Frequently asked questions

On average, a menstruating person throws away 115 – 135kg of pads, tampons and applicators away in their lifetime. Menstrual products that are properly disposed of (put in the bin and not flushed!) create 200,000 tonnes of landfilled waste every year in the UK. The break-down of these products in landfill contributes to the production of greenhouse gases, just like other bio-waste. 

The benefits are not just environmental, by switching to reusable products we can save up to 94% of what we would have spent on disposable tampons and pads over our lifetime!

We are very aware that there are certain circumstances and occasions where people may need to use throwaway products and we totally recognise and support this. On those occasions, opt for organic products instead of those that contain plastic, bleach and other undivulged chemicals. And remember to never flush anything other than pee, paper and poo!

Of course! Just as some people use a combination of disposable pads and tampons and use different products as their flow changes, some people use a combination of disposable / reusable products in the same way. Many people use multiple products during heavy flow, or switch to disposable organic products when they’re at festivals,  caught short, etc.

NB: it won’t work using a pad on top of period pants. Reusable pads are lined with a leakproof material which will make the additional of absorbency of the pants ineffectual.

Reusables can actually be more practical when you’re living outdoors because you don’t have to worry about finding a bin for your disposable tampons and pads. However, they can pose new challenges depending on the type of washing facilities that are available!

If you’re using a cup make sure your hands are clean and bring a reusable water bottle into the toilet (or bush!) with you so you can rinse your cup off even if there’s no sink. You can also buy cup wipes or use a sterilising tablet (like what you’d use for a baby bottle) in a foldable cup.

Reusable pads and period pants can be folded and stored in a wet bag until you get back to a washing machine, or you can wash them by hand!

We do acknowledge that there are certain times and occasions where people may need to use throwaway products and we totally recognise and support this. On those occasions, opt for organic products instead of those that contain plastic, bleach and other undivulged chemicals.

Everyone’s period is different but for many people – yes!

Reusable pads and period pads are often preferred over disposable pads by people with painful periods because of the high level of comfort in their materials, and lack of chemical fragrances that can cause irritation.

Period pants and reusable pads come with differing levels of absorbency, so you can find something appropriate if you have very heavy periods.

Harriet on switching to Cheeky Wipes pads:

“I just love these towels. They are so comfy. I have endometriosis so need to wear them every day. Disposable towels were literally making me miserable, so uncomfortable and itchy. But these are a game-changer. Also, I have fibromyalgia and am very sensitive to things on my body. So I can’t thank you enough. I have various sizes. I hand wash them in cold water and they come up like new.”

Period pants are potentially the least messy option because they stay in place and no fiddling around is required. However, although the menstrual cup can be messy when you start learning to use it, once you’ve mastered the technique you can avoid any leaks or spills.

By changing a reusable pad at the appropriate time you can avoid leaks.

Some people use the menstrual cup in combination with period pants or reusable pads, for extra security and peace of mind on heavy days.

How you manage your flow is your choice! Let your partner/ friends/ family know that this is your body and your decision. No one should make you feel ashamed for choosing any menstrual product.

The more we talk about periods and period products the more ‘normal’ and accepted the subject will become.

Over your lifetime you can expect to save up to 94% of what you would have spent on disposables, by switching to reusables! Don’t let the initial financial investment put you off –  it more than makes up for itself over time.

Period equality charity Bloody Good Period estimates that the average lifetime cost of having a period is £4,800.

Menstrual cups cost £9 – £24.90 and will last you up to 10 years.
A set of reusable pads will cost you about £10 – £35 and some can last up to 10 years.
A pair of period pants will cost you between £10 – £31 and each pair will last you at least 2 years.

These timelines are all dependent on you properly looking after your products so be sure to read the washing/ maintenance instructions that come with whatever product you opt for!

The exact amount of money you save will depend on what and how many products you decide to use, and what single-use products you move away from.

This is very much a personal preference. Many people find reusables more comfortable than disposable products – no squeaky, expanded pads or tampons that dry you out.

Some people say that they can forget all about their period when they’re using a menstrual cup because they can’t feel a thing. Reusable pads can be made of super soft cotton and bamboo which feels like a luxurious rug in your pants! Period pants don’t move or shift in your underwear and sit comfortably without requiring you to fiddle around or insert anything internally.

Absolutely! Reusable products can be even more hygienic than disposables because you’re able to wash them yourself and ensure that they’re clean. Just as when you purchase underwear at the store you should always wash your reusable product before you use it simply because most factories are dusty, etc.

Disposable tampons, pad and liners with layers and layers of packaging aren’t treated as medical products here in the UK so they’re not required to be kept sterile. They’re made in factories and are not required to follow any food-grade factory standards, including divulging information about what exactly is in their products.

Natracare – for disposable, organic period products

Mooncup – menstrual cups

Cheeky Wipes – For period pants and reusable pads

DAME – Plastic-free tampon applicators

As you will know – some period care options can be a bit fiddly and require some level of mobility and dexterity.

Menstrual cups are not the obvious choice for low dexterity, but ‘The Crippled Scholar’ talks about their success using a cup here, and you can check out our blog from Katie who has muscular dystrophy and trials a menstrual cup. The cup takes practice for everyone, but knowing your body and/ or how comfortable you are with a PA/ carer will help you decide whether it’s worth persevering. There are some brands with ring grips that make them easier to remove.

Reusable pads often use poppers to secure them around your underwear but you can find brands that use Velcro instead.

Period pants might be your best choice if looking to try out reusables – these are worn just like traditional underwear but need to be changed more frequently.

If you’re used to using tampons, pads or liners, you can also find plastic-free, organic versions of these products (e.g. Natracare), which are used in exactly the same way.

This question depends on what type of preparation and maintenance you are most comfortable with.

Tampons, pads and liners (organic or not) require repeat purchases on a monthly basis, making it easier to get caught short. However, they can be bought online and many brands offer repeat subscription services and deliver these directly to your home. If you remember to buy and pack them then the only ‘equipment’ you need for changing them is a bin for disposal!

Reusable products are bought once and then should last for between 3-10 years, meaning you don’t have to nip to the shops every month!

Reusable pads and period pants need to be rinsed and washed between uses and then hung dry, so you need access to hand-washing facilities or a washing machine and washing line. You may also want to carry a dry-bag in case you need to change your product whilst out and about.

Menstrual cups need to be rinsed and wiped between uses and then sterilised at the end of each period. You can sterilize a cup in a pot of boiling water or use sterilizing fluid. Most cups come with a small cloth bag to store the cup in.

Reusable pads and period pants may work best for you! They both have no packaging or fragrance, can be found in natural materials which help prevent irritation, and most are available in a dark colour, so the blood isn’t noticeable when it’s time to rinse and wash them.

If you prefer to wear internal period care, you might find that applicator tampons are a better fit than non-applicator options, as there’s less direct contact with blood and/or the vulva. Reusable tampon applicators can be paired with ‘naked’ tampons if you want to reduce your plastic footprint.

Menstrual cups require you to be comfortable having direct contact with menstrual blood and the vulva, but many find them extremely comfortable and enjoy that they can be left in for 8-12 hours. If you want to give it a go, try a cup that advertises itself as using extra soft and flexible materials, and consider trimming the stem so that it doesn’t rub against the labia. When inserting and removing the cup, think of something that helps you relax, or try using lube for a smoother insertion.

Definitely avoid pads made from synthetic materials with chemical fragrances as these often irritate the skin, smell strongly and come with lots of noisy packaging.

Period pants might be a great option for managing your period if you have additional needs. They can hold 2-10 tampons worth depending on the style, so can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, making them super convenient. They come in a wide variety of styles so you can find ones that are the most comfortable for you, and the soft materials they are lined with reduces irritation and makes them more breathable than plastic disposable pads.

If you don’t like the look of blood period pants can be bought in a dark colour which makes it far less noticeable – and most brands can be put straight in the wash with other clothes without rinsing first.

However, be aware of thick seams if sitting or static for long periods of time as this can cause discomfort. If you have a heavy flow you might want to carry spares with you and a wet bag for storage when out and about.

Most pants cost between £10 – £30 per pair, but this works out to less than 40p per use over the product lifetime – normally 3-5 years.

Most menstrual cups are made from medical grade silicone, latex or TPE. Official advice is to opt for a silicone cup. Silicone is better than rubber because its smooth surface which doesn’t allow Staph bacteria to build up.

Most cups come in 2 sizes: a smaller one suitable for those aged under 30 who have never given vaginal birth, or a larger one suitable for those over 30, or those who have given vaginal birth. Some brands also have various sizes that suit differences in pelvic floor strength, cervix height and menstrual flow.

Some brands have a ‘stem’ which can be trimmed so that it sits comfortably between your labia.

Be sure to check individual brands for guidance on what size to choose!

You may not be able to get the menstrual cup to fit right the first time, but with a bit of practice you will be able to insert the cup like an expert. Make sure you read the instructions and try to relax as much as possible

There are various ways to insert a cup – Mooncup detail 5 different folding styles here, and explain ‘How to Use a Menstrual Cup’ in this video. After insertion, spinning the cup may help to make sure that the seal is good.

You may find it easier to put your legs wide apart whilst sitting on the loo (if you’re wearing tights or trousers, pull them right down to your ankles!)

This is totally dependent on the individual and whether you have secondary dysmenorrhea or any other disability, impairment or disease that affects your cervix and/or vagina. If you’re comfortable using a tampon, it’s likely that a cup will work for you.

For many people, menstrual cups have to be changed much less regularly than tampons, so there is less faffing around in your sensitive area.

Some people take a few cycles to get used to the menstrual cup and work out how it works best for them. When a cup is property inserted (and the stem is appropriately trimmed!) you shouldn’t feel the cup inside you at all.

Sometimes the cup doesn’t unfold which might feel uncomfortable – rotating it a couple of times inside you should open it up.

If you have a low cervix or a cervix that moves particularly low during menstruation, the cup may exert pressure on the cervix and cause discomfort and even pain. Check out this article for more information on your cervix and menstrual cups.

You don’t need to wait for your period to start before you can try out your menstrual cup – it’s perfectly OK to do a “dry-run” since menstrual cups wont dry you out in the same way that tampons do.

Don’t worry! You’re not getting anything stuck in there. The cup sits inside the vagina and can’t pass through the cervix.

Removing your menstrual cup can be tricky at first, but it will come naturally after a few tries.

Relax. Use your pelvic floor muscles to push down until you can get a firm grip on the stem of the cup.

Break the seal by pinching the bottom part of the cup until you feel or hear the edges of the cup release. Then, gently rock the cup from side to side while pulling down. Make sure that you do not pull the cup out by the tab alone – you need a firm grip to avoid spillages!

You can also try sliding your finger up the side of the cup (your finger between the cup and vaginal wall) and bend your finger when you reach the rim.

When you first start using the cup empty it every few hours and you’ll soon get an idea of how heavy your flow is and how often you’ll need to empty it. If your flow is very heavy you may need to empty it every couple of hours. If your flow is lighter, you may find you can go as long as 6-8 hours.

The capacity of a menstrual cup is usually 25 ml or 30 ml whereas the absorbing capacity of a tampon is 6-18 g.

Menstrual cups should be cleaned before and after your bleed as well as rinsed after emptying during your bleed.

Read the instructions that come with your cup – some will suggest boiling in a saucepan at the start and end of your cycle for between 5-10 minutes whereas others advise using sterilising tablets or cup cleanser.

Using normal soap is not advised because of the pH, the oils and the lack of a thorough clean in the nooks and crannies of the cup.

Make sure your hands are clean and bring a reusable water bottle into the toilet with you so you can rinse your cup off if there’s no sink. It’s not needed or advised to use normal soap because of the pH, the oils and the lack of a thorough clean in the nooks and crannies of the cup.

If you’re out for a shorter period of time or don’t have access to a tap/ water bottle, you can wipe your cup clean with toilet paper or use a special disinfectant wipe like these. Make sure you put the wipe in the bin and not down the toilet! Wipes contain a lot of plastic and can cause blockages and flooding in our sewers.

Properly disinfect your cup before and after your period, by putting in boiling water or using sterilising tablets – refer to the brand guidelines.

Cups can be messy when you start learning to use them, but once you’ve mastered the technique and worked out what’s best for you you can avoid any leaks or spills.

If your flow is heavy, you may find that blood pools in the bottom of the loo when you empty your cup, even after you’ve flushed. Use a toilet brush and flush again, and the red water should go!

If your flow is very heavy or your cervix hangs very low when you’re menstruating you may find that the cup leaks a little. Leaks are more frequent for people whose cervix’ move lower during menstruation or if the cup has been inserted too high in the vagina, next to the cervix, or above it.

Remember to make sure the suction air holes are clear before reinserting your cup each time. Rotating the cup a couple of times will make sure that the cup has unfolded inside you.

To catch any small leaks you might want to wear a reusable pad or period pants in conjunction with the cup, especially when you’re trying it for the first few months and you’re still learning about your flow.

No! The only cup that you can wear whilst having sex is the Nixit cup which has been designed especially.

Yes absolutely!

A menstrual cup is worn internally (and you don’t have that rogue tampon string to worry about!) and holds more volume than tampon.

Period blood is not smelly – it’s only when the blood oxidises and comes into contact with perfumed pads that it starts smelling strange.

A slightly metallic smell is totally normal, but if your period blood smells fishy or rotten then head to the GP.

If you’re worried about body odor, empty your cup more often. If you’re worried about cup odor wash the cup regularly.

The cervix is usually high in the vagina and the menstrual cup is placed low so the cervix remains above the cup. For many people, the cervix descends after giving birth. The height of the cervix may also change slightly throughout the menstrual cycle and may move during sex.

For some people, the cervix is always situated low in the vagina. If you have a low cervix it may enter the interior of the cup which makes it more prone to leak. In some users, the cervix fits best inside the menstrual cup but for others the cup may exert pressure on the cervix that can cause discomfort and even pain. The Hello Cup do a menstrual cup specifically for people with a low cervix.

The best way to evaluate the position of your cervix is by observing leakage — if you have experienced leakage even when the cup is fully open in the vagina, make sure that the cup is significantly lower than the cervix.

If you haven’t experienced leakage and you have not located the cervix, there’s no need to hunt for it! You’re a woman whose cervix is so deep in the vagina that it doesn’t affect the use of the menstrual cup in any way.

If you have a titled uterus the cup may also be tilted, causing it to leak a little. Here is a video from Lunette about how to make sure your cup is its place!

Yes, you can. If you do use an IUD, consult with your doctor about cutting the strings as short as possible and monitor their length regularly during periods. If the strings seem longer than normal, it might be a sign that your IUD has moved and you should be cautious about using a cup.

Silicon is fairly inert and not associated with hormone disruption, unlike the additives in plastic and other chemicals and residues found in mainstream pads and tampons.

Official advice is to opt for a silicone cup. Silicone is better than rubber because of its smooth surface which doesn’t allow Staph bacteria to build up. It’s very important that the cup is washed thoroughly between periods using mechanical action to remove any biofilm from the surface.

Yes you should properly disinfect your cup before and after your period starts.

If you’re unable to boil your cup (some brands don’t recommend boiling anyway) then a sterilising tablet in a foldable cup (or any other cup/bowl) will do the job just as well.

This will vary from brand to brand and depends on how well you take care of the cup. Some people will use their cup for up to 10 years and others prefer to change it yearly. Some discolouration is normal because blood is quite strong, but with good cleaning you can minimize this.

Everyone develops at different rates, and Mooncup would recommend only trying an internal product (tampons or menstrual cup) if you/the teenager already feels comfortable with your/their period. 

Because menstrual cups don’t dry you out like tampons you can even do a ‘dry-run’ before your period starts if you like!

Here’s some tips from Mooncup about first time use.

Yes, if you are a virgin, you can use a menstrual cup. By medical standards, virginity is not defined by the state of the hymen; you remain a virgin until you participate in sexual intercourse. Inserting the cup may rupture the hymen but so can riding a horse, doing sports or visiting the gynaecologist! Read more about virginity, the hymen and using a menstrual cup here.

Like with any internal period product, there is a risk of TSS. But a clean, properly used menstrual cup means the chances are very small. Take good care of personal hygiene and always choose a trusted brand.

TSS is an infection caused by bacteria entering through wounds or mucous membrane. It is an extremely rare, potentially fatal disease occurring in those with or without a uterus, and children. TSS is usually connected with absorbent tampons.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

• sudden high fever
• sore throat
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• a rash resembling sunburn
• muscle aches
• fainting or blackouts

Early recognition and cure is vital, so if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, remove the menstrual cup immediately, contact your doctor and express your concerns about the possibility of TSS.

For urgent queries Mooncup have an advice line run by qualified medical health professionals – they’re happy to answer any questions/ work through problems with usage: [email protected] or +44(0) 1273 673 845

There are also loads of blogs, Youtube videos and forums on this topic so google your question!

This will depend on how heavy your flow is, how often you want to wash them and whether you wear them in conjunction with another product. There is no set amount for the number of pads you need but we would recommend starting with around 5 if this is your primary period care. You can also wash your pads part way through your cycle, which will cut down on the number of pads you’ll need to get through a period.

Some pads come with inserts that you can swap rather than changing the whole pad. In this case you’ll need 1 pad per day, and about as many inserts to match the number of times you would normally change your disposable pad each day.

 You can buy different sizes and absorbencies and some will come in their own washbag. To find out which size of pad you need, measure what you’re using now and choose a comparable size.

Reusable pads have poppers on the wings which connect around your underwear to hold them in place. As long as your underwear is also snug fitting you shouldn’t have any issues.

Just like disposable pads, if your periods are really heavy, or you leave the pad on for too long then it’s possible you may leak a little. However cloth pads come in a range of sizes and absorbencies so you can choose a design to suit your body’s needs.
Most reusable pads come with a leakproof lining.

Make sure you read the washing instructions on whatever pads you choose. General guidance is to rinse them / soak them in cold water before popping them in the washing machine on a long cycle (30º or less). They can be washed in the same wash as the rest of your laundry – don’t worry, they won’t turn everything red! You can also hand-wash them.

If you’re out and about and won’t have access to washing facilities for a while, most brands recommend that pads are rinsed in cold water and then stored in a wetbag until you’re ready to wash them.

Fabric softeners and tumble drying are not advised as they may decrease the performance and absorbency of the pads.

Many pads come in dark and patterned colours so even if light staining occurs you won’t really notice it.

Once you’ve used a pad, you can fold it and clip it together, before popping it into a wash bag. You can rinse it in cold water to reduce the risk of staining (but it’s not totally necessary) and then wash your pads in the washing machine when home or hand-wash them.

No. In fact, because they are made with breathable fabrics, they are less sweaty and smelly than a disposable pad. 

If taken care of properly, a reusable pad will last between 3-10 years. 

Period blood is not smelly – it’s only when the blood oxidises and comes into contact with perfumed pads that it starts smelling strange.

A slightly metallic smell is totally normal, but if your period blood smells fishy or rotten then head to the GP.

If you’re worried about body odor change your reusable pad more often. If you’re worried about pad odor wash them more regularly and make sure that they’re not stored in an airtight container.

Throughout pregnancy you may experience an increased amount of discharge and during postpartum bleeding you may have a tender perineum. Reusable pads are recommended for pregnant women and also for postpartum bleeding.

No, TSS only occurs with internal products.

This depends on how heavy your flow is, whether you use them in conjunction with another product and how often you want to do laundry!

4-5 pairs are recommended for a cycle of 4-5 days. Of course, if you wash them more regularly you can buy less and rotate them quickly!

Some pants are compatible with removable absorbent inserts that you can replace like you would a pad, which means you have to change pants less often (e.g. Luna Undies).

Some period pants can absorb up to 8 tampons worth of blood, whilst others may absorb between 2-6 tampons worth.

For the less absorbent pants, if you’re on a heavy day you will probably want to use a menstrual cup or organic tampon as well as your period pants.

However, everybody’s flow is different! The best way to find out is to test the pants and have some spare products in your bag for emergencies.

Cheeky Wipes have a 45 day trial policy, so if you really don’t get on with them you can return them and get your money back.

One pair of period pants will cost you between £10 – £35 and each pair should last you at least 2 years. Don’t forget to check postage rates too as lots of period pants companies are located abroad!

Cheeky Wipes are based here in the UK and have one of the most affordable ranges on the market.

Make sure you check the washing instructions on your product as each brand is different.

Most brands recommend that you rinse the pants with cold water and then throw them in a cold black wash (at 30 degrees or lower), preferably in a laundry bag (as is recommended with any high-quality underwear). You can put them in the machine with the rest of your laundry and use your usual stain remover and washing powder.

If the pants are heavily saturated, consider soaking them for an hour before you wash them. You can then hang-dry the undies inside out, bearing in mind that they will take longer to dry than your normal pants because of the absorbent layers.

Fabric softeners and tumble drying are not advised as they may decrease the performance and absorbency of the pants. Never use bleach!

Period pants can be folded and stored in a wet bag until you get home/ to a washing machine. You can always rinse them with cold water whilst you’re away if you won’t be able to put them in a washing machine for a few days.

Some period pants are not treated with stain-resistant chemicals because they can be damaging for marine life when the pants are washed.

Most period pants are black so even if they are slightly stained it won’t be visible. That being said, some people prefer light-coloured products because it can be easier to tell when the pants need to be changed.

If you rinse your pants with cold water as soon as possible after use you can reduce the chances of staining.

 If staining does occur you can spot-treat them using a natural product.

Cheeky Wipes pants have a 2-3 years life expectancy.

Of course, these all depend on how often you wear them, how well you take care of them and making sure you read the instructions!

Period blood shouldn’t have a strong odour. With disposable products, the plastic and perfumes create an anaerobic (no air) environment, which can often lead to an increase in bacteria and an unpleasant odour. Many period pants are cotton or bamboo, and so they’re very breathable!

To keep your pants smelling great for years and years, it’s important to make sure to wash and care for them properly. If the pants are heavily saturated, consider soaking them for an hour or quickly rinsing them out before washing properly.

To ‘strip’ the pants as you would with diapers you can wash them over and over again in fresh batches of cold water until the water runs clear and there’s no suds or residue coming out in the rinse water. This means you’ve removed all build-up of old detergent/soap residue (which will catch and hold onto odours). Then, hang to dry in direct sunlight.

A slightly metallic smell is totally normal, but if your period blood smells fishy or rotten then head to the GP.

Yes, absolutely! Period pants are one of the most comfortable period products on the market and their shape makes them secure from leaks.

Hazar on using Cheeky Wipes pants

“I struggle with moderate/heavy incontinence, and these pants are fantastic. Unlike others I have tried, you truly remain dry in these. My confidence is back; I’m not worried about smelling like pee or leaking and chafing my legs. As soon as we have more money, I’m ordering more!”

Throughout pregnancy you may experience an increased amount of discharge and during postpartum bleeding you may have a tender perineum. Period pants are recommended for pregnant women and also for postpartum bleeding.

No, TSS only occurs with internal products.

Swimming during your period can be tricky. Period pants aren’t ideal for swimming because they will absorb any water they come into contact with – leaving limited room to absorb your period. Plus, any menstrual flow already in your undies could seep out into the pool when you get in.

We recommend WUKA’s period bikini bottoms OR a menstrual cup for swimming!

The difference is in the materials they are made from. Organic means the materials have been produced without chemicals and pesticides. This is safer for both our planet and the people who harvest the materials and make the products.

Organic products are also unbleached and there are no synthetic, fossil-fuel-based materials in the tampons or pads, although the packaging may have.

Organic pads do not contain chemical fragrances either.

Read our blog to find out more about what ‘organic’ means.

People choose to use organic menstrual products because they don’t want chemicals and plastic close to their skin, in an absorbent area of their body.

Many people report problems from using non-organic menstrual products, such as itchiness or thrush. This is believed to be caused by the synthetic materials and the chemicals upsetting the pH balance of the vagina.

Organic products generally use less water and avoid chemicals and pesticides, so they are much safer for our planet and people making the products too.

Read our blog to find out more about organic period products.

Head over to our Bioplastics page to unpick this tricky topic!

Never! While they are made from natural materials, they still don’t break down like toilet paper and could cause blockages that may lead to ocean pollution. Be sure to have a bin in your bathroom and only ever flush pee, toilet paper and poo!

Yes, if you are a virgin, you can use a tampon. By medical standards, virginity is not defined by the state of the hymen; you remain a virgin until you participate in sexual intercourse. Inserting a tampon may rupture the hymen but so can riding a horse, doing sports or visiting the gynaecologist! Read more about virginity, the hymen and using a menstrual cup here.

It can take a bit of getting used to, but once inserted correctly (high-enough up in the vagina) then there should be no discomfort and you should not feel the tampon. Some people experience vaginal dryness from using tampons as they absorb natural lubrication.

Depending on flow, a tampon should be changed every 4–8 hours. Tampons must not be left in any longer than eight hours as there is a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (as with any internal product).

According to NHS UK, ‘Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body through wounds or mucous membrane and releasing harmful toxins.’

 It is an extremely rare, potentially fatal disease occurring in those with or without a uterus, and children. TSS is usually connected with absorbent tampons.

TSS gets worse very quickly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. But if it’s diagnosed and treated early on, most people make a full recovery.

 SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

• sudden high fever
• sore throat
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• a rash resembling sunburn
• muscle aches
• fainting or blackouts

Early recognition and cure is vital, so if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, remove the menstrual cup immediately, contact your doctor and express your concerns about the possibility of TSS.

Take good care of personal hygiene, never leave an internal product inside the body for longer than recommended, and always choose a trusted brand.

Different sizes absorb different flows. If a tampon becomes saturated within an hour or two, look to use a higher absorbency tampon. On the other hand, if you remove the tampon and it feels stuck or dry, try a lighter absorbency. 

It is perfectly normal to leak during a period and there is no need to feel ashamed. It generally means you need a higher absorbency tampon, or you could wear a panty liner, pad or period pants as back up protection. The best way to get blood out of underwear is to rinse or soak in cold water. 

Applicators are plastic or cardboard tubes used to help push the tampon inside the vagina. They must be disposed of in the bin after use. Non-applicator tampons are called ‘digital’ or ‘naked’ tampons and they have a fine coat of polyester (plastic) which helps insertion, using a finger.

All tampons must be disposed of in the bin, and never flushed down the loo!

Yes, tampons can be worn for up to 8 hours during the night, although if it is a heavy day, it may be worth using a panty liner, pad or period pants. If you sleep for longer than eight hours, a pad is recommended instead to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Yes. 

All components – wrappers, applicators and used tampons – must be placed in a bin unless they specify that they can go into your home-composter or recycling (cardboard boxes and paper wrappers).

 Tampons must not be flushed as they can cause sewer blockages that pollute our rivers, beaches and ocean.

DAME is a consumer goods company that believes in less consumption. This is why their reusable applicator is built for the long run. If treated well, it should last for up to 10 years. DAME will replace any part for free should it become worn or damaged.

DAME’s reusable applicator meets the highest levels of safety and hygiene. It is made from medical grade Mediprene with inbuilt antimicrobial properties to keep it actively clean. This means caring for your applicator is easy. After each use, simply rinse under the cold tap and wipe with a tissue or a towel, ensuring it’s completely dry. In between uses, keep the lid on and store a DAME cotton zip wallet or bathroom storage tin.

The antimicrobial elements in the applicator are called Sanipolymers. The Sanipolymers leverage the trace element zinc which naturally staves off bacteria, germs and microbes by at least 99.9%. So without you doing anything at all, the Sanipoymers are continuously working to keep the applicator clean. It’s been run through rigorous, independent scientific tests to prove its effectiveness (ISO 22196 and KIS Z2801)

The Sanipolymers are inbuilt throughout the whole applicator not just on its surface. So there’s no need to worry about them rubbing off but please remember that antimicrobial Mediprene wasn’t made for dishwashers, boiling water or harsh chemical treatment. These will shorten the lifespan of the tampon applicator and compromise its antimicrobial properties.

The DAME reusable applicator is designed to be easy and intuitive. Like all new things, it might take a few goes to find what works best for you, but you’ll soon find your flow.

First of all, we recommend getting to know your applicator. It’s made up of three parts: The Lid + The Applicator + The Plunger.

When you’re ready to insert your tampon, wash your hands, remove the applicator lid, unwrap your tampon and unravel the string.

The applicator works with any standard tampon and there are three different ways of inserting your tampon into the applicator – depending on the size of your tampons, you might want to try a few different ways.

• The String Lock – Load the tampon from the back, threading the tampon string through the small side hole. Make sure the knot on the tampon is pulled tight first.
• The Top Loader – Peel back the applicator petal with your index finger and load the tampon from the top. Works especially well for larger tampons
• The Stuffer – Push the tampon into the back of the applicator, followed by all the string.

Once your tampon is loaded, insert the applicator into your vagina, with the plunger resting behind the tampon. Push the plunger until the tampon is fully inserted, then gently remove the applicator and plunger, leaving the tampon inside your vagina.

It is recommended that you change your pad every 4–6 hours. If a pad becomes damp on the outside, it is an indication that it needs changing as it has reached full absorbency. 

Not for swimming, but yes for exercise, although prepare to get a bit sweaty down there! There are very thin options available which are better suited for this.

Wrap the pad up and place it in a bin. Pads must not be flushed as they can cause sewer blockages that pollute our rivers, beaches and ocean.