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Dealing with menstruation is something women have had to do since the beginning of time. In the twenty-first century, here in the United States, women and girls are familiar with disposable sanitary napkins or maxi-pads and tampons. In fact, 70% of American women use tampons.

There are several other options available and they are gradually gaining acceptance and growing in popularity. Some women are turning away from disposable feminine hygiene products because they want to reduce landfill waste. Others are simply looking for natural components that do not require chemical processing.

Before commercial sanitary napkins were convenient and affordable, many women fashioned pads out of various forms of cloth. These days women can choose to create their own reusable pads or purchase them. Two companies that market cloth pads are Party in my Pants and GladRags.

Another natural option that women have used during menstruation (as far back as 1550 BCE no less) is sea sponges. Apparently, women used them internally and externally. Sponges prepared for menstruation are available for purchase or natural sea sponges can easily be sized, shaped and cleaned at home. Currently, however, natural sponges are not supposed to be marketed for menstruation because of concerns about oceanic pollution.

Menstrual cups were patented in the United States in the 1937 and, according to an article in the NY Times, are beginning to grow in popularity.

There are reusable cups that the companies say can last as long as 10 years with proper care. These cups look like a funnel or a wine glass without the base. The stem part makes insertion, placement and removal easier. The stem also seems to help hold the cup in place.

The LadyCup is available in Europe and comes in various colors.

The Femmecup is available in the United Kingdom.

The Miacup is available in South Africa.

The Keeper Cup and Moon Cup are available in the United States. The Keeper is made from natural gum rubber while the Moon Cup is made from silicone.

There is a product available from Mooncup Ltd 2005 in the United Kingdom that is also called Mooncup. This company does not ship to the United States.

The DivaCup holds international ISO 13485:2003 manufacturing certification and meets market approval by Health Canada It is the only menstrual cup that can be sold in Canada.

Instead, Inc. markets the Softcup as a product at allows women to "live life during their periods in freedom instead of being restricted by strings and wings." The Softcup is designed to be used one time and then disposed of. It looks like a contraceptive diaphragm. The Softcup doesn't have a "stem" that extends down into the vagina like the reusable ones do. A benefit of that is that they can be used during intercourse.

One more product that is available for use is called the Unique Miniform. The Unique Miniform is "is worn lengthwise between the labia or buttocks, where the body naturally and comfortably holds it in place." The company offers a treated form which is designed to help deal with the itchiness and discomfort from hemorrhoids or minor vaginal infections.

Whatever women or girls choose to use, the main thing to remember is that your own comfort, both physical and mental, is paramount.

Learn more about this author, Piper Wilson.
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