The potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome, concerns about the
environment and irritation are just some of the reasons why
woman today are becoming more aware of the alternatives to
conventional sanitary products. Here’s a quick guide to some of
the options available…
Cath Wanless, 37 made what some women might consider a radical
decision to give up using traditional tampons over three years
ago. She says “Tampons have always made me feel dry and
uncomfortable and I was also worried about the risk of toxic
shock syndrome. I was also concerned about the environmental
problems they caused, not to mention the fact that traditional
tampons used to infuriate thrush which I’ve suffered from for
years.”
“So I launched my quest for a natural alternative and began
experimenting with alternative forms of sanitary protection. I
initially tried the Mooncup, a reusable rubber cup which you
wear internally to collect the blood and found it reasonably
comfortable and easy to use.”
“However, the real breakthrough came when I stumbled across Sea
Pearls on the internet. They’re a natural, reusable sea sponge
tampon and they’re amazing! The idea may seem a little unusual,
and it may take a little getting used to but they’re
surprisingly easy to use and certainly no messier than
non-applicator tampons.”
“Moreover, I haven’t been hit with a single bout of thrush
since! My life has been transformed from miserable itching fiend
to normal human being. Every woman should know the alternatives
that are available, after all it’s a natural and unavoidable
part of every woman’s life.”
There are a number of reasons why women want to swap to more
natural menstrual products. Liz Sutton of Women’s Environmental
Network (WEN) explains; “Rayon, which is used in many tampons,
has been linked to toxic shock syndrome. It’s a rare disease but
it can be fatal. In Britain we flush away four million sanitary
items a day. They block sewers and some of them get washed out
to sea. It’s better to bag and bin them but this can add waste
to landfill sites. There are many natural products on the
market, you just need to find one that suits you”. The
Alternatives: • Sea Pearls Available in packs of 2 for £7.99,
lasting six months or more from health food shops, chemists and
beauty salons. They can also be found online at
www.seapearls.co.uk. • The Mooncup Available from larger Boots
stores, priced at £19.99 or by mail order for £17.99 at
www.mooncup.co.uk. • Natracare’s non-chlorine bleached organic
cotton tampons and towels are available from supermarkets and
chemists or by mail order at www.natural-woman.com.