Every year The Center for Gender Equity and the Office of Sustainability offer free menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear to interested students (undergrad and grad) during Campus Race to Zero Waste! This campaign is intended to make menstruation and menstrual products more sustainable and accessible on campus
A more sustainable life starts with everyday habits and opting for a reusable period product is an impactful change that can help shrink an individual’s footprint.
Here’s how it works:
- Find Your Fit - View the menstrual cup, menstrual disc, or period underwear sizing guide.
- Sign Up - Fill out *the form between February 4th - 18th to receive your **free Menstrual cup OR disc OR period underwear in the size of your choice.
- Pick Up - Once products arrive, students who signed up will be notified to pick up their free menstrual product (likely in late February).
Pros & Cons of Each Product Type
Menstrual discs and cups are made of 100% medical-grade silicone. Their purpose is to capture and collect (not absorb) menstrual blood inside the body. Discs are insertable and rest just behind your pubic bone. Cups stay in place within the vaginal canal by a seal that may create light suction.
Pros
- Sustainable: Last up to 10 years when used and cleaned properly
- Saves money: Reuse instead of buying pads or tampons
- All day/night protection:
- Up to 12 hours of protection day/night unlike tampons which need to be changed every 4 hours.
- They also collects 4-6x more than a single tampon
- Can use:
- While having sex for no mess
- Worn with IUDs
- For individuals with a weak bladder, weak pelvic floor, or a low / high cervix
- Comfort: Users have said they barely feel the disc when using (it sits farther up in your vaginal fornix)
- BPA and Latex-free
- Less of an infection risk: compared to tampons
Cons
- Learning curve with insertion: It may take some practice to figure out the most comfortable way to insert and remove especially if you have long nails or acrylic nails
- Size: Need to use the correct size for your body
- Sanitization: Periodically need to be sanitized
- Utilization in shared spaces: More of a challenge to use in dorms/shared spaces (but don’t worry, we’ve got hacks for college living!)
Discs vs. Cups:
- Shape differences
- Suction: Discs don't rely on suction but cups do
- Auto Dump: Discs can "auto dump" excess blood while cups can't
- Removal: Cups tend to be easier to remove compared to discs
- Use with IUD: Discs are safer to wear with an IUD rather than cups.
Period underwear is made with a lining of extra absorbent material (usually polyester) that absorbs blood during your menstrual cycle. Most period underwear also have moisture barriers that leave users feeling dry.
Pros
- Sustainable: Cuts down on waste of single-use menstrual products.
- Saves money: Reuse instead of buying pads or tampons
- Comfortable & less hassle:
- Easier to just slip on a pair of underwear then deal with pads, tampons, cups, discs, etc.
- Comfortably to wear while sleeping
- All day/night protection:
- Can wear for up to 12 hours (depending on the individual and flow)
- Typically hold 1-2 tampons worth of absorbency
- Functionality:
- Fit just like a normal pair of underwear and are also similar to a pad
- Leak-proof when used correctly
- Care:
- Sanitary when cleaned properly
- Can wash with the rest of your laundry and won’t stain other clothes
- Can use:
- Can also be used for people who may have weak bladder issues, postpartum bleeding, or discharge
- Can be used for people who may experience irritation from normal sanitary pads
Cons
- Size: Need to use the correct size for your body
- Care: Recommended to wash soon after use, and air dry after (heat from the dryer may damage the absorbent layers and make the underwear less effective)
- Initial cost: More expensive than pads/tampons, (but a good investment!)
- If you plan on wearing period underwear during your whole cycle, you will need 5-7 pairs and may need to change underwear more frequently depending on your flow
- Utilization in shared spaces: More of a challenge to use in dorms/shared spaces (but don’t worry, we’ve got hacks for college living!)
Menstrual Cup FAQs:
Step 1: Wash your hands and cup with mild soap
Step 2: Fold the cup in a punch-down or c-fold, and then the cup should unfold to form a light suction seal. (Make sure that you are relaxed! If you feel dents or folds during insertion, make sure to rotate it!)
Step 3: There should be resistance, that means that the suction seal has been created
Step 4: Wear up to 12 hours. When placed correctly you should not feel the cup. You can swim and participate in sports while wearing the cup.
Step 5: Empty, rinse, and repeat.
Step 1: *Remove the cup, empty the contents into the toilet, and rinse the cup off in the sink before re-inserting it.
Step 2: In between uses, store it in its original bag. When you are ready to use the cup again, disinfect the cup by either using a gentle fragrance-free soap** or by boiling the cup in water***. (You should also disinfect it before storing it in the bag).
*Make sure that your hands are clean before and after.
**Avoid dish soap, scented soaps, antibacterial soaps, alcohol, vinegar, oil-based soaps, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda when cleaning.
***Only boil the cup for about 3-5 mins (10 min max), monitor to make sure it is not burning, melting, or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/22-clean-cup
Remove the cup, empty the contents, and then:
- Use a clean bottle of water to rinse-off the cup before reinserting it.
- Bring a paper towel or use toilet paper to wipe off the cup before reinserting it (make sure no paper gets stuck to it).
- Bring period wipes/fragrance-free wipes to wipe the cup off before reinserting it.
Always make sure you give the cup a good rinse off the next time you are able to. If you do use public sinks make sure to clean the sink and your hands after.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/23-cup-in-public-toilets
The material of the cup is tested to last for years. We recommend that you replace it if the material starts getting sticky or cracks. The average life of a menstrual cup is around 2-3 years.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/24-cup-lifetime
Yes. Be sure to check with your doctor first. There is a possible risk that when removing the cup you may accidentally cause your IUD to become displaced. This can be reduced by ensuring that you run your fingers along the upper rim of the cup to release the suction before removing the cup.
Source: https://saalt.com/blogs/news/can-you-use-a-menstrual-cup-with-an-iud
Menstrual Disc FAQs:
Step 1: Pinch.
- With clean hands, pinch the disc by pressing the rim together in the center to form an “8” shape with the removal notch at one end.
Step 2: Insert.
- With your disc pinched, you are ready to insert.
- Inserting your Saalt Disc is easier when using water as a natural lubricant.
- You can insert your Saalt Disc while sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg raised. The most popular way to insert the disc is on the toilet with your legs spread wide apart.
- Gently separate your labia (inner vaginal lips) with one hand. Use the other hand to hold the pinched disc rim side up and insert it so the removal notch is the last part of the disc to enter the vagina.
- Slide the disc in at a horizontal angle (pointed towards your tailbone), until it is completely inside your vaginal canal.
- Push upwards on the front of the rim, resting the front of the disc above the pubic bone (aka the pubic symphysis).
STEP 3: Position & Secure
- As you tuck the front end of the disc behind your pubic bone, the rim will pop open.
- The disc should sit below your cervix in order to catch your flow. To check its position, insert a finger underneath the disc basin to feel for your cervix.
- If you can feel your cervix outside of the basin, remove your disc and insert again.
- The disc will sit at a slight diagonal angle when positioned correctly. If you can feel your disc in your vaginal canal or if the disc starts to slip, it might be positioned incorrectly. Remove and reinsert until it sits comfortably.
- Congratulations, you’ve successfully inserted your Saalt Disc! You’re ready to live your best life. Feel free to do a heel click or somersault and go enjoy up to 12 hours worry free!
Step 1: Wash
- Rinse your Saalt Disc in cold water after use to prevent staining.
- Wash thoroughly after each use with warm water and Saalt Wash, or a mild pH-balanced cleanser. Avoid strong cleansers or anything that may irritate your skin.
- Use a soft rag to wipe away any buildup.
Step 2: Sanitize
- You should sanitize your Saalt Disc between cycles by boiling your cup in water for 4–5 min (not more than 7 min). Use tongs or a wire whisk to ensure the disc doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot.
- You may also rinse your Saalt Disc thoroughly with water, allow it to dry, and then wipe it with a soft rag and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure all surfaces are sufficiently wet by the alcohol and allow it to air dry.
- Meanwhile, toss your storage bag in the laundry to thoroughly clean.
Step 3: Store
- Dry your Saalt Disc thoroughly and store it in the bag provided (or another breathable container). Never use a plastic bag or airtight container for storage.
- Some discoloration may occur over time. This is normal, and may vary from one person to another.
- If your Saalt Disc is ripped or torn, or the silicone shows signs of deterioration (which can happen after using non-recommended cleaners) it’s time to replace the disc.
Empty at least twice a day (every 12 hours*); we recommend before bed and after waking up.
You can use the Saalt Disc with an IUD or contraceptive ring, but check with your doctor first.
Period Underwear FAQs:
Yes, as long as you are changing into a fresh pair when needed! As for odor, fresh period blood doesn’t have a scent that carries. You might smell it on yourself, but think about it - have you ever smelt somebody else’s blood? Also, we’re human. Smells are OK.
Sources: https://period.co/pages/period-faq | https://saalt.com/pages/learn-saalt-period-underwear
How long you can wear your underwear before needing to change will depend on your flow and the absorbency level of the style you choose. On a heavy day, you may need to change into a fresh pair after a few hours of wear. If you’re wearing your underwear as a backup to a cup/disc or on a light day, you may be able to wear it all day. We recommend trying your underwear for the first time at home so you can see how your pair works best for your body and flow.
Sources: https://saalt.com/pages/learn-saalt-period-underwear | https://period.co/pages/period-faq
This also depends on how heavy your flow is. The products offered through Spot Me can absorb up to 4-9 tampons’ worth of period blood.
Sources: https://saalt.com/pages/learn-saalt-period-underwear | https://period.co/pages/period-faq
After use, rinse your underwear in cold water and machine wash cold, then hand dry.
Sources: https://saalt.com/pages/learn-saalt-period-underwear | https://period.co/pages/period-faq
Tips for Choosing Better Period Products
Shop for MADE SAFE certified Period Care to ensure the product has been fully vetted for substances known or suspected to cause human and ecosystem harm. Otherwise, here is what to look for:
Tampons:
- Natural materials and organic cotton
- Fragrance-free
- Unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine bleach
- Forgo the applicator or use a biodegradable paper applicator when necessary
- Opt for plastic-free packaging
Pads + Liners:
- 100% organic cotton or hemp
- Fragrance-free
- Unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine bleach
Menstrual Cups:
- 100% medical-grade silicone
- Free of dyes
Reusable Pads + Liners:
- Organic cotton as the primary material
- Made without ANY plastics or plasticizers
- Do not contain nanomaterials
- Do not contain PFAS ingredients
Period Underwear:
- Organic cotton as the primary material
- Full disclosure of all materials used in the products
- Avoid underwear labeled as “antimicrobial” or “antibacterial” as this likely indicates the use of nanomaterials or other chemical treatments like silver nanoparticles
Source: https://madesafe.org/blogs/viewpoint/period-products-what-s-in-them?_pos=1&_sid=475b4f74e&_ss=r