Alternative Menstrual Products to Try During Quarantine

About 3 years ago, I made the switch to reusable menstrual products and haven’t really looked back since. I do still use disposable products pretty sparingly – mostly when I’m too afraid to wear the alternatives out in public. Not only does wearing the alternatives change the way I feel about my cycle, but it also changes the way I feel about the environment. I’ve tried just about every alternative out there from menstrual cups to sea sponges. During this lockdown (for those who haven’t opened back up), it might be a good time to try out an alternative to traditional menstrual products.

Menstrual Cups

I have been using menstrual cups for maybe 3 years or so now and they’re definitely a lifesaver and a game-changer. Cups have pretty much changed the way I think about my cycle because as gross as it sounds I can see how much liquid is actually being expelled. I’m forced to be in tune with my body and get incredibly up close and personal. Also, cups are great for the environment because there isn’t anything to dispose of and only one cup is needed. As much as I do love cups, they’re not the best option for me due to my heavy cycles and the vacuum seal causes some killer cramps at times. However, there are a ton of cups on the market and I think I just haven’t found the right one yet.

Menstrual Discs

While I haven’t had the best luck with using discs, I think these are great for someone who has moderate periods and is often on the go. There are going to be times when we’re just too busy to be worried about emptying a cup or wanting to carry other used reusable products. The disc is a great alternative to cups because there’s no vacuum seal and no clean up is involved. Since these are disposable, they’re not exactly environmentally friendly but they are more convenient.

Reusable Pads

Recently, I have given these another try and I’m still not completely sure how I feel about them. They work pretty well as far as absorption goes and they do stay in place but they’re kind of pricey especially with a heavy cycle like mine. I would have to buy a pack of reusable pads for an entire cycle which can cost upwards $50. It is just a one time cost though so it could be worth it. Personally, I’ll have to experiment with these a little bit more and find some that aren’t as cumbersome but are still absorbent.

Period Panties

Initially, I was kind of turned off by trying these because they reminded me of how much I hated wearing pads. You know the feeling I’m talking about! I ended up warming up to the idea of them because they honestly make the most sense. There’s no need to worry about complicated insertion techniques or getting so up close and personal. Again these can be pricey but the investment is worth it because it’s just a one time cost. The cool thing about period panties is they can be worn with other alternative menstrual products so there’s no leaking at all. These are especially awesome to wear overnight because I can’t even count how many times I’ve stained my sheets just because I slept on my side. I didn’t get a chance to wear these neat panties on my heaviest days yet, so I’ll be following up pretty soon with a full review on the Thinx period panties. I may also buy from another company just to compare.

If you’re still partial to disposable products due to ease and convenience then I suggest L Pads, Rael, and Cora. These brands are made of organic cotton and are chlorine-free. They also have tampons if you have a preference. Trust me, I get it. Reusable products aren’t for everyone and they do come with their own nuisances like cleaning and the upfront investment.

If you’re thinking of trying a new menstrual product especially now, then I suggest any one of these alternatives. They get the job done, they’re better for you and the environment (excluding the discs) and they make having a period a little bit easier to deal with. What’s your favorite alternative menstrual product?

Thanks for reading,

ChelsiKay