I have a new article up for my feminism column at Bristol 24/7. This one is all about menstruation, and the enormous cost of sanitary products. If you are saying “eeewwww” right now then you are part of the problem. Go have a read. I’ll be discussing the article on Ujima next Wednesday, so if you have any feedback I’d be very grateful.
3 thoughts on “Talking About Tampons”
Comments are closed.
It’s been many years since I used tampons or pads. I’m not sure I’d have fancied the washable pads – too much hassle soaking and washing them and I’m a bit dubious about how clean one can actually get them without using a boil wash. I also suspect they end up being less “green” than disposable pads. These don’t sound like the answer for homeless people because of the lack of ready access to washing and drying facilities. I have no experience with using the cup but that sounds like a much better bet for both the homeless and people living in developing countries. Before cups are issued to the homeless the local authorities need to think through the practicalities of their use. Where do the homeless go to wash themselves? Might rinsing out the cup in a basin in a public convenience create a health hazard for other users? Could special sinks be designated for the purpose? In developing countries where water might be a scarce resource what guidance would be offered to women about how to keep the cup clean and safe to use?
The reusable cup could really change the lives of women in developing countries by enabling girls to attend school regularly and adults to go about their normal routine without fear of embarrassment. The boost to confidence and self esteem could be enormous. This in turn must be beneficial to the economy of the country.
I agree completely that provision of sanitary products to homeless women is vital and I’m shocked to learn there is currently no provision. Perhaps charities which help the homeless could have collection points for people to donate boxes of unused products. I’m sure all of us who’ve reached the menopause end up with a variety of packs of pads and tampons stuck at the back of a cupboard. Unless you have a younger friend or relative to donate them to they can end up being thrown away. And because of the taboo surrounding all things menstrual it’s not always easy to find a good home for them.
Not strictly relevant, but in the early days of tampon manufacture they used asbestos as one of the fibres!!!
Margaret A: I’m at home all day, so reusable pads work great for me – an immediate quick rinse under the cold tap and throw them into the bottom of the washing machine, and they come clean perfectly in the next regular wash, with no extra loads of laundry required. Mostly, though, I use a Diva Cup. Just today, by coincidence, I realised that trying to eke out my 12 year old cup for another three or four (ish) years till menopause was not really a necessary economy, and ordered a new one ($32). I reckon as a once-a-decade cost that is just fine!