If you’re a person that menstruates you may have noticed some important products missing from store shelves. First it was cat food, then baby formula, and now it’s tampons. Tampons are not a critical necessity like nutrition for our children or pets, but as an intimate personal preference, some may find it hard to imagine living without them.
Supply chain issues and never-ending consumer demand has contributed to the inflated cost of popular menstrual products. Bloomberg reported that the average price for a package of menstrual pads increased by just over eight percent from the start of this year through the end of May, while the price of tampons increased by nearly 10 percent.
With these challenges, you may be asking yourself if now is the time to try an alternative. The business of period care has evolved significantly over the past 10 years, giving people who menstruate many different options that are more cost effective, better for our planet, and support new rituals in body care.
Menstrual cups and discs (flexible, reusable devices made from medical-grade silicone or latex and inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood) have been gaining popularity in recent years. Research suggests leakage with menstrual cups is similar to or lower than what women experience with pads or tampons. There are many different shapes and sizes of menstrual cups and it can take some trial and error to find the right one for you. We also recognize that there may be a learning curve with insertion, but we are here to help answer any questions you might have. You may also wish to consult with your OBGYN before making the switch.
If possible, we recommend having a backup form of menstrual protection on hand, like a pair of period underwear, when trying out a new product like a menstrual cup. One added health benefit of using a cup is the ability to examine your flow more accurately than with an absorbance product. This can lead to more informed conversations with your doctor on the status of your flow.
Period underwear, like those carried at Vespertine Boutique, use absorbent materials like microfiber polyester to soak up menstrual blood and other fluids. Antimicrobial fibers inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce odor, helping you to feel fresh and dry. The Leak-Loc edges on Proof Underwear seal in leaks and prevent liquid from escaping. Wear as you would normal undies and then machine wash and reuse again and again! These panties come in a range of sizes, styles and absorbency levels depending on your needs.
If you’re ready to start looking into alternatives to tampons, we would love to help guide you on your journey. You can shop with us in person (personal 1:1 shopping is available by appointment) or online at www.vespertineboutique.com.
Vespertine Boutique will be holding a Menstrual Supplies Drive benefiting Dove House Advocacy Services through Sunday, July 31st. If you bring in un-opened menstrual supplies between now and July 31st, you will receive 10 percent off any in-store purchase of $25 and up. To learn more about Dove House, visit dovehousejc.org.