Alternatives To Pads And Tampons That Can Help To Improve Your Symptoms
My vulva is itchy, red, and irritated - could it be from my menstrual pads or tampons?
Unfortunately, yes, some women have sensitivities to some common menstrual products. It could be that using tampons or menstrual pads are causing breakdown and irritation of the vulvar skin - whether it be in the vaginal canal, at the opening of the vagina, or even the skin of the labia surrounding the vagina. Anytime there is redness or irritation of the vulvar skin it can lead to susceptibility of the area to bacterial or yeast infections in the urinary tract (via the urethra) or in the vaginal canal. Yikes!
Many women can safely use tampons or menstrual pads without experiencing any of these unwanted side effects. For those that are suffering with skin breakdown or irritated vulvar skin, there are other options out there. Even if you’re not experiencing skin irritation from your pads or tampons, you might want to consider what other options you have! Here are a few options to consider:
Menstrual Cups
There are many different brands of menstrual cups available on the market. It may take some trial and error to find the menstrual cup that works best for you. There is also a website that can help guide you to the best product recommendation for you. https://putacupinit.com/
Menstrual cups are placed in the vaginal canal to collect period blood and must be emptied at least every 12 hours (or more frequently depending on the heaviness of your menstrual flow). Care needs to be taken for cleanliness of your hands during placement/removal of cup, and also careful cleaning of the cup to avoid infection.
These flexible cups are meant to be reusable, so while they may be helping reduce skin irritation for you, it is also helping reduce monthly waste for our environment.
Menstrual Discs
How is a menstrual disc different than a cup? A menstrual cup sits in the vaginal canal, while a menstrual disc is placed just below the cervix (higher in the vaginal canal). Both work in similar ways by collecting the period blood and needing to be emptied on a regular interval. The menstrual discs are often disposable, although there are some discs that are reusable as well, so it may not be helpful in reducing monthly waste for our environment.
Period Underwear
This is another reusable product on the market which is an underwear that has an absorbent pad built into them. A downside to this option is that you will require more than one pair of period underwear, since you will need something to wear while you are laundering the first. After removing the underwear you will rinse the period blood from the underwear under cold water until the water runs clear, then it can be washed by hand or in a washing machine with cool water and your preferred laundry detergent.
Reusable Cloth Pads
These reusable cloth pads are a substitute for a traditional menstrual pad and generally do not cause irritation of the vulvar tissue since there are no adhesives or bleaching of the pad. Reusable cloth pads will again require care for laundering in order to reuse, but can be a great option for people who wish to have an option that reduces waste.
Several different options are available to women during their monthly menstrual cycle. It’s important to consider what works best for your body. If you’re experiencing vulvar skin breakdown, consider whether your monthly menstrual product may be contributing to this skin irritation. Reach out to Shift Physical Therapy to assist you in decreasing pain or irritation of your vulva. We love to help women and provide education and ideas to help you and your vulva feel good again!
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
