Those of us who get a monthly visit from Aunt Flo might enjoy money-saving, reusable period products that eliminate routine (or emergency) trips to the store, especially with the scarce shelves during the coronavirus pandemic.
There’s this extremely odd stigma around talking about menstruating and I’m glad that I’ve never been uncomfortable talking about mine. After years of irregular periods, my 30 year-old-ready-to-have-a-baby-self is actually part of a rare breed that looks forward to her period. Now that I’m regular, I get excited to track every little symptom of my cycle and fertility with the Flo app (or Health app on iOS). When I meet fellow bleeders, I’m almost instantly trying to convert them to the menstrual cup and period panties as these are the products I use to manage my period.
THINX
First, let me start with the brilliant Thinx period underwear (starting at $24). “Period panties” used to be my comfiest (and baggiest) pairs of old Hanes. I didn’t care if they were ruined and they were not flattering. Well, after a year of wearing Thinx, they have transformed the period panty game. With a variety of styles and sizes for teens and adults, they manage any flow, light-to-heavy. Yep, that means you do not have to use liners, pads, tampons or cups anymore or you can wear Thinx for backup. On lighter days, I rely on Thinx alone and everyday I sleep in the boyshort. But I feel most confident when I use my cup and wear my Thinx to back it up.
Skeptical? Don’t trust bleeding directly into underwear that won’t leak onto your clothes? A bit grossed out by the thought of not feeling dry or fresh down under? Cringing at the cleaning process? I’m sure I could list many of your questions or concerns because I had the same uncertainties.
What you need to know
Here’s most of what you need to know about these awesome period underwear–
- Each style lists the amount it can effectively absorb in a quantity that you understand best (tampons, liners, pads, menstrual cups, or mL)
- If you’re period flow ranges from light-to-heavy like mine, you can purchase a set to manage your range.
- The absorbent cotton design wicks moisture, dries fast and neutralizes odors. You will feel fresh and clean!
- Machine wash your THINX with your clothes like normal (do not use bleach or fabric softener), HANG DRY.
- If you don’t have anytime (or free) access to a washer at home, hand wash them in cold water and hang dry.
Go ahead and give one pair a try during your next period. They come with a 60-day trial and free returns. Even better, click here and shop through my #THINXleaders page and receive $10 off your order: https://www.shethinx.com/pages/leader-jasmine.
SaaltCo
Now, for the invasive period management option. I use the SaaltCo menstrual cup ($29.99). A menstrual cup is a reusable soft silicone cup worn internally like a tampon that collects, rather than absorbs, your period (Saaltco.com). It suctions to your cervix. If you are not someone that uses or has ever used tampons then this option is probably not for you. But for all you toxic tampon users out there, it’s time to ditch those bleached pollutants and invest in a cleaner, reusable silicone alternative. There are several menstrual cups on the market. In fact, I made the switch when I received a DivaCup as a gift from my old teammate, Layshia Clarendon. I’ve been an advocate ever since.
About the menstrual cup
The cups come in two sizes depending on the height of your cervix, your period flow and comfort preference. You’ll need to practice inserting/removing to get the placement just right. You might experience leaks or feel aware of the cup starting out. If you don’t give up, I promise you’ll get the hang of it! The coolest thing about these silicone saviors is that you can leave them in for up to 12 hours before dumping– see ya never, uncomfortable travel days! They hold up to 30 mL, making it highly practical to only empty and re-insert your cup in the shower. Also, with proper care, you can reuse the same cup for up to 10 years! That’s right, that $30 for one menstrual cup breaks down to $0.25 per month (per period) over 10 years. Save money and get your SaaltCo cup now, duh!
For more information, answers to all of your questions, and/or to see instructional videos visit the links below:
How To: https://www.saaltco.com/how-to-saalt/
Instructions: https://www.saaltco.com/how-to-saalt/instructions/
Cup Wash ($13): https://www.saaltco.com/shop/saalt-cup-wash/
FAQs: https://www.saaltco.com/how-to-saalt/faqs/
Safe at Home not Stuck at Home
I won’t go without mentioning the obvious– these products are pricey, far from cheap. We are in trying times and these might not fit in your budget just yet but do strongly considerate it. Here Is How Much a Woman’s Period Will Cost Her Over a Lifetime. Not only are reusable menstrual products better for your health but they will also save you money over time and keep you safe at home.
I have to repeat the PSA that everyone must focus on staying home as much as possible. When you must leave, please take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe– wear a mask and gloves, comply with social distance (at least 6ft), don’t touch your face and sanitize yourself and things before entering your home. You might be tired of hearing it but too many are not listening. Continue to do your part and demand that others do theirs so that people can stop losing their lives, their jobs, and their minds in isolation.
Be well,
Jas
More information and resources on The Period Movement, period health and global period equity:
