Sustainable Period Products and Pelvic Floor Considerations
“In a lifetime, a single person who menstruates will use somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons and is expected to throw away roughly 400 pounds of period product packaging. In the US, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year and a year’s worth of disposable period products leaves a carbon footprint equivalent to 5.3 kilograms (nearly 12 pounds) of CO2. Tampons, pads, and panty liners, their packaging, and wrapping generate more than 200,000 metric tons of waste annually. What’s more, plastic and non-compostable materials in period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.”
At PCPT we care a lot about the planet, as well as your pelvic floor. Inspired by our upcoming talk with Walking Lightly, a sustainable and eco-friendly shop in Ferndale Michigan, we are going to delve into the different options for period products, and considerations for pelvic health. There are a lot of choices out there, and at times misinformation, regarding our period products. Some eco- “upgraded” options include menstrual cups, organic and applicator free tampons, reusable pads, and period underwear.
Firstly, unfortunately, research on those who menstruate remains limited. Secondly, there is not much research to support one type of period product as being better or worse for your pelvic floor. Still, there are some things worth considering when choosing a period product, and it's important to take into account the fact that everyone’s body will react differently to placing things in or around their body.
Let’s talk about good old tampons. Organic? Again, there is limited research supporting organic or non-organic but things like scents, dyes, and other chemicals near your vagina are to be avoided to reduce irritation. So, if it is within your budget and you choose to use tampons, we recommend organic and absolutely SCENT FREE. And in regard to the environment, tampon applicators are a huge problem. They are made of plastics that do not break down and are just not necessary. They do make reusable tampon applicators, if you are uncomfortable going without one. But we would say that, if accessible, organic and applicator free is the way to go here.
Next up, the mystical menstrual cup. You love it or you hate it. Anecdotally, people have reported decreased cramping when using menstrual cups in comparison to something that sits against the cervix (tampons). Again, there is no good research to support whether or not cups improve period cramps. It is highly important that if you are going to use cups you learn how to insert and remove them appropriately to avoid any problems. Some people with a history of pelvic organ prolapse, or pelvic floor muscle tightness, can find that the suction of the cups can worsen their symptoms – specifically if they do not learn how to break the suction appropriately upon removal. There is a lot of fear out there about whether a cup will cause or worsen a prolapse, we don't believe this to be the case, and research doesn't support this fear. If you are having bad period cramps or pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, find a pelvic floor therapist that can help you.
Period panties and reusable pads, oh my. These are great options on their own, or in tandem with the other options above. There are times when inserting something in the vagina is medically contraindicated, for example right after a vaginal birth, or a surgical procedure in the pelvis. Other times, people cannot tolerate any vaginal penetration due to pelvic pain or pelvic organ prolapse. SHAMELESS PLUG – if you have pain with any type of penetration SEE A PELVIC FLOOR PT! Anyways, reusable pads and panties are washable and can last years with good care. Make sure you are washing with scent free and dye free detergents and that you are changing them consistently on order to avoid excessive moisture in the area. A lot of people like period panties as a nice option for the evening, in order to get a break from having something inserted and allowing things to “breathe”. Also, if you have very heavy periods, they are nice options to wear along with your cup or tampon in case of leaks.
In summary, go for eco-friendly and reusable period products when accessible, and if you are having pain or problems finding the right fit for you – see a pelvic floor physical therapist to optimize your pelvic health and live pain free. If you are in the metro Detroit area – check out Walking Lightly to pick up your sustainable period products.
