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!
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.
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 theoretical 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. The inner layer (made partly from merino wool) is naturally antibacterial and anti-odour. After use, you rinse out the absorbed blood in cold water and then hand wash cold with a mild detergent or machine wash cold (30°). After hanging to dry, they're ready to be used again.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/673-hygienic-to-use-period-underwear
As long as your flow allows. Some can wear it for a full day, while others use it as a backup for a cup or tampon. We generally recommend you use them for 8-12 hours. They can also be used overnight and for spotting or discharge. The underwear itself lasts for years.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/668-how-long-can-wear-period-underwear
Each period underwear can contain up to 10 ml of flow.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/676-period-underwear-with-higher-capacity
Before Use:
Wash the underwear to enhance the functionality of the absorbent layer
After Use:
Rinse in cold water until it runs clear. Machine wash cold (30°) or by hand with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Hang to dry.
Source: https://allmatters.helpscoutdocs.com/article/678-clean-period-underwear
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