Bleeding management products (I)

Bleeding management products (I)

Menstrual hygiene products, so called by advertising and industry, we prefer to call menstrual products or bleeding management products. The term “menstrual hygiene” contributes to stigmatizing menstruation and showing it as something dirty. There are a lot of different options and you can choose the one that suits you best:

• Disposable tampons: one of the most traditional options. Disposable tampons are easy to use: they are placed inside the vagina (they come with or without an applicator) and collect blood. There are different sizes depending on the amount of flow, but they should be changed frequently and never later than 8 hours as they can contribute to Toxic Shock Syndrome. They have the disadvantage that they are made with materials that generate chemical byproducts that can be released into our vagina and cause harmful effects. In contrast, they are easily found in all supermarkets or pharmacies. However, in the long term they are not the most affordable or the most ecological alternative, since the waste generated produces a great environmental impact.

Toxic Shock Syndrome ( TSS ) is an infection caused by bacteria that can spread very quickly. It can present symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea or vomiting and if untreated it can lead to death. The use of tampons in itself does not cause this Syndrome, but when a person with a moderate to high flow does not change their tampon regularly, they unintentionally promote the proliferation of bacteria inside the vagina. In short, a tampon that has already absorbed enough blood or menstrual flow or that has been in the vagina for more than 4 or 8 hours, depending on the flow, should be replaced as soon as possible because it creates the perfect environment for a vaginal infection.

• Reusable tampons: they are still quite unknown and their use is not widespread. These are tampons made with cotton and other highly absorbent fabrics that do not leave fibers or residue in the vagina. They consist of a fabric that is rolled over itself and fixed by tying with a cord that must protrude through the vagina for later extraction. There are different sizes to adjust them to the level of bleeding, as in the disposable options. On their first use and always before using them, they must be washed and boiled. They can be washed in a washing machine or by hand, always with cold water, avoiding fabric softeners and letting them dry in the sun. The change will be done every 4 or 5 hours with very clean hands and a hygienic environment. These tampons also do not prevent TSS , but they are a cheaper alternative, more beneficial for the body and more ecological.

• Disposable pads: like disposable tampons, they are the most common option and are easily found, but they are not the healthiest option for the body (since they are made from a mixture of plastics and cellulose, as well as various chemical byproducts). and adhesives can cause itching and irritation in the genital area as well as more harmful long-term effects), they are also not the most affordable or the most ecological. They are easy to use, as they adhere to the panties using an adhesive and there are various presentations (with or without wings, wide or compact, etc. ) depending on each occasion and amount of bleeding. Like tampons, they should be changed regularly.

• Cloth pads: they are the most affordable, healthy for the body and ecological alternativeto the disposable version. They are made of cotton or organic cotton and also have different presentations and sizes. The bottom layer is waterproof and breathable, to prevent bloodpermeation. The washing procedure is the same as that of reusable tampons: in a washing machine or by hand but always with cold water, without using softeners (preferably neutral soap) and drying in the sun.

• Menstrual cup: The menstrual cup is a container made of medical silicone, surgical plastic or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) that is placed at the bottom of the vagina and works as a blood collector. It has the advantage that it is very economical (it costs between €10 and €30 and lasts up to 10 years), very ecological and very comfortable. You can wear it for up to 12 hours and there are also several sizes. Each brand usually includes a guide to choose the best size for you but, in general terms, size S is usually indicated for those who have not had penetrative sexual relations; size M, for those who have had penetrative sexual relations but have not had a vaginal birth; and size L for those who have had a vaginal birth. It is important to use the cup in hygienic conditions. To do this, the cup must be washed and sterilized on its first use and before each cycle. During changes in the cycle, it is only necessary to remove the blood and wash with soap and water (as natural as possible) to reintroduce it.

Placing it in the vagina only requires training, practice and relaxation that does not cause the vaginal walls to tighten, just like using a tampon. To insert it, the first thing is to fold it (either in a C shape or by inserting one of the edges towards the bottom). Once folded, it is inserted into the vagina, ensuring that it is below the cervix or neck of the uterus. When released, the cup unfolds and remains open, creating a vacuum. To extract it we must press the bottom of the cup to remove the vacuum and extract it vertically to prevent the collected blood from spilling.