Why wash instead of dispose of during menstruation?

Menstrual cycle management has undergone a necessary revolution. For decades, the industry has sold us the idea that menstrual blood is something that must "disappear" as quickly as possible into a waste bin. However, this single-use convenience comes with a hidden cost: an average woman will use between 12,000 and 17,000 disposable products throughout her life, amounting to tons of waste that will take 500 years to degrade.

But beyond the ecological impact, there is growing concern for health. What effects do bleaches and plastics have on our vaginal mucosa? Is it really hygienic to wash and reuse? In this comprehensive technical guide, we will analyze sustainable menstruation from a biological, chemical, and clinical hygiene perspective, so you can transition to a zero-waste cycle with complete dermatological safety.

The Vaginal Ecosystem and Material Impact

To understand why switching to washable products is a health decision, we must analyze the physiology of the intimate area. The vagina is not an inert surface; it is a dynamic ecosystem regulated by the vaginal microbiota, composed mainly of Lactobacillus.

1. pH and Mucosal Permeability

The vaginal mucosa is one of the most absorbent and permeable areas of the human body. Unlike the skin on the rest of the body, it lacks a thick stratum corneum, which makes it extremely susceptible to chemical absorption. Conventional disposable products often contain dioxins (byproducts of chlorine bleaching) and synthetic fragrances that can act as endocrine disruptors or alter the physiological pH (which should be maintained between 3.8 and 4.5).

2. The "Greenhouse Effect" and the Microbiota

Disposable pads contain up to 90% plastic (polyethylene and polypropylene). This material is non-breathable, creating mechanical occlusion. This lack of ventilation raises local temperature and humidity, altering the balance of the microbiome and promoting the proliferation of pathogens such as Candida albicans or anaerobic bacteria. By using cloth pads or menstrual underwear made of organic cotton, we allow for breathability, maintaining the thermal homeostasis of the vulva.

Key Differentiations: Conventional Disposables vs. Reusable Alternatives

It is vital to understand what we are putting in contact with our bodies:

The Spectrum of Freedom: High-Tech Reusable Alternatives

Once we understand the biology of our mucosa, the question is inevitable: what will we use to manage our bleeding? The sustainable menstruation industry has evolved from simple pieces of fabric to medical engineering devices. These are the 5 most effective options for sustainable menstruation that respects your microbiota:

1. The Menstrual Cup

Considered the gold standard of modern hygiene. Unlike tampons, which absorb by capillarity (taking with them protective cervical mucus and drying out the walls), the cup simply collects. It is made of medical-grade silicone, an inert and hypoallergenic material that does not interfere with vaginal pH or shed fibers. Its durability of up to 10 years makes it the most economical and ecological option on the market.

2. Cloth Pads

They are the technical evolution of our grandmothers' old cloths. Current versions from Alma Eko combine layers of certified organic cotton (in contact with the skin) with an internal sheet of breathable PUL. This technology allows water vapor to escape while retaining liquid, eliminating the "greenhouse effect" of plastics and preventing fungal proliferation.

3. Menstrual Underwear

This is possibly the most comfortable option. It is technical lingerie that integrates absorbent and antibacterial fabric layers into its gusset. They are ideal as a sole method on days of moderate flow or as a safety "backup" alongside the menstrual cup. Their biological advantage is that they do not exert any mechanical pressure on the pelvic floor or the internal mucosa.

4. Sea Sponges

Sea sponges are natural, biodegradable organisms inserted into the vaginal canal similarly to a tampon. They are extremely soft and adapt to each woman's anatomy. However, from a clinical point of view, they require extreme hygiene and frequent replacement (every 4-6 months) due to their porous nature, which can accumulate biological residues if not disinfected with acidic solutions such as apple cider vinegar.

5. Free Bleeding

More than a product, it's a technique. It involves learning to listen to the contraction signals of the uterus and cervix to go to the bathroom and release the flow, just as we do with urine. It requires pelvic floor training and a high degree of body awareness. It is the absolute zero-waste option, although many women prefer to combine it with menstrual underwear as a protective measure during the learning process.

In-Depth Analysis of Causes: Why the change is urgent?

Health Factors: Sensitivity and Dermatitis

Many women suffer from recurrent irritations that they mistake for infections, when in reality it is contact dermatitis caused by the plastics in pads. Mechanical friction and chemical adhesive fixatives erode the lipid barrier of the vulva.

Environmental Factors: The Hidden Plastic

A single disposable pad is equivalent to 4 plastic bags. The cumulative impact on oceans and landfills is incalculable. The transition to sustainable menstruation is not a fad; it is an urgent environmental mitigation measure.

Complications and Myths: Debunking the Fear of Reusables

Myth 1: "Washing pads is unhygienic"

Clinical Reality: Menstrual blood is not "dirt"; it is endometrial tissue and biological fluids. After proper washing with appropriate soaps at controlled temperatures, the fibers are free of pathogens. Disinfection is absolute if drying protocols are followed.

Myth 2: "Reusable products smell bad"

Reality: The strong odor associated with menstruation is the result of the chemical reaction of blood with the perfumes and plastics of conventional disposables. In cotton or medical-grade silicone products, the odor is neutral.

Myth 3: "The menstrual cup causes Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)"

Reality: TSS is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. While tampons absorb all flow and dry out the mucosa (creating micro-lesions), the cup only collects it. By following emptying guidelines (maximum 12h) and sterilization, the risk is statistically insignificant.

Clinical Care Strategy: Washing and Maintenance Protocol

To ensure the durability and hygiene of your sustainable menstruation products, follow these technical steps:

1. Washing Biochemistry: Cold water

Blood contains hemoglobin, a protein that coagulates and permanently adheres to tissues if exposed to extreme heat. Therefore, the first rinse should always be with cold water until it runs clear.

2. Detergent Choice

Avoid commercial fabric softeners and bleaches, as they waterproof fibers and leave chemical residues that will irritate your mucosa. Use natural solid soaps or ecological laundry detergents.

3. Drying and Storage

Humidity is the enemy. Make sure cloth pads and menstrual underwear are dried in the sun (which acts as a natural disinfectant thanks to UV rays) or in a very well-ventilated place. Never store them damp in plastic bags, as this would promote fungal growth.

About Alma Eko

 

At Alma Eko, we understand that intimate health requires honesty and pure materials. Our line of sustainable menstruation products is selected based on criteria of maximum breathability and zero waste, eliminating toxins from your monthly cycle.

FAQs Section: Complex Questions Answered

1. Can I use cloth products if I have a very heavy flow?

Absolutely. Current cloth pads feature an internal layer of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) that is waterproof but allows air to pass through. There are "Night" or "Super" options that have a higher absorption capacity than chemical disposables.

2. How do I wash my menstrual underwear if I'm away from home?

If you cannot wash it immediately, fold it over itself and store it in a waterproof cloth bag (wet bag). When you get home, soak it in cold water. The blood will not spoil by waiting a few hours if it is in a cool environment.

3. Are sea sponges safe to use?

Sea sponges are a 100% natural and biodegradable option. However, being a porous product of biological origin, they require strict hygiene. They should be washed with water and a little baking soda or apple cider vinegar to balance the pH before reinserting them.

4. How often should I sterilize my menstrual cup?

You should do it once a month, at the beginning or end of your cycle, by boiling it in water for 3-5 minutes. During bleeding days, simply wash it with potable water and a neutral intimate hygiene soap.

5. Do washable products really save money?

Although the initial investment is higher, the lifespan of a menstrual cup is up to 10 years and that of cloth pads is about 3-5 years. This represents savings of hundreds of euros compared to the monthly purchase of disposables.

6. How do I know when it's time to retire my cloth product? The average lifespan is 3 to 5 years (about 60-100 washes). You will know that its biological cycle has ended when:

• The absorption capacity drastically decreases (fibers become saturated with detergent residue or limescale).

• The internal PUL layer starts to crack or you notice leaks that didn't happen before.

• The seams weaken. At that point, since they are mostly cotton, you can compost the natural parts (removing clips or PUL) or take them to a textile recycling point.

7. My pad smells bad after washing, what am I doing wrong? If after a wash cycle you detect a sour or metallic smell, it is usually due to a "sequestration" of bacteria or detergent residue in the inner layers (buildup). This occurs from using too much soap or fabric softener. Technical solution: Perform a "deep wash" or stripping. Soak the pads in warm water with a cup of white vinegar for two hours, then wash them in the washing machine at 60°C without soap. This will eliminate any accumulated residue and reset the fabric's absorbency.