We all know about tampons and pads and if you’re here, you’re probably aware of menstrual cups. Did you know there are quite a few other “alternative” menstrual products in various materials and forms? Some are worth a good laugh (the crocheted tampon comes to mind) while others could be something worth a shot for your next cycle. Interlabial Pads

The interlabial pad is kind of like a tampon, in that it does involve some insertion, and also finding the right place to insert. Using pads does mean that you basically never have to encounter your vulva, or anything else, during your period, but to use an interlabial pad correctly, you have to be able to locate your labia. Women who get skin irritation on the labia from using sanitary napkin/pads should consider trying Interlabial pads,” says Dr. Sherry A. Ross. Ross also suggests interlabial pads for folks who have chronic vaginal discharge, have recently given birth and are experiencing incontinence as the result of weakened pelvic muscles (or for any other reason). Your pad won’t magically absorb your blood clots. It’s the same as disposable pads, they just sit on top and you get rid of them in the trash. How Much Do We Actually Bleed? Women do not want to use toxic chemical laden cotton or rayon knowing there is a connection to cancers and delicate tissue of their vaginas and other female anatomy,” says Dr. Elizabeth Trattner. “Many women are tired of using a pad that cannot be recycled and seems wasteful, facial tissues that have chemicals and can slide around in underwear, or a tampon, which is a big waste for a tiny amount of fluid.”

Recommendations

If you have some light incontinence, or vaginal discharge, intralabial pads can be a nice option for you. While you can use disposable pantyliners, or reusable cloth pantyliners, try these internal pads out for yourself and see if they work better for you. It is indeed possible to sew your own intralabial pads. However, if you’re like me and don’t even know how to turn on a sewing machine, then buying might be a better option! Most people find that interlabial cloth pads work pretty well for them. However, depending on your labia, you may experience a couple difficulties with them: Interlabial pads, fold lengthwise and pop between your labia (like a ‘wedgie'!) close to the entrance of your vagina. Leave a couple of cm at the front to remove it when you go to the toilet. Washing

Just about anybody can potentially make a cloth panty liner work for them. Whether or not you can use labia pads really depends on the shape and size of your labia. Even if you think you have a Niagara Falls period, we actually don’t bleed that much. On average, people menstruate approximately 70 to 80 milliliters of fluid, which is equal to a double shot of espresso. That’s it! Our reusable pads are made with SILVADUR, which infuses silver ions into the fabric, and it is both tested and proven to be safe for the skin. They’re also an antimicrobial ion that inhibits bacteria, fungi, and algae growth which helps control bad odors! Minky The hidden layers that you do want to look for are hemp, bamboo, or my ultimate and personal favorite , Zorb.The last piece of fabric that you need to consider when purchasing reusable pads for a super heavy flow is minky. Minky is not a very absorbent fabric, but it is the perfect top layer because it helps spread fluid through the fabric and down the pad. Gusher Pads for Heavy Periods If you want to prevent staining, then soak them after use in cold water. You could also use a commercial stain remover spray. Some of the most popular period panty brands you may have heard of include Thinx, Modibodi, Dear Kates, and Period Panteez. Bamboo can soak up a lot of fluid especially if you use the super heavy kind. It’s also a natural fiber and soft to the touch. Diapers use bamboo as their hidden layer and in their soaker system because as bamboo is prepped and washed over time, its absorption improves. Like bamboo, hemp is a natural fabric and absorbs really well. Zorb Notes on interlabial pads: They cannot be used while swimming. They must be removed to urinate, being careful not to forget about them and drop them in the toilet. Some people have issues with them drying out the skin if flow is very light and/or they are not changed often enough, moistening them with water can help.