Say Bye to the Conventional Sanitary Pads and Enjoy Using these Alternatives to Conventional Sanitary Pads

Menstruation is one thing which almost every woman has to deal with every month. It is a natural process and yet people, even women, hesitate to talk about it. In a recent survey it was revealed that 80 percent of the Indian women still do not use sanitary pads and are stuck with the conventional method of using scrap cloth from old saris and towels, still on an average a single women generated 125Kg of sanitary waste during her menstruating years by using disposable sanitary pads. According to some reports around 353 million women and adolescent girls of reproductive age need to dispose of their menstrual waste in the country which is creating a huge biohazard for the country. In spite of so many women stuck with conventional methods the use of non-biodegradable napkins is increasing every day. Several hundred million used sanitary pads is produced in a month. It is also said that on an average a woman uses sanitary pads for more than 1,00,000 hours in her lifetime.

Apart from posing serious environmental hazards, the problem with these non biodegradable disposable sanitary pads is that they do not use ingredients that are feminine hygiene friendly. These sanitary pads contain non organic cotton. With the use of these sanitary pads there is a good chance that these still contain some chemical residues or pesticides. In fact conventionally grown cotton is considered to be the most toxic crops. These conventional sanitary pads contain cotton bleached with chlorine which has dioxin (a toxic byproduct). Though it might be present in very small amount it is known to accumulate in the body and stay there for more than 20 years after exposure.

Benefits of Using Organic Sanitary Pads

• Reduces the Risk of Infection and Skin Rashes: Women with sensitive skin can also use these organic sanitary pads without the risk of infection and rashes as they do not contain any synthetic chemicals.
• These Alternatives to Conventional Sanitary Pads are Eco-Friendly: Switching to alternatives is a striking example of how even small personal choices can have a tremendous positive impact on our environment. Decomposition of the conventional plastic pads takes million of years, also their production cause a lot of harm to the natural environment. Thus by using alternatives like organic sanitary pads, reusable menstrual cups and cloth pads we can easily contribute our bit to a healthier environment.
• Alternative Options are Healthier: Conventional sanitary pads are made typically with a combination of plastics, non-organic cotton, synthetic fibers and wood pulp. These materials are then bleached with chlorine leading to the creation of dioxins, which not only harms the environment but also feminine health.
• Reusable Menstrual Cups Don't Leak: These alternatives do not leak and are easy to clean and maintain hygiene.
• Saves a Lot of Money: These alternative options are much cheaper and budget friendly too. These along with being eco friendly and healthy do not burn a hole in the pocket of the user.

These organic pads tend to create less toxic fumes even if burnt. Most of these organic sanitary pads are made by small artisans and companies, thus by opting for these alternative methods we in turn would be helping someone strengthen their economic condition.
 

Here we will be telling you about some alternatives to conventional sanitary pads:

1. Organic Sanitary Pads

Organic sanitary pads are quite similar to the conventional sanitary pads. The only major difference between the two types of pads is that one use organic cotton and eco friendly method of manufacturing while the other uses chloride chemical s and non organic cotton to manufacture the pads.

2. Menstrual Cups

For women facing heavy menstrual flow, these menstrual cups can come in handy. These are silicone cups that are to folded and inserted into the vagina, it opens up there and collects the menstrual fluid. These can easily be removed and reused as and when needed.

3. Cloth Sanitary Pads

Cloth sanitary pads are one of the most convenient alternatives to conventional sanitary pads. These cloth sanitary pads are made of breathable fabrics and are much more comfortable than disposable pads. They are equally absorbent and some of them even feature waterproof backing which makes them completely leak proof.

4. Period Panties

Basically, they are panties with absorbent layers built right into the lining. Though these have been around for a while but they have recently caught the trend. These are mostly available in athletic style and come with different absorbencies, like the conventional sanitary pads.

5. Sponge Tampons

These sponges are super absorbent, and can be used to absorb menstrual fluid. These are inserted like a tampon, and are removed after few hours depending upon the flow, rinsed, and reinserted. If you have heavy flow you can comfortably use more than one sponge too. These sponge tampons need to be replaced every three months.