Recomended products for women allergic to sanitary towels/comments about the moo!
Question: Recomended products for women allergic to sanitary towels/comments about the mooncup/menstural cups?
Just been to the doctors, and after various tests coming back negative ive been told i may be allergic to the sanitary towels i use.
So ive been looking at alternative products like the moon cup, the jam sponge and washable pads. Has anyone got any advice on this matter? The doctor mentioned hypoallergenic pads, but i cant seem to find them.
I dont think the tampons are causing the reaction, which is good because i have a whole draw full of those things to use up!
Ive been kindof put off the jam sponge idea because it slides down when its full so im looking at the mooncup at the moment.
Im kind of annoyed because untill this year ive never really had any reaction.
So does anyone have any comments about mooncups/hypoallergenic pads or living with this allergy?
Answers:
Menstrual cups are the BEST - I've been using them for 9 years.
I'm not allergic to commercial pads or tampons but did suffer constant infections as a result of using both, as well as general irritation, also with tampons and pads I'd constantly leak within half an hour. My periods were hellish, where as now neither of these problems occur with cups. I'd never even consider using tampons or pads again.
There can be a learning curve with cups for some but honestly it's worth that little bit of effort as they can be used for 12 hours with any flow, overnight, before your period, during sports like swimming, they are more comfortable, easier to use, and more reliable. No risks of infection or TSS as with tampons, and they can even lessen flow and cramps in comparison to tampons, plus no need to wear pads with cups. They also teach you more about your body, are cheaper, greener, and companies are ethical too. I honestly can't say enough about how great menstrual cups are.
I am going to ask that if you do buy a Mooncup online you consider using this link - http://www.mooncup.co.uk/wc.php?u=1741 - 20% of the sale goes to support women's health projects. Mooncup is a good brand for a first-time cup user.
Cloth pads are a good option too, they are FAR more comfortable than commercial pads, even without your allergy problem, they're like wearing super soft padded underwear which don't make you feel all sweaty or gather-up like commercial pads, also more hygienic and don't cause odour. How reliable they are depends on how they're made. I recommend giving them a go just to see how you feel, if you go to Etsy.com and search for menstrual pads, they're far cheaper from here than brands like Lunapads, maybe get a couple of different styles to to see if they're for you.
Hypo-allergenic pads (and tampons as even if not allergic, these are lower risk of TSS and infections) are better than commercial pads. They're made from cotton and breathable plastics so not as sweaty or irritating as commercial brands, also chemical free so no allergies or irritation. They can come apart a bit but if you're changing all the time anyway it's not a big deal. You don't say where you're from so not sure where you'd get these from, brands to watch out for are Cottons, Natracare and Seventh Generation - if you live in the UK you will find Cottons in Boots stores.
Menstrual cup support community - http://menstrualcups.org
Cloth pad database - http://clothpads.wikidot.com
Cottons tampons/pads - http://www.cottons.com.au
Tips & advice @ Lunapads - http://lunapads.com/tips-and-advice
I'm sure I've missed something out, I could go on for a while, if you have any specific questions or follow-up questions feel free to send me a message - good luck with whatever you choose!
get the cup. they are 1000000% better than tampons or pads.
menstrualcups.org will be able to help you lots. figure out which size.. any troubles... stuff like that.