The Healthy Woman: Menstrual Cups for Feminine Care without Waste

A focus on women’s health, balanced hormones and healthier menstruation with menstrual cups as a less-waste solution!

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This week we celebrated women on International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women and the many issues which impact them. It is also a time to bring attention to women’s health issues. Women’s bodies are unique and bring a range of important health issues. 

A women’s cycle is an intimate part of her health. Unfortunately, too many women suffer with PMS, pain, cramping,mood swings, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, PCOS and other hormonal and menstrual imbalances. 

One important influence on women’s hormones, and therefore menstrual cycles, are endocrine disruptors. These can occur in household cleaners, food, water, mattresses and even shampoo and personal care products. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing Feminine Care Products?

There are many choices when it comes to feminie care. Pads, tampons, wipes, sprays, douche and anti-itch creams are all commonly used. Unfortunately, some feminine care products contribute to environmental waste and can contain hormone-disrupting substances.

In the U.S., up to 86% of women use tampons and 10-40% of women use sprays, washes, douches and wipes. These products are coming into contact with one of the most absorptive tissues in women’s bodies. Science shows that substances applied to the vaginal skin quickly enter the bloodstream without having to undergo extensive metabolism and detoxification first.

Women’s Voices of the Earth released a report exposing potentially harmful substances that can be found in some feminine care products. Many feminine care products including tampons and pads were found to contain dioxins, furans and pesticide residues that have been associated with reproductive harm, endocrine disruption and cancers. Other allergens and irritants, including the carcinogen formaldehyde, were also detected in these intimate care products.

Another Option to Consider for Women’s Health and Feminine Care Products!

Fortunately, there are other options for comfortable and healthy feminine care!

• Look for brands that disclose all ingredients including those in a product’s fragrance.
• Select unscented, fragrance-free products, especially for tampons and pads to avoid irritation and allergies, especially in those who are sensitive.
• Choose unbleached organic cotton or chlorine-free bleached tampons and pads.
• Avoid unnecessary products for vaginal care and feminine hygiene.
• Scrutinize labels and avoid the most problematic additives such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, parabens, DMDM hydantoin, octoxynol-9, benzocaine, D&Cs and fragrance. Check Women’s Voices of the Earth’s Chemicals of Concern list for more details.

Menstrual Cups as a Natural Alternative

One choice that reduces waste and irritation is a silicone menstrual cup. These non-reactive and reusable choices are easy to use with a little practice and create much less waste, perfect for a minimalistic lifestyle.

Bell-shaped silicone menstrual cups like The DivaCup and Lunette Menstrual Cups are worn internally and sit low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing the menstrual flow. Many women find menstrual cups empowering and great for regular monthly use.

Many women report a significant improvement in menstrual pain, cramping, chronic candida/yeast infections, cystitis and even endometriosis with regular use of menstrual cups instead of bleached tampons or pads.

Look for menstrual cups, such as The DivaCup, made from high-quality non-reactive healthcare grade silicone that is durable and safe. These do not contain latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, acrylate, BPA phthalates, polyethylene, colors or dyes that can harm our bodies.

Although some women are resistant at first to try menstrual cups, they are generally very comfortable, easy to use and care for and successfully protective with a little practice. According to consumer research, 60% of women experience leakage with tampons and pads, with odor arising when menstrual blood is exposed to air. Alternatively, The DivaCup is designed for up to 12 hours of leak-free protection and is worn internally, keeping the user fresh.

The DivaCup is suitable for women across a variety of ages, sizes and lifestyles. They are available in two sizes for the most comfortable and appropriate fit. The cup is easily emptied, washed and rinsed a few times a day during one’s flow and can be reused for over a year with regular care. The DivaCup also contains convenient measurement markers for women desiring to monitor and track their flow in conjunction with their healthcare provider.

Empower yourself with knowledge and take these steps to protect your health and the health of the planet!

Have you tried menstrual cups?

What women’s health issues matter to you?

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Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this email and related resources is for informational purposes only. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes taking any medication or nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health issue.. Do not use this information provided for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you suspect you have a medical problem please contact your healthcare provider promptly and do not disregard professional medical advice based on anything in this email. This correspondence and related resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and do not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Jennifer Weinberg.

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This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are my own based on personal and professional experience.

This post was shared with: Healthy Living Link Party, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Friday’s Five Features, Weekend Retreat, Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop, Marvelous in my Monday