Advantages and Disadvantages of Menstrual Sponges

Menstrual sponges are feminine hygiene products which are 100% ecological and biodegradable. Find out all about them here.

Menstrual sponges are a sustainable element of feminine hygiene which has all of the features that may replace disposable tampons or menstrual cups. It is a protected and effective approach to internal retention.

Estimates suggest that the typical woman uses as much as 9,000 pads and tampons during her fertile life. These plastic items take as much as 300 years to decompose. Therefore, menstrual sponges are a way more sustainable option.

Menstrual sponges, hygienic sponges or sponge tampons should not common, despite their benefits. However, they they should not a latest product because women have been using them since precedent days. Let’s see what they’re and what their benefits and downsides are.

What are menstrual sponges

Menstrual sponges are a female hygiene product much like a tampon. You put them in your vagina channel for the absorption of menstrual bleeding for approx six to eight hours. Moreover, you possibly can reuse them; their service life is about one 12 months.

These sorts of items they’re very flexible, because of which they fit perfectly to the partitions of the vagina. Menstrual sponges may be of two types: man-made or natural. The natural ones are of marine origin, biodegradable and reusable. Do not reuse synthetic sponges.

Natural menstrual sponges have been around for about 3,000 years. However, women didn’t use them fairly often. Some women discovered them within the nineteenth century, but fell into oblivion within the twentieth century. Today, they’re again an alternative choice to intimate hygiene.

Sea sponges are farmed or harvested from the ocean. Their base isn’t touched in order that the body can regenerate. They are harvested only after they reach greater than 12 and a half centimeters. They are sold with hardly any major changes.

Use of menstrual sponges

The use of menstrual sponges could be very easy. First, it’s well wetted, then squeezed to remove excess water. Then it’s folded and inserted into the vagina, pressing it with the fingers, with a mild movement. It should go all the way in which in and never cause discomfort.

While it will probably be used for as much as eight hours, it’s typically used for 3 to 6 hours. It all is determined by the quantity of bleeding. Wearing it, you possibly can do any activity without leaking.

These sponges are sometimes supplied with anti-slip tape. To remove them, just gently pull the tape. Another option is to crouch down, insert your fingers into your vagina and pull it out. In case of any difficulties, it’s best to get into the shower and moisten the doorway to the vagina. This causes the sponge to swell and collapse, making it easier to remove.

Benefits of menstrual sponges

One of the nice things about natural menstrual sponges is that they’re 100% ecological and recyclable products. Additionally, you possibly can cut them to raised fit each woman’s body, making them very comfortable.

These sponges are soft and freed from many toxins. Sanitary towels and tampons often contain materials with certain petrochemical derivatives. They are too hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Therefore, there can be no irritation, itching or discomfort.

In addition to all the pieces they fit every womaneven when she has some form of genital prolapse. They’re also convenient for sex and have a shelf lifetime of up to at least one 12 months, even though it’s best to throw them away after six months.

Synthetic menstrual sponges would not have as many benefitsespecially from an ecological viewpoint. However, they’re as ergonomic as natural sponges and are designed for simple insertion and removal.

Disadvantages of menstrual sponges

Among the disadvantages of natural menstrual sponges is the undeniable fact that they they’re a bit rough. If you do not wet them, they could cause some discomfort when inserting. In addition, only the synthetic ones have a system of handles that facilitate removal.

However, the largest problem could be the hygienic elements. It could be very essential to purchase such a product from a proven supplier. This is it is feasible that they still contain sand or residue of their natural state elements present in the ocean.

Also, washing menstrual sponges before reuse may be complicated. As a result, some contaminants and microorganisms may remain on them. This can encourage bacterial overgrowth and result in infection. There isn’t enough research on this in the meanwhile.

Some suggestions and facts

It is best to purchase brown menstrual sponges, as yellowish ones may be of inferior quality. It isn’t really useful to clean them with soap or detergents during menstruation. It is best to clean them with loads of water and reuse them.

Outside of menstruation, it’s best to soak them overnight preparation with water, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. The next day, wash them thoroughly until they’re completely clean.

Then, drain them and allow them to air dry, preferably by hanging them with a clothespin or string. After drying, store them in a clean bag, preferably a cotton one. If they crumble or scatter dust, throw them away. The general suggestion is to throw them away after six months.

Consult your gynecologist

Menstrual sponges are best purchased from pharmacies or specialty stores. If you notice any changes or unpleasant symptoms if you start using them, it’s best to stop using them and seek the advice of your gynecologist.

At this point, no brand of menstrual sponges has been approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you will have any doubts about their use or purchase, it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor.

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