Hi there,
Let’s talk periods.
Menstruation is considered a taboo in society. People are ashamed to talk about it and women are discriminated against because of it.
However, it is important to understand that menstruation is a normal, natural and biological process. It need not be hidden. It is time to open up about this natural process.
Now that we have acknowledged this, it is important to have another conversation regarding menstruation — that of sustainable menstruation. Yes, sustainable menstruation is the need of the hour. It helps the environment and also helps women have a happy and healthy period.
Traditionally, women have been using a piece of cloth for their period. Cloth is actually a very healthy option; however, the issue lies in hygiene. Since menstruation is considered a taboo, many women use rags or dirty scraps of cloth for their period and dry it in some dark nooks of the house or under another cloth, instead of out in the open under the sun, which is healthy.
Thus, disposable sanitary napkins and tampons have been advocated as a better alternative for menstruation. Most ‘modern’ women have switched to these and there are many campaigns to make women use these products. However, it is now known that disposable sanitary napkins, or DSNs, and tampons, though seemingly comfortable, actually pose several health risks for the body and the environment, and are thus doing more harm than good.
Why Are Disposable Sanitary Napkins And Tampons Bad For Our Health?
- DSNs can cause dryness, itchiness and rashes.
- They contain pesticide residue and other chemicals that may harm the body.
- They have adhesives and gels that can harm our body.
- DSNs are prone to bacterial infections due to the synthetic materials present, if used for long periods of time.
- They have toxic chemicals called dioxins that are bad for the body. As they gradually accumulate every time we use them, they can cause cancer and other issues in reproductive health and child development!
- DSNs and tampons are extremely dangerous as they can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can result in dizziness, fever, diarrhea and the likes.
- Tampons are harmful as they soak vaginal and other fluids that are actually healthy and essential for our body.
Why Are Disposable Sanitary Napkins And Tampons Bad For The Environment?
- DSNs usually have an equivalent of four plastic bags in each pad.
- They never really decompose, but eventually turn into micro plastics that actually contaminate our land, food, water and air without us realising it!
- They are classified as biomedical waste and can thus spread germs and diseases if not disposed properly.
- If flushed or disposed inappropriately, they end up clogging the drains and sanitation workers, who enter the drains and get exposed to hazardous conditions.
- Moreover, they have dangerous chemicals and can release toxic dioxins into the environment.
So, what is the solution for a green, happy and healthy period? The answer is menstrual cup and cloth pads!
Why Do We Need To Make The Switch To Menstrual Cups?
Good For The Environment
The main facet is that menstrual cups are reusable. We can use one menstrual cup for about five to 10 years. Stack this against disposable sanitary products, where we need to keep changing at least 2-3 times a day and all of them end up in landfills. Switching to menstrual cups means you release zero sanitary waste into the environment, and it really saves a lot of hazardous plastic biomedical waste from filling up landfills!
Good For You
Menstrual cups are really good for you too. A menstrual cup truly saves you from all the hazardous effects aforementioned in this article. There is no fear of itchiness and dryness. Yes, in the beginning, the idea of inserting a cup into the vagina might be uncomfortable. However, once you get the hang of it, it will be one of the best things to happen to you. You get to move around comfortably and engage in any activity without much hassle. While using a menstrual cup, you also get to understand and celebrate your own body better. You may then wonder why you did not use the cup before.
Good For The Wallet
People carry the assumption that menstrual cups are expensive and for the elite. However, this is not true. In the long run, going for menstrual cups is much more cost-effective.
I shall share here a simple calculation I found on Green the Red.
“An average woman menstruates for about 30 years. A menstrual cup that costs about Rs. 1,000 lasts 10 years. A full-cycle cloth pad kit that costs about Rs. 1,500 lasts about three years. The disposable sanitary pads set you back by Rs. 165 each month, roughly Rs. 2,000 each year. This is how the options stack against each other.”
Thus, menstrual cups are a really wise and cost-effective solution in the long run. Menstrual cups are not encouraged much because it would be difficult for companies that produce DSNs to make profits!
Are you convinced yet? It is okay, take your time, do your research and gently make the switch. Making the switch to a menstrual cup may be challenging in the beginning; however, it is truly one of the best alternatives for a safe and sustainable period.
Would you like to learn more about menstrual cups and how to use them? You could have a look at this video:
