Welcome to the Menstrual Product Petting Zoo! This unique initiative was created to demystify alternative menstrual products by offering a hands-on experience. While most menstrual products are boxed up in grocery stores or pharmacies, people rarely see or feel them before purchasing. The petting zoo changes that, allowing visitors to handle and learn about these products, helping them feel more comfortable and informed in their period care choices.
Let’s take the products featured at the Menstrual Product Petting Zoo, from menstrual cups to period swimsuits, and discover how they work, their benefits, and why they’re gaining popularity.
Menstrual Cup: A Long-Lasting and Eco-Friendly Choice
The menstrual cup is one of the most prominent products at the petting zoo. Made from medical-grade silicone, it is a sustainable alternative that collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbs it like a tampon or pad.
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, bell-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not pose a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and they are reusable for up to ten years with proper care.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Inserting a menstrual cup may seem intimidating initially, but it becomes second nature with some practice. There are various ways to fold the cup for insertion, including the push-down fold (which resembles a tulip) and the seven-fold, which looks like the number 7. Once inserted, the cup pops open and forms a seal against the cervix, preventing leaks even during physical activities like cartwheels or handstands.
After hours of use, the cup is removed by pinching the base to release the seal, then emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. Between periods, it’s essential to boil the cup for proper sanitation.
Cost and Longevity
While menstrual cups typically cost between $7 and $35, their longevity makes them a cost-effective choice over time. The investment pays off financially and environmentally since they last up to a decade.
Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup
For those new to menstrual cups, choosing the right size may depend on factors such as cervix height. Resources like Period Nirvana, a popular Instagrammer, and TikTok provide helpful guidance for finding the right cup and learning more about period care.
Menstrual Discs: A Comfortable Alternative
Another popular option at the Menstrual Product Petting Zoo is the menstrual disc, an excellent choice for individuals with a tilted uterus, IUDs, or sensitive cervixes.
How to Use a Menstrual Disc
Similar to a tampon, a menstrual disc is inserted into the vagina but sits behind the pubic bone to collect menstrual fluid. While it doesn’t create a seal like a menstrual cup, it prevents leaks during regular activities. However, the disc may be emptied during muscle contractions, like when using the restroom, which is entirely normal and part of its design.
Maintenance
Reusable menstrual discs, like cups, must be rinsed and reinserted every 8 to 12 hours. Disposable discs, on the other hand, are discarded after use. A reusable disc should be boiled between periods for sanitation.
Reusable Pads: Eco-Friendly and Comfortable
Reusable pads offer a more sustainable alternative to disposable pads while being just as convenient.
How to Use Reusable Pads
These pads have multiple layers: a waterproof layer to prevent leaks, an absorbent layer to catch menstrual fluid, and a wicking layer to keep the user dry. They are worn like regular pads and must be changed every four hours.
After use, the pads can be folded and snapped shut to prevent leaks, and they are stored in a waterproof bag until they can be washed. Like menstrual cups and discs, reusable pads must be laundered but not put in the dryer or washed with fabric softener, as these can affect their absorbency.
Period Underwear: Discreet and Comfortable
Period underwear has gained significant attention for its simplicity and comfort, offering a hassle-free period care solution.
How Period Underwear Works
Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear but has built-in absorbent layers. It can hold the equivalent of four to eight tampons worth of menstrual fluid, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer not to change their product during the day.
Maintenance and Longevity
These can be worn for up to 8 hours and then washed like regular underwear. With proper care, period underwear can last up to seven years, making it a durable and eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce waste.
Period Swimsuits: Swim Worry-Free
For young girls or anyone uncomfortable with tampons, period swimsuits offer a revolutionary way to enjoy swimming without worry.
Why Choose a Period Swimsuit?
Period swimsuits resemble regular swimwear but have built-in absorbent layers similar to period underwear. They are perfect for young girls who may not be ready for tampons or for anyone who prefers a non-invasive option for water activities.
Conclusion
The Menstrual Product Petting Zoo provides a safe and welcoming space to explore alternative menstrual products, from cups and discs to reusable pads, period underwear, and swimsuits. By offering a hands-on experience, the petting zoo helps demystify these products and allows individuals to make informed, comfortable, and eco-friendly choices.
Whether you’re looking for a more sustainable option or just curious about trying something new, the menstrual products at the petting zoo provide a range of benefits designed to make your period care more convenient and environmentally friendly.
Explore. Touch. Feel. Make informed decisions about your menstrual health.
Check out Period Nirvana and other educational platforms for more resources and information.
