Menstruation

The history of menstruation is cloaked in myths and misunderstanding. Pliny the Elder, the Ancient Roman philosopher who gave us “Home is where the heart is”, also wrote that menstrual blood could turn dogs mad, wither crops and trees, and, if exposed to lightning, ward off “hailstorms and whirlwinds”. Pliny also believed that consuming a woman’s menstrual blood would guarantee her fidelity for life, a trick employed in love charms as recently as 2009, when a maid in Hong Kong was charged for adding her menstrual blood to her employer’s soup in an attempt to mend their relationship.

While products were marketed door-to-door by the 1870s, the first commercial products available for a mainstream audience came in the 1890s with the products appearing in catalogues. Menstrual tools including a “Ladies Elastic Doily Belt” (a silk and elastic belt to which you’d attach a pad) and “Antiseptic and Absorbent Pad” were introduced at around the same time.

Today there are a plethora of options for managing periods, from period panties to menstrual cups, organic pads and tampons, and, of course, the still-prevalent standard tampons and maxi-pads. As of 2000, over 80% of women used tampons, with pads and panty liners close behind (9). Even the cloth options from the 1800s are making an updated comeback, with more and more options for anti-microbial period underwear and menstrual cups hitting the market.

In the Lauvette shop, we have a wide collection of menstrual items, from tampons, to washable napkins, eco-friendly pads, pantyliners and period underwear.

Sanitary pads are attached to the inside of the user’s underwear, and work by absorbing menstrual blood through layers of absorbent material – usually rayon, cotton and plastic. There are also washable pads that work similarly and are made of absorbent charcoal.

And in recent years, many people have given up the more traditional options of tampons and pads in favor of the menstrual cup. This small silicone or latex cup works by being folded and inserted internally so that it rests on the vaginal wall, where it collects blood. And the latest newcomer to the period scene is period underwear. They look like regular underwear, except they have a special absorbent layer which prevents leakages onto clothing, and as they are washable, they are one of the most sustainable options available. A good pair will prevent odors emitting, and will feel comfortable to the wearer.

Menstrual hygiene is vital during a woman’s monthly cycle. Be sure to change your sanitary pads every four to six hours. Using the same pad for an entire day is not only unhealthy but can also lead to irritation, infection or even UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

You can use a good organic and biodegradable sanitary pad or menstrual cups, both of which are environmentally sustainable as well. The menstrual cup should be sterilised before every use, emptied as frequently as possible, and stored in a hygienic way after use. Go for the appropriate size of the cup as per your age, flow, and depth of the vagina.

And wash the vaginal area properly at least twice a day. This will help in removing all the harmful bacteria and ensure that your genitalia are clean. A natural intimate wash can be used to clean the area. Use panty liners to help absorb the excess discharge and ensure better hygiene.