Females: Your Period / Question
Published: October 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have heard about various alternatives to tampons and pads such as The Keeper, the Diva Cup and Instead. Are all of these products safe? If you could please tell me about some of the pros and cons about switching over to these products it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Signed: Alternatives To Tampons & Pads
Dear Alternatives To Tampons & Pads,
There are many alternatives to the menstrual products you find in your local drug store. These products have the advantage of being more environmentally friendly than the ones most people are used to - either they're reusable, or they're chemical-free and made of biodegradable materials.
There are some who say that the chemicals that are used to bleach tampons are harmful to the vagina. In addition, tampons may carry a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if they are not changed frequently enough. Alternative menstrual products help a woman avoid the risks associated with using tampons. Also, menstrual cups last a long time and cut down on the cost of tampons or pads.
On the other hand, menstrual cups can be a little bit difficult to learn to use until you get the hang of it. In addition, while tampons absorb the blood, menstrual cups store it, which can get messy when it comes time for removal.
As far as we know, all these products are safe, although if you are allergic to latex you should make sure you use a menstrual cup that is made of silicone or another material. Using these products is mostly a matter of adjusting to them, feeling comfortable coming in more contact with your menstrual blood. Good luck trying these products out!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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