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Showing posts with the label best menstrual cups

Understanding Endometriosis

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Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition where tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterus—grows outside of the uterus. Normally, during a menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens, and then sheds if there’s no pregnancy, causing menstruation. However, in endometriosis, this tissue outside the uterus cannot be shed, leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and severe pain. Endometriosis commonly affects the pelvic and abdominal areas, especially around the reproductive organs. Symptoms include painful periods with excessive cramping, pain during intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements, heavy bleeding, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. People with endometriosis may find it helpful to use a menstrual cup or menstrual disc , which can handle heavy flow and save on disposable products, paired with period underwear for added protection. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several theories exist. These include the possibility of tissue being sprea...

The Best Period Products for Athletes

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Athletes need period care that’s comfortable, reliable, and can keep up with their active lifestyle. Whether you’re running, swimming, or hitting the gym, reusable period products like menstrual cups, menstrual discs , and period underwear provide the perfect solution. Here's why: Menstrual Cups Best for: High-impact sports like running and weight lifting. Period cups offer up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection. Made of flexible silicone, they form a seal inside the body, collecting menstrual fluid without absorbing it. They’re comfortable, subtle, and stay in place even during intense movements, making them perfect for athletes. Menstrual Discs Best for: Activities like yoga and swimming. Reusable menstrual discs sit lower in the vaginal canal, offering a sublte and slim fit. They provide up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection and are great for high-mobility sports. The design ensures comfort without pressure on the pelvic area, making them ideal for flexibility. Period Unde...

How to Choose the Best Period Product for Blood Clots & Heavy Flow

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Managing menstruation can be difficult, especially when managing blood clots and heavy flow. Hormonal fluctuations often lead to a heavier period and clotting. While it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms, passing clots is typically a normal part of menstruation. If your current period products are not sufficient, there are better options to provide more comfort and leak protection. Reusable menstrual discs are a great choice for those experiencing heavy flow and blood clots. These flexible discs fit at the base of the cervix and offer a high capacity, providing up to 12 hours of protection without leaks. They are comfortable, secure, and can be worn during activities like swimming or exercise. Menstrual cups are another excellent option. These bell-shaped cups collect blood rather than absorbing it, offering leak-proof protection for up to 12 hours. Their secure fit and mess-free removal make them convenient for managing a heavy flow...

Why Are Teens Getting Their Periods Earlier?

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If it seems like teens are starting their periods earlier than before, you’re right. Over the last century, the average age for a first period has dropped from around 16 to under 12, with some starting as young as 8 or 9. Why is this happening? Experts point to factors like improved nutrition, environmental changes (like exposure to chemicals that affect hormones), and even stress. While the exact reasons vary, the trend is clear: more young teens are navigating menstruation earlier than ever. This can feel overwhelming—for both teens and their families. But with open conversations and the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Talking about periods in a positive, judgment-free way can help teens feel more confident. It’s also important to introduce them to the variety of products available, like menstrual cups , menstrual discs , tampons, period underwear , and pads, which offer comfort and leakproof protection. Early periods may be the new normal, but they don’t have to be a sourc...

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...

When should I Sanitize My Menstrual Cup or Disc

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Keeping your menstrual cup or menstrual disc clean is crucial for your health and the product's durability. Regular cleaning ensures your cup is ready for each cycle, providing comfort and safety. Here’s how to care for your Saalt menstrual cup or disc properly. Before First Use: Boil your cup or disc in water for 3–5 minutes. This ensures it is safe and clean. Between Cycles: After each period, boil the cup again to maintain freshness. If boiling isn’t possible, wipe down the cup, inside and out, with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it dries completely before storing it in a breathable pouch to prevent bacteria and odors. Start of Your Period: Boil your cup at the start of your cycle for added freshness. If Contaminated: If your cup touches something dirty, clean it right away. Boil it or use a sanitizer to ensure it is perfectly clean. After Illness: Clean your menstrual cup before and after your period if you’ve been sick to avoid germs. With Leakproof Underwear : Clean your cup...

Can You Trim The Stem On Your Period Cup?

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Everyone’s anatomy is uniquely different. For some period cup users, the stem is fully within the vaginal canal, and for others, the stem is partially or fully sticking out of the vagina and labia; all scenarios are perfectly normal. If you find your stem is hanging down more than you’d like or causing you discomfort, just know you can cut the stem on your menstrual cup . What is the Stem on Your Period Cup For? Not to get confused with a pull tab, the stem on your menstrual cup is designed to help locate the cup in order to break the seal, but not everyone needs the stem to help locate their cup — but it sure is a nice feature! Your cervix changes position throughout your cycle and you may find that having the stem is helpful in locating the cup later during your period. We recommend getting comfortable with the positioning and removal of your cup first, but if you decide after that to cut the stem of your period cup, here is a step-by-step how-to: Clean cup : We recommend using a g...

California's New Law Prohibiting Toxic Chemicals in Tampons and Pads

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Have you heard about California’s new law banning toxic chemicals in tampons? It’s a huge win for women’s health, thanks to Assemblymember Diane Papan. But honestly, while we celebrate, it’s frustrating to realize we’re still fighting for basic safety in 2024. We’re tired of hearing about toxic metals in tampons—not shocked, just exhausted. It's wild that there’s been so much funding for men’s health issues while women's health gets ignored. Did you know there have been 60 clinical trials on Viagra, but it’s only recently that anyone studied the safety of menstrual products? The good news? There are better options out there! Brands like Saalt offer menstrual cups and period panties that are safer and eco-friendly. At Saalt, we prioritize transparency and want you to feel empowered to make informed choices. As we move forward, let’s demand transparency from all brands, push for more funding for women’s health research, and educate ourselves about safe alternatives. Together, w...

Can I Wear My Cup or Disc To Sleep

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During your period, there’s nothing worse than missing out on sleep. However, it can be difficult to sleep well on your period.  Tampons have some big drawbacks when it comes to sleep. If you get a good night of sleep, you often wake up in a panic for fear of oversleeping the 8-hour wear time. That is if you’re not up every few hours dealing with leaks. If you use pads to avoid this, then you know the diaper-like feeling of overnight pads that get bunched up while you sleep. There has to be a better way, right?  It sounds like you’ve been dreaming of period cups and discs! A menstrual cup or menstrual disc can be worn for up to 12 hours, so you can hit snooze without worrying about running to the bathroom first thing in the morning. Because menstrual cups and menstrual discs can hold as much as multiple tampons, you can sleep tight knowing you’re safe from leaks. Want a little extra protection? Pair your period cup or disc with period underwear so even if your flow is heavy...

What Causes Pain When Removing My Period Cup?

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You may have 99 problems on your period, but your period product shouldn’t be one. Cramping, mood swings, and headaches are common, so your menstrual cup or disc shouldn’t add to the discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain during the removal of your period cup or menstrual disc , here are some potential causes and solutions. Incorrect Removal: Most cups create a seal with suction. Not breaking this seal can cause discomfort. To ease removal, consult our online instructions: how to insert a menstrual cup . Cup Size: Finding the right cup is personal. If you feel pain during insertion or removal, consider trying a different size or firmness. A softer silicone cup like a soft cup may help reduce cramps and bladder pressure. Vaginal Dryness: Water can be a natural lubricant. Applying water or a water-based lubricant can ease insertion and removal, especially during low estrogen levels that cause dryness. Tension: Relaxation is key. Tensing your pelvic floor muscles can make removal diff...

How Long Can I Wear My Period Underwear

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Period underwear is a game-changer for menstrual comfort, offering all-day wear without the hassle of tampons. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and available in various absorbencies to suit different flows. How long you can wear them depends on your lifestyle and flow. Here’s a breakdown: Worn Alone: If you use them solely for your period, opt for higher absorbency, as varying flow can lead to leaks when the fabric is full. Backup for Menstrual Cups : A lighter absorbency might suffice, allowing for all-day comfort. Bladder Incontinence: For mild incontinence, consider higher absorbency period panties, but note that blood and urine absorb differently. Sweat-Proof Option: They’re also effective for workouts or preventing sweat. Shop: sweatproof underwear Care is crucial; with proper washing, they can last a year or more. Replace them when absorbency declines. Learn: How to wash period underwear Ultimately, leak proof underwear offers a sustainable, subtle, and versatile solution for men...

Menstrual Cups & Discs: An Alternative to Tampons & Pads

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Have you been looking for ways to introduce more sustainable practices into your life? Or maybe you recently heard the news about toxic metals found in tampons ? If you’ve been looking for alternatives to tampons and pads, look no further.   Menstrual cups, also known as period cups , are reusable menstrual cups that catch your flow rather than collect it like a tampon. They sit in the vaginal canal and form a seal to stay in place. Unlike tampons, cups can be worn for up to 12 hours. A reusable menstrual cup can hold as much as 3 regular tampons or 2 pads, so they’re the perfect way to reduce waste and stay protected from leaks! If you want to switch to a cup for period care, this Cup and Disc Quiz is a great place to start. A reusable menstrual disc that is similar to a period cup, but sits slightly higher up and doesn’t rely on a seal to stay in place. Because of their shape, the menstrual disc has a much higher capacity than pads and tampons! Some menstrual discs can even hol...

How to Wash Period Underwear

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Investing in quality period underwear is a game-changer for managing your menstrual flow, discharge, sweat, and bladder leaks with comfort and confidence. Leakproof panties are designed to give you solid protection while still being your go-to pair in your top drawer. However, just like any favorite item of clothing, they require proper care to keep them in ideal condition. Whether you're using a menstrual cup , menstrual disc, or relying solely on period underwear, knowing how to wash and maintain your period underwear is crucial for longevity and hygiene. Why Proper Care Matters Companies want your period panties to last you as long as possible! When you invest in quality period underwear, you’re choosing a product that can last well over a year, providing an eco-friendly and comfortable alternative to disposable products. Proper washing techniques not only preserve the integrity of the fabric but also ensure that the underwear remains leakproof and effective cycle after cycle....

Menstrual Cups vs Menstrual Discs - What to Know

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Menstrual cups and discs offer convenient, long-lasting options for period management, allowing for up to 12 hours of wear. Period discs come in both reusable and disposable varieties, whereas period cups are exclusively reusable. One unique advantage of menstrual discs is that they can be worn during sex for mess-free fun. Comparing Menstrual Cups and Discs Placement Differences A menstrual cup has a bell-like shape with a stem and is positioned in the vaginal canal, similar to a tampon. It creates a light suction through small holes around the rim, holding 2-4 tampons' worth of fluid, depending on size. Typically made from 100% medical-grade silicone, these reusable cups can last up to 10 years with proper care. A menstrual disc , on the other hand, rests just beneath the cervix in the vaginal fornix, using their rim to stay in place behind the pubic bone. Reusable discs are also made from 100% medical-grade silicone, can last up to a decade, and often hold more fluid than cups,...

Water, Women & Period Poverty

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Have you ever stopped and thought about menstrual health? What it means to have, and not have, access to everything needed for healthy menstrual hygiene? This goes beyond period care products - cups, discs, pads, tampons - which many do not have, and those who do have to pay a high price for them. How about clean water? Water to wash. Water to drink. Water to rinse blood stained rags in so they can be used again. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ve probably never even thought about it, but 35% of people who menstruate around the world lack the resources they need for a safe and healthy period.  Consider this scenario: You wake up, head to the bathroom, and turn on the tap. If water comes out, congratulations! You're among the two-thirds of the global population with access to clean water. Unfortunately, the remaining one-third, over 2.5 billion people, do not have access to this basic human necessity. That’s about 1.25 billion women who lack access to clean water for their basi...