There are various products in order to collect menstrual fluid. [MENSTRUAL FLUID] Among the most common are sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual sponges and cups. [1] [2]

In a lifetime, a woman uses around 16.800 disposable sanitary pads and tampons. Alternative to single-use products are reusable menstrual pads, organic tampons or menstrual cups which could help to reduce the waste production. [3]

Sanitary pad
A conventional pad consists of a plastic, cellulose or cotton strip which is stuck to the inside of the underwear. The absorbency may vary but usually ranges from the short slender panty liner to the larger and longer overnight. [2]

Conventional pads are usually single used and contain a plastic granulate which absorbs the fluid better. The plastic (often polypropylene or polyethylene) often constrains the skin's ability to breathe which can cause irritations. The wrapping is also out of plastic and is disposed along with the pad. Out of ecological reasons, reusable products are recommendable. They are made of organic, air-permeable, breathable cotton and can be purchased over the internet or in health stores. You can also create them yourself. [4] [5]

Tampon
A tampon is a mass of absorbent material made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton. It is inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorbs the menstrual flow. [6] [7] Tampons are available in several absorbency ratings depending on the menstruation. [8]

Tampons can also be used by women before their first intercourse since the hymen is most unlikely to rupture due to insertion. Besides, under the influence of hormones the hymen is soft and flexible during menstruation. [HYMEN] [9] [10]

Out of hygienic reasons, hands should be washed before inserting and removing the tampon. It shouldn't be left in the vagina for longer than eight hours in order to prevent a TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). [8] For some scientists the use of rayon in tampons increases the risk of TSS. [11] [MENSTRUAL MOLIMINA]

With the help of a chemical cleaning method using ecologically harmful substances tampons are bleached in order to ensure a fresh and clean appearance. Conventional tampons can still contain residues of the procedure, such as the cancer-causing formaldehyde. This is why some producers do without chemicals or rayon and offer organic cotton tampons made from only 100% cotton. [7] [12]

Menstrual sponge
A menstrual sponge (soft tampon) is a cylindrical cordless sponge out of foam which is used for absorbing menstrual fluid. Due to the absent cord, this product is especially suited for sauna visits because of its discrete use and for special sports, like horse riding where the cord might gall the skin. It can also be left in the vagina during intercourse. [13] [14] [15]

A soft tampon is inserted into the vagina as far as the cervix [UTERINE NECK] where it is kept due to reduced pressure. Out of hygienic reasons, hand washing should precede insertion and removal in order to prevent infections. Similar to a tampon, a sponge can be left in the vagina for eight hours. [13] [15]

Menstrual cup
A menstrual cup, also known as moon cup, is shaped like a bell and is usually made of silicone, latex or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The menstrual cup is first folded, and then inserted into the vagina. It will normally unfold automatically and collects menstrual fluid. Depending on the type, a cup can catch 30ml of fluid. About every 4-12 hours it can be removed from the vagina, emptied, washed under running water and inserted again. [16] [17]

Some brands recommend replacement after 10 years, other cups can only be used once. Most brands have a smaller and a larger size depending on the body structure. [16] [17]

Further Links:
Tampon vs Mooncup, Der Rap Battle, Mooncup Ltd, 2014 (YouTube)