Let's Talk: Periods

Considering half the worlds population suffers with periods during their lifetime, I don't actually feel like it is discussed that much. My housemate Hannah asked me the other day (while we were both suffering with the joys of PMS) why I didn't chat more about it on here, so here we are! So this is going to be the first in a little mini-series all about period stuff: from what I suffer with PMS wise and how I deal with it, to the options that are out there for when you are on your time of the month. 



In this post, we are going to have a chat about sanitary products. I know you are likely to have been using them since you were about 13, but there are more than you might think!

First up are the two I am sure we all know and love: Pads and tampons. 
When it comes to pads, they are probably my go to. Mainly because there's no risk of TSS (something we'll have a chat about in a sec). But even when it comes to pads, we have options! 

From light little panti liners to heavy duty night time pads (hi all my fellow heavy period gals), there are so many different ones for different flows. But, one thing I didn't know is that there are cotton pads. The lovely lot over at TOTM told me all about how quite often there can be some nasty chemicals in our pads. I don't know about you, but I don't like the sound of that... These chemicals can include chlorine, I think that should stay in the swimming pool... 
That's why TOTM have created a whole range of organic, cotton sanitary pads and tampons. 

Another benefit to this (we're about to get TMI, so heads up) is that it is breathable. Think about it, sticking plastic in and around that area surely isn't good for it. I mean haven't we always been told to wear cotton breathable pants since we started wearing 'big girl pants'? So why shouldn't our sanitary products be that way? Another benefit of this is that it is better for the environment (yay)! 

If you haven't heard (I am sure you have) there is a big issue with plastic at the moment, so TOTM are doing their part to ensure their products are as eco-friendly as possible. 

Then we come onto tampons, and the serious chat kicks in. Something we are often told but don't always listen to is: pick the right tampon for your flow. This is basically saying don't stick a super tampon in if you aren't heavy. It's not good for you. If in doubt go with a normal tampon and see how you get on. If you find you have to change it every hour, maybe try going the next level up. 

Another warning that comes with tampons is Toxic Shock Syndrome. Again, something we have all heard of but not many of us know that much about it. TOTM stick warnings on their tampons to warn you about TSS (something I feel needs to be done on ALL tampon boxes). If you want some more info about TSS, click here. If you're in doubt about any of the symptoms or just want to make sure you're clued up, you can find it all there. 
Like their pads, TOTM only uses organic cotton in their tampons! If you want to know the real story about tampons, head over the TOTM (click here) to learn what's really going into them.

And then we come to an option that seems to be increasing in popularity: the cup. This is basically a reusable plastic cup you stick up, like a tampon only higher up, and it collects the blood. It's completely reusable, and as a consequence, you spend less money each month and is better for the environment in the long run since you're not throwing away all those pads and tampons.  Better yet, unlike tampons, you can't get toxic shock from the cup, as it doesn't release harmful chemicals and it can stay in overnight! 

The lovely lot over at TOTM have given me a discount code so you can go try their cotton products yourself (they're a lot more comfortable...). Just put in JUSTEMS15 in at the check out to get 15% off. I don't get any money from you using it, I'm just very excited by this concept and wanted others to know about it too! It's live for a week, so go go go. If you're curious and want to know more about TOTM or any of their products, be sure to head over to their website.
A big thank you to Time of The Month for working with me on this post. This is not a paid collaboration but does include gifted products.