction or accidental pulling on the IUD strings. While no specific studies focus on menstrual discs, their rim-based design might reduce suction-related risks. To minimize expulsion risks, consult your doctor about trimming IUD strings flush to the cervix and carefully breaking the cup's seal during removal. Regularly check your IUD strin...

How to Prevent Spills when Removing your Menstrual Disc (or Mess-Free Menstrual Disc Removal Tips):

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Using a menstrual disc is a game-changer—hello, comfort, longer wear, and leak protection! But let’s be real: removing it can get messy. Here are some quick tips to keep it clean and stress-free. Wash Your Hands – Keep things hygienic before reaching in. Relax – Tense muscles make removal harder, so take a deep breath. Find Your Position – Sit on the toilet, squat in the shower, or prop a leg up. Hook and Pull – Use a finger to hook the notch or pinch the rim for control. Go Slow & Keep Level – Lean back slightly and pull steadily to avoid spills. Use Period Underwear for Back-up – Residual blood can lead to spotting, so wear a pair of leakproof panties for an extra layer of protection. Optimal Timing for Removal The best time to remove your menstrual disc is when it's not completely full, typically at 70-80% capacity. This gives you more control and reduces spillage risk. Early morning or before bed are ideal times when flow is typically lighter. Anatomical Considerations...

Does Your Cervix Height Change?

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The cervix, a crucial part of the female reproductive system, changes height based on various factors. Understanding these shifts can be helpful for tracking fertility or choosing the right menstrual products. What Affects Cervix Height? Menstrual Cycle : The cervix rises, softens, and opens during the fertile window, then lowers and firms up in non-fertile phases. Pregnancy : Increased estrogen causes the cervix to elevate to support pregnancy. Sexual Arousal : The cervix temporarily pulls up, lengthening the vagina. Hormonal Changes & Age : Menopause and hormonal fluctuations can impact cervix position and texture. Why It Matters Menstrual Products : Knowing your cervix height helps in selecting comfortable tampons, menstrual cups , or menstrual discs . Shop: Best menstrual cup Fertility Tracking : In natural family planning (NFP), a high, soft, and open cervix signals peak fertility. To check your cervix height, insert a clean finger and note its position and texture. Understand...

Maximizing Comfort: How Long to Wear Your Period Cup Safely

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If you’re new to the world of reusable period products, you might be wondering: How long can I actually wear a period cup ? The short answer? Up to 12 hours. Yep, you read that right—an entire half-day of leak-free, worry-free period protection. But how and why is this possible? The Science Behind the 12-Hour Wear Time Most menstrual cups and menstrual discs are designed to be worn safely for up to 12 hours because most brands are made from 100% medical-grade silicone, which is non-porous and resistant to bacteria. This means it won’t absorb your flow or create a breeding ground for germs, unlike some disposable products. The 12-hour window also helps reduce the risk of infections. Learn: Is a disposable menstrual disc or reusable menstrual disc right for you? How Flow and Sizing Affect Your Wear Time  There are a couple factors that go into how long you personally may be able to wear your period cup or disc for; sizing and flow. If you have a smaller cup and heavier flow, you m...

How Many Pads & Tampons Go to Landfills Every Year?

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Every year, over 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded in the U.S., creating a massive environmental challenge. Made with non-biodegradable materials like plastic, these products can take 500-800 years to break down, making them a significant contributor to landfill waste. Luckily, sustainable options like menstrual cups , menstrual discs , and period underwear are changing the game. These reusable products not only reduce waste but can also save you money. A period cup replaces up to 4 tampons or 3 pads a day. A menstrual disc holds as much as 6 tampons or 4 pads. Both cups and discs last up to 10 years and can be worn for 12 hours. Leakproof panties can absorb as much as 8 tampons or 6 pads and are washable for years of use. By switching to these eco-friendly alternatives, you can help divert billions of disposables from landfills and save some serious cash. Small changes add up. Choosing sustainable period products is a simple way to make a big impact for the planet,...

Critical Indicators for Consulting a Pelvic Floor Therapist

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Optimal pelvic floor health is vital for effective use of menstrual products, such as period cups and leakproof underwear . These core products support bladder and bowel functions, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Signs You Need Pelvic Floor Therapy Challenges with Menstrual Cup Use: Struggling with your menstrual cup? Difficulty in placement, slipping, or cup not opening may indicate muscle imbalances or tension that pelvic floor therapy can alleviate. Urinary Incontinence Solutions: If you're managing leaks during daily activities with leakproof panties , therapy might address the underlying issue. Pelvic Pain and Product Discomfort: Experiencing pain with period products could point to overactive pelvic muscles, requiring attention. Postpartum Recovery: Childbirth impacts pelvic strength. Period pants can aid recovery, but therapy strengthens long-term support. Additional Symptoms to Monitor Chronic Bowel Issues: Often linked to pelvic dysfunction, affecting menstrual heal...

Different Ways to Sanitize Your Menstrual Cup or Disc

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Welcome to the sustainable, comfortable period club! If you're new to using a menstrual cup or menstrual disc , it's important to sanitize your product before and after each cycle. Here’s how to do it easily: Understanding Sanitizing vs. Sterilizing Sanitizing : Reduces germs to safe levels, ideal for home cleaning. Sterilizing : Eliminates all microbial life, usually done in medical settings, often with an autoclave.  Sanitization Methods Boiling Water (Classic Method) Supplies : Pot, water, tongs or whisk.  Steps : Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully position your secured cup or disc (within tongs or whisk) and boil for 4–5 minutes.  Remove and let cool before storing or wearing.  Compact Sanitizer (Travel-Friendly Method) Supplies :Compact Sanitizer, microwave. Steps : Open the sanitizer, fill with water, and add your cup/disc. Microwave for about 3 minutes until boiling. Let sit for another 3 minutes, then cool and store. Saalt Steam...