Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series on feminine products. The first column focused on sanitary pads.
In a rant about her angry vagina, author Eve Ensler famously described tampons as "a dry wad of fucking cotton" -- and she ain't far from the truth.
Unfortunately, she left out a key detail: Most tampons are made from rayon-cotton blends -- an important distinction, because rayon is often chlorine-bleached, a process that releases the cancer-causing chemical dioxin. This toxin builds up in fatty tissue and has been linked to endometriosis, immune-system suppression, and other health problems. Since it's in a product intended for our, ahem, most intimate of locations, there's definitely another reason to be angry.
Grist's Pick
The KeeperSome companies offer tampons made of organic cotton, which is progress, and we've reviewed a few brands below. But tampons still pose a burden on the waste stream and the risk of toxic shock syndrome, so we've also looked at the alternative that addresses these issues: the menstrual cup.
Deemed the "official menstrual product of the revolution" by one of the Grist Lady Feminine Product Reviewers, these reusable latex or silicone cups are arguably the most environmentally friendly of all the options out there, edging out their reusable sanitary-pad equivalents (GladRags and Lunapads) for the sheer fact that they require less water to clean. (And, in a pinch, aka "a public-bathroom situation," they can be wiped clean with toilet paper.) Retailing at about $35, they require a little cash up front, but are a far more affordable option than disposables over time.
We asked the GLFPR to consider both the menstrual cups and several organic cotton tampon options, because there isn't a universal "right answer" when it comes to such a personal decision. Here's what they had to say.
The Keeper
Eco-claims: Made from natural gum rubber (latex); reusable for up to 10 years
Capacity/Length of use: One ounce; on heavy days, about three hours; on light days, all day; comes in two sizes (before- and after-childbirth)
Leakage: Minimal, even after strenuous physical activity
Odor: Detectable only when emptying; the Keeper itself began to smell when wet after about eight years
Comfort: If properly inserted, you shouldn't be able to feel it at all
The Keeper is well-loved among the product-reviewing pool -- not to mention by Umbra Fisk -- with one reviewer having been a devoted user since 1994. The Keeper, like all the menstrual cups, is wider than the average tampon, which can lead to concerns about getting it in and out. But according to one reviewer, what the Keeper lacks in comfort, it more than makes up for in terms of convenience, smell containment, and panty protection. Even while playing physically demanding sports, the Keeper holds up, she says, "unlike tampons, where it seemed like that stupid string acted as a firefighter's pole straight to my undies."
The Moon Cup
Eco-claims: Made from non-latex, medical-grade silicone; reusable for up to 10 years
Capacity/Length of use: One ounce; on heavy days, about three hours; on light days, all day; comes in two sizes (before- and after-childbirth)
Leakage: Minimal, though somewhat dependent on how skillful you are at inserting it
Odor: Detectable only when emptying
Comfort: If properly inserted, you shouldn't be able to feel it at all
The Moon Cup is identical to the Keeper, but made from silicone for the latex-averse or -allergic. It also has a longer stem than the Diva Cup or the Keeper, but it's OK to trim it to a length that is comfortable. One reviewer, who was new to menstrual cups in general, said it took her a decent amount of practice to get the Moon Cup correctly in place and learn how to remove it properly. She also said that the more she used it, the more comfortable it became, though for her it was never entirely unnoticeable. Another particularly unfortunate Moon Cup tester got her first UTI while using the product, which should serve as a cleanliness cautionary tale for all menstrual-cup users.
Diva Cup
Eco-claims: Made from non-latex, medical-grade silicone; reusable for up to 10 years
Capacity/Length of use: One ounce; on heavy days, about three hours; on light days, all day; comes in two sizes (before- and after-childbirth)
Leakage: Minimal, even after strenuous physical activity -- so long as the product is the proper size and inserted correctly
Odor: Detectable only when emptying
Comfort: If properly inserted, you shouldn't be able to feel it at all
One reviewer swears by the Diva Cup, having used it for years without any leakage, despite leaving it in for long days and strenuous athletic endeavors. But two others have had leakage problems related to sizing issues: One, the mother of an adorable daughter, says the post-childbirth Diva Cup has never quite fit correctly, leading to leakage as well as discomfort. The other is sans tot, but followed the website's directions to purchase the larger size because she is over 30. For her, the product was a "complete failure" -- difficult to insert and remove, highly uncomfortable to leave in, and a leakage problem, to boot. She reckons her petite frame puts her in the minority of 30-plus women who should use the smaller size -- but she doesn't want to risk another "pricy disappointment."
Sea Pearls
Eco-claims: Natural, reusable, sustainably harvested Atlantic sea sponge tampons; dioxin- and rayon-free
Capacity/Length of use: Up to eight hours, depending on flow; need to be completely replaced every six months
Leakage: None
Odor: None
Comfort: "More comfortable than tampons"
Though these sponges got positive reviews for their comfort, reusability, and absorptive power, they lost major points on ease of use and practicality. The sponges come without an "extraction line," so removal can be messy; the packaging suggests adding a cotton string or waxed dental floss if needed. More than this, though, is the problematic nature of needing to rinse the sponge before reuse. For women away from home, a small plastic baggie may be needed to carry the used sponges until they can be properly disinfected. Said one reviewer, "The cute carrying case [that comes with the product] is completely useless beyond a double-life as a potpourri sachet." After one adventurous reviewer took the company at its word and attempted certain bedroom activities with a sponge in, she found that it had shifted, and had this advice: "Don't try it unless you have quite a reach."
Natracare Organic All Cotton Tampons
Eco-claims: Made of 100 percent certified organic cotton; free of synthetic materials, like rayon, and chemical additives; non-chlorine bleached
Capacity/Length of use: Up to eight hours, varies depending on flow
Leakage: None
Odor: None
Comfort: Can't feel it
A former o.b. user found no major difference between these organic cotton, non-chlorine-bleached tampons and their mainstream dioxin-laced brethren. The self-described "zealous tampon connoisseur" said she even -- gasp! -- exceeded the recommended hour limit on the box, but remained leak-free. Said another reviewer, "If there's one cotton product you'd want to be organic, it's a tampon. A good, solid choice." The only complaint came from a user who chose the applicator version and had problems with the cardboard pieces sticking together.
Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Organic Cotton Tampons
Eco-claims: Made of 100 percent certified organic cotton; free of synthetic materials, like rayon, and chemical additives; non-chlorine bleached
Capacity/Length of use: Up to eight hours, varies depending on flow
Leakage: None
Odor: None
Comfort: Can't feel it
Much like their Natracare counterparts, Seventh Generation tampons met all expectations for a proper regular-strength tampon: no leaks, no comfort issues, no product malfunctions. One reviewer pointed out that they even have elegant minimalist packaging: inside the 100 percent recycled-paper box, each tampon is individually shrink-wrapped in clear plastic, with just a simple stripe to indicate where to tear the wrapping. Curiously, the Natracare tampons have that same little stripe. Upon further investigation, it turns out both brands source their tampons from an organic sanitary-products manufacturer in Germany. The same organic tampon? Ich weiß nicht.
The bottom line: The menstrual cup is arguably the most eco-friendly of all the feminine-product options, and the Keeper seemed to be the favorite of the three tested for this column. For all you soon-to-be Keeper-converts wondering what you'll do with your leftover tampons, we recommend arts and crafts.
Ask Umbra on climate-skeptic teachers, low-flow toilets, and more
Tweet for the bees
Seventh Generation launches anti-toxics campaign with wee gimmick
Comments
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Maven Posted 12:03 am
18 Nov 2008
All that said, I've used the (unfortunately-named) Diva Cup for years and I love it, and I'm always evangelizing about it. Thanks for the reviews!
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Squawkfox Posted 2:40 am
18 Nov 2008
I wrote an article on my thoughts: 10 Reasons the Diva Cup Can Change Your Life.
The best product ever. :D
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kute Posted 3:56 am
18 Nov 2008
Being able to pop in my diva cup, and leave the house for the day with the kids knowing that unless I just happen to be a bit heavier then usual I do not need to worry until I get home makes my life easier!
The gals at Lunapads International
where I bought both of my cups are super helpful.
I'm also a long time reader of mothering magazine and right now they have a coupon code for mothering readers for 10% off orders 25 till the end of the year.
Here is the code:"mothering085"
I truly love my Diva Cup!!
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domicile Posted 5:41 am
18 Nov 2008
I got my Diva Cup at Lunapads and went for one of their kits as that way you get a discount on a few of their Pantyliners too.
Thanks for that "mothering085" coupon code! I may just stock up on a few more products.
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abigoogle Posted 4:10 pm
18 Nov 2008
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redambrosia99 Posted 1:52 am
19 Nov 2008
Sorry, couldn't help it... that was my first thought on seeing the keeper lol
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jishica Posted 2:57 am
19 Nov 2008
Also, to abigoogle, sorry to tell you this, but any time we take a pharmaceutical - even birth control - we pee out the part of it we don't use, it goes into the wastewater, and because pharma products are not regulated in the water quality standards (this will probably change) it gets discharged to rivers or the ocean. Scientists for years have observed feminized fish and frogs at these points of discharge, caused by this waste, as well as other problems from the other chemicals. Birth control pills result in concentrations of estrogen in the waste-stream.
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menchita Posted 5:01 am
19 Nov 2008
I do get a little more leakage with the Diva cup on my super heavy days.
I backpacked and camped a lot this summer, seemingly it always corresponded with my special monthly time. Especially on the backpacking trip I was so grateful for it. No waste and so easy. Just make sure to do your secret buisness near where you can discreetly wash your hands.
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mgiles Posted 3:44 pm
19 Nov 2008
Although no longer "surfing the crimson wave" myself, I have a 10-year-old who'll soon be paddling out there. The School Lecture on this topic admonished the girls to avoid any product that had "insert" in the directions--in part because of their smaller bodies; did any of the products reviewed address age/body size beyond "before- and after-childbirth"?
Has anyone out there had experience (direct or indirect) of first-timers using one of The Cups?
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steadierfooting Posted 2:26 am
20 Nov 2008
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/Cups.html ... or if you are a Livejournal user, consider joining this group:
http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/profile
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GreenTgirl Posted 6:12 am
20 Nov 2008
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Elisa Posted 11:36 pm
23 Nov 2008
for measurements and reviews. It's the same as the first link in the comment above, but easier to remember.
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Mailie Posted 11:33 am
24 Nov 2008
The Diva cup fits well with no leaks ( I only use the liners for catching the little bits after reinserting the cup)and I use the liners even on days I am not on my cycle for the everyday discharge. They are so comfortable I forget I am even wearing them! I no longer have allergy problems that were creating rashes and infections and it is great for the environment and saves a lot of money! I love Lunapads and will never switch to anything else!
Thanks Lunapads Team for EVERYTHING!!
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ChicEarthMuffin Posted 11:06 pm
24 Nov 2008
Some of us are built much smaller than others regardless of our age (I'm 31). The experience was so awful I'm afraid to try another brand. If there are any other ladies out there with the same problem, let me know if you've found a menstrual cup that works!
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greenma Posted 8:39 am
25 Nov 2008
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Bethann Posted 10:01 am
25 Nov 2008
Thanks, Grist, for having this discussion!!
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eileen23 Posted 12:01 pm
25 Nov 2008
To abigooogle and jishica (and everyone except mgiles who writes she's no longer 'riding the crimson wave'): although it is certainly true that many medications we take are present in our urine and also found in our water, the significant benefit from oral contraceptives and progesterone-based long acting contraceptives like the Mirena IUD and Implanon implants are that they result in lighter periods and -most importantly- fewer unintended pregnancies. I'm sure we all agree that doing this is in all of our best interests, for many reasons!
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dancingwolfgrrl Posted 3:57 am
26 Nov 2008
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blackcat8 Posted 10:47 am
26 Nov 2008
Speaking of which, I have advanced endometriosis--insertable menstrual control devices are linked to exacerbation of endometriosis (and I definitely have noticed when I've tried to use them that my cramps are much worse). They have been suspected of instigating the disease if used early on in adolescence, so I would suggest women who have or suspect they have endometriosis to minimize (or even abstain from) using cups and tampons, and that adolescents should hold off the first few years of puberty.
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waybyasti Posted 4:20 pm
26 Nov 2008
Instead softcup helps me, on a limited basis however
I have developed severe cramping from tampons the last 3 yrs. while Instead has no side effects...I have experienced leakage however, so will not wear it outside of the home front on anything other than my first or last days.
I have used the MoonCup, however didn't experience as 'clean' of a period as others seem to have had...leakage/rubbing/irritation - however, once again I did not have the doubling over kinda cramps as with tampons....and tampons were something I ALWAYS used, with a liner to assure me....I do NOT appreciate the change, LOL !
It would be really GREAT if there was a switch we could flip upon the age we no longer want the burden/experience of the 'cycle'....yeah yeah I know...dream on, LOL
Take care Sisters!
Cathie
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kromeheart Posted 5:55 am
03 Dec 2008
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juliaschopick Posted 2:16 pm
10 Dec 2008
It is wonderful that reusable menstrual cups have such devoted fans at Grist, and The Keeper, Inc. is proud to count Umbra among our satisfied Keeper users.
Recently, Keeper.com posted a Comparison Photo Page, which shows -- in pictures -- exactly how much trash is created by women who use disposable menstrual products.
I think it's fair to say that women who use disposables (such as tampons and pads) know that they are creating waste. But frankly, I don't think they know exactly HOW MUCH waste these disposables create over time.
Well, the answer -- as you can see from our Comparison Photo Page -- is A LOT of waste. As the photos show, if you use 18 tampons per menstrual period (a conservative -- even low -- estimate), in 10 years, you will have foisted 65 pounds of waste onto the environment. Multiply that by 4 (the average woman menstruates for 40 years!), and you've thrown away 260 pounds worth! (As our Comparison Photo Page shows, that's enough tampons to fill a DUMP TRUCK! And yes, we have a visual of that, too.)
So, even though organic cotton disposables are much better for women, as well as for the environment, than are their synthetic counterparts, no one can deny that waste is waste, and that it is far better to create less waste from the very beginning.
Julia Schopick
Marketing Director
The Keeper, Inc.
http://www.Keeper.com
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