Menstruation is a natural cycle that occurs in women and is essential to biological processes and reproductive health. Despite their universality, menstrual cleaning and management are frequently overlooked, causing multiple issues for women worldwide. Menstrual hygiene includes more than the use of sanitary products and consists of product selection, personal cleanliness habits, and the de-stigmatisation of menstruation. In this regard, normalising menstruation seems to be a crucial first step. The main strategies for shattering misconceptions, prejudices, and cultural taboos around menstruation are to hold open discussions and carry out educational programs.
Accepting that menstruation is normal and natural strengthens all women and girls, allowing for an inclusive and equal allocation of resources. The more responsive men are, the better their chances of overcoming menstruation hurdles. By fostering an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their menstruation health, society may help remove barriers and promote a positive perspective of this natural biological function.
Women require safe and affordable menstrual products, yet many cannot afford or do not have consistent access to them. Opting for reusable pads can therefore be counted as an environmental benefit as they are eco-friendly and are also a cost-effective option as compared to disposable products.
Benefits of Reusable Pads
A research study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that only 0.3% of women aged 15-24 years in India use reusable period products. These statistics refer to the need to highlight the advantages of reusable sanitary pads for women and the environment.
Environment-friendly: Reusable pads use organic cotton and are free from plastic. As per the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, reusable pads made with either synthetic or natural fibres can last up to 5 years. Moreover, they will not accumulate in the landfills as the former ones.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: TSS is a life-threatening disease caused due to the infection caused because of using a menstrual cup or tampon. Though, it is a rare condition, utilising reusable pads can help in eliminating its potential risk as well.
Easy to Use: Reusable pads are convenient to use. Women can buy, maintain and re-use and then replace them whenever they feel like doing so. Usually, a reusable pad lasts for 5-10 years and therefore, there is no need for women to buy them more often.
Ease of Maintenance: It is important to understand about how to maintain and use reusable pads. Some ways to clean reusable pads are:
• Wash in cold water
• Rinse with cold water and liquid soap in a bucket
• Air and flat dry
Made from Cotton: Mostly the reusable pads are made from cotton. Cloth pads are both pleasant to wear and health-promoting. Furthermore, they contain no chemicals, guaranteeing that the skin stays smooth and rash-free.
Durable and Cost-effective: Each set of reusable pads can be cleaned and reused at least 100 times (washing conditions can affect longevity). This longevity not only makes them a sustainable decision, but it also saves money in the long term.
In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, reusable pads are the best alternative for women seeking a cost-effective product to control their menstrual flow. They are one of the best menstruation products and offer absorbency and comfort. Menstruators can consider switching to them while joining the campaign for a more sustainable future. Nevertheless, women also want consistent, reasonably priced access to these menstruation products on a worldwide scale. Therefore, the government must grant them access to these items and provide information regarding their usage.
The author is the Founder & CEO of Revaa.