Every single form of monthly hygiene has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on whether the safest possible leakage protection, sustainability and environmental compatibility, costs or the simplest possible handling with pleasant wearing comfort are in the foreground. No product fulfills all the points 100%, but alternative monthly hygiene products take the lead, especially because of their sustainability and cost savings.

Disposable pads & tampons

They are the classics on the drugstore shelf and are therefore the standard products that women have to deal with particurarly frequently during their menstrual cycles.

Leak protection & hygiene:

Sanitary towels are usually available with and without wings, sometimes in longer, narrower or tailored versions. They should be changed regularly, on heavy to normal days at least 5-6 times in 24 hours. Tampons should be changed at least every six hours (TSS syndrome).

Sustainability & environmental protection:

Conventional disposable sanitary towels and tampons are usually packaged in plastic and also contain plastic (phthalates, also known as softeners). Superabsorbents and gel cores ensure that as much menstrual blood as possible is absorbed and that the wearer feels pleasantly dry. The natural components such as cotton are partially bleached, which creates dioxins. In addition, artificial fragrances are added to convey a special feeling of freshness.

There is currently no legal obligation to label these additives and their components. The decomposition of the disposable sanitary napkins and also the tampons needs several centuries in the case of conventional products. After all, organic products decompose in shorter periods of time.

Health:

Cotton is used in both sanitary towels and tampons and, like many other products for daily consumption, is treated with pesticides, especially glyphosate. It should be clear to everyone that this is not good for the sensitive mucous membranes of the vagina in the long term. But in the case of tampons, for example, whether treated or untreated does not matter. These are mainly bought according to one criterion: they should be absorbent. This in turn can let the mucous membrane drying out. The result is frequent fungal infections. Anyone who frequently suffers from itching, burning and discharge in the intimate area should consistently wear cotton underwear for 2-3 months, avoid plastic tampons and sanitary towels and, above all, avoid fragrances in them - this also applies to the washing detergent.

Purchase & costs:

The standard range is now available in every supermarket, gas station, kiosk, sometimes in toilets and of course in drugstores. Organic products are not always available everywhere. Possible sources of supply for low-pollutant tampons and disposable sanitary towels are partly drugstores, partly organic shops and online shops. Accordingly, conventional sanitary towels and tampons are comparatively cheap, their organic counterparts a little more expensive. However, the costs add up, per woman and cycle, several thousands of euros are spent in life just for monthly hygiene. This does not include ruined underwear sets because the promised leakage protection of the menstrual pad did not keep what it promised.

Handling & wearing comfort:

The adhesive tape in the sanitary napkins holds more or less well, depending on the product - i. H. sometimes the disposable pads puffs up in the panties and interferes with walking, running or sitting. While sanitary towels are perceived as unhygienic even by some women, packaging and disposal are usually not a problem - you roll them up and throw them in the trash. Goodbye used sanitary napkins!