If you’re sexually active, make sure you book in at least one STI test this year. Most STI tests are quick and painless – either a urine test, blood test or swab – and can be done at any GP or sexual health clinic. Remember, the most common STI symptom is no symptoms at all – so your future self will thank you!
Also, if you have a cervix, check that you’re up to date on your cervical screening tests. Cervical screening tests are the best way to detect cervical cancer. You can ask for a self-collected test too, if you don’t want your GP to perform the swab. CSTs are recommended every 5 years.
2. Stock up
The start of the year is a great time to do a stocktake of your sexual and reproductive health tools. Check the use-by dates on your condoms, dental dams, lubes and period products like tampons and disposable pads – and replace whatever has expired! Expired condoms and dams can start to degrade, leaving you at risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies; expired lubes can change in chemical composition meaning they won’t work as well, and can even cause irritation and infections. Expired cotton tampons and pads, especially if they are stored in moist bathrooms can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
3. Try something new
Lean into the ‘new year, new you’ mantra and explore some sexual and reproductive health products you’ve never tried! This could mean new sex toys, new period products (moon cups or period panties, anyone?) or new contraception options. Like anything else, you won’t know what suits you best until you’ve tried!
4. Educate yourself
Make 2023 the year of learning about all things sexual and reproductive health. From learning about your body and anatomy, learning about fun and pleasurable sex, or the history of the LGBTQIA+ or abortion rights movements, there’s lots of interesting, empowering and inspiring stories out there. Check out our list of recommended books, movies, TV shows and podcasts in our annual zine!
5. Advocate!
Sexual and reproductive rights around the world have been under attack – supporting these causes protects not only your health rights, but those of people all over the world. You can donate to somewhere like the International Planned Parenthood Federation, who fight for sexual and reproductive rights worldwide, or the Guttmacher Institute, a global research and policy advocacy group for sexual and reproductive health. Closer to home, you can support organisations like Share the Dignity, who distribute period products to those doing it tough. You can even encourage the health workers in your life to support sexual and reproductive health rights; ask your GP to train to provide medication abortions to their patients!
Nothing about us, without us.
Writing by guest contributor, Felix Saturn
Sexual and reproductive health services, and adjacent healthcare providers, love to publicly declare their support for us when it is convenient from a marketing perspective. Think IDAHOBIT, TDOV and other hallmark LGBTQIA+ calendar days that promote awareness and imply support – while simultaneously reducing our unique, ongoing needs and struggles to issues worth recognising for only a few days of the year via social media. This is especially true within our local abortion sector, where actual processes and pathways for TGD specific care are virtually non-existent. While this is obviously most harmful to affected consumers, it also sets a depressing precedent for providers seeking to improve their inclusivity practices – without an accurate blueprint for service reform, how can we expect them to impactfully integrate our needs into their service models?
Put simply, we can’t – not without our community’s active involvement and consultation. As it stands, there are no Australian-based, publicly available resources outlining trans-inclusive abortion practices. Similarly, there are no Australian-based, publicly available studies that specifically target our TGD population who utilise or have utilised abortion services. While international resources are useful, local resources and data are crucial in understanding how trans-inclusivity within this space can look, beyond LGBTQIA+ representation aesthetics. Without this baseline, it is up to our community to collaborate with each other, and with committed providers, to map the way forward. Nothing about us, without us!
Trans-inclusivity within a clinical setting can look like trans-101-basics – such as pronouns on intake forms; separate “known as” name and Medicare name options on forms and patient management software; multiple options for gender selection alongside assigned sex at birth on forms; inclusive language on booking/information sites e.g. “women and pregnant people”; pride and trans paraphernalia in-clinic or online e.g. flags on counter or email signatures; and of course targeted LGBTQIA+ social media marketing. While these inclusivity measures serve an important purpose, they can feel performative and contradictory to consumers when they are not paired with further, consistent service reform.
Service reform and implementations we can strive for include:
Internal procedures review – What trans-inclusivity measures are we currently implementing into our service models? Is there anything further we could be doing that we could start right away?
Access and collate local TGD resources – What services are available locally that could benefit our TGD consumers? Are these resources readily available to our consumers on our website or verbally offered, or would they need to ask?
Warm referrals – Are the care requirements for our client out of our scope? Can they afford our services, can we subsidise them? Could another service be more suitable? Would it be appropriate to connect them directly rather than advising the client to organise this on their terms?
Request stakeholder feedback – Do we have an anonymous feedback/complaints/suggestions system, in-clinic or online? Are we acting on this information when it is received?
Staff/workplace training – Are all staff members adequately trained in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, right through from reception to doctors? Is this training recurring and up to date?
TGD-specific peer navigation roles – Do we have capacity to hire a TGD peer navigator? How could that benefit consumers?
Hire more TGD employees – Is our intention to commit to trans-inclusivity practices for our consumers reflected in the way our workplace is structured? Would it be a safe workplace for TGD people?
TGD working groups – how are we involving our local TGD community within our work, beyond our consumers? Do we welcome community consultation?
Build relationships between services – do adjacent LGBTQIA+ healthcare providers know that we are improving our services? Could they assist us in this pursuit? Have we reached out to them?
Long term action planning – How do we plan to include trans-inclusivity into our long term diversity goals?
Advocate for local research, justice and structural changes – How can we use our power as an organisation to advocate for this community? What industry connections could we utilise to assist?
As community members, providers and advocates, we are capable of impactful collaboration to move towards these attainable goals. Language and visibility are just the tip of the iceberg – providers need to be more ambitious about their capability to support us.
Five Red Flags in Bed and How to Manage Them
Here at 1800 My Options, we aim to promote healthy and supportive relationships which make you feel safe and fulfilled, and that includes in the bedroom. Read on for some red flags which should prompt at least a discussion with your partner(s) about why their behaviour isn’t okay, and advice on how to approach the chat.
1. Body-shaming behaviour.
Any partner who ridicules, judges or has opinions on how to “optimise” your body are exhibiting body-shaming behaviour. Commentary about weight, cellulite, stretch marks, acne or the appearance of genitalia or breasts only makes a person feel more self-conscious and less accepted in a relationship, in turn decreasing their enjoyment of sex. All bodies are unique and beautiful: for reference, up to 90% of women have cellulite,1 and all labia and breasts are unique to their owner (see the Labia Library) or the Normal Breast Gallery to view photographs of normal, varying anatomy). Similarly, shaming about noises you make, bodily fluids, or even sexual fantasies you have is problematic. Sit your partner down to communicate how their judgment reduces key factors like trust and openness in the relationship– and if they don’t adjust, there is simply no excuse. All bodies are good bodies, and your natural one deserves respect.
2. Pressuring you or disrespecting your boundaries.
Open communication about what you enjoy, including firm boundaries about what you don’t, can not only help a partner to learn what you like, but also ensures you feel safe with them. If a sexual or romantic partner tries to coerce you into something you don’t feel ready for or don’t like to do, or tries to pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to, that is a form of abuse. Each person’s autonomy and consent is paramount, and attempts to change your mind or act against your will are unacceptable. In such a scenario, feel empowered to say no and leave the situation if safe to do so. If you do not feel safe to do so, call 000 or Victoria’s Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292.
3. They’re keen to receive but reticent to give.
Whilst receiving pleasure important, all partners deserve to feel satisfied, so providing pleasure to others is also important. Studies demonstrate a major orgasm gap between men and women, with one study demonstrating that 91% of men and 39% of women usually experienced orgasm during sex with a partner.2 Cultural focus on men’s sexual appetite and pleasure contributes heavily – there is evidence that women in heterosexual relationships value their partner’s orgasm more than their own.3 In one study including cohorts of women of different sexual orientations, lesbian women reported they usually or always orgasmed 86% of the time, compared with 66% of bisexual women, and 65% of heterosexual women.4
As a society we can challenge these biases by acknowledging female sexuality more openly, and personally women can more directly communicate their needs to their partner. Emphasis on the importance of female orgasm, open communication about desires, good sexual self-esteem and incorporating other types of sex aside from vaginal intercourse are known positive influences on increasing the female orgasm.
4. A lack of education about safe sex, or refusal to learn.
A major part of good sexual health is regular screening for STIs (according to your number of partners, frequency of change of partners, and communities). Discussing STIs you have and being proactive in protecting oneself is very important in keeping our communities sexually safe. However, if a partner is resistant to this discussion, refusing to use condoms or other barriers you’d like to use, or not inclined to undergo STI testing despite your appropriate request, it is very reasonable to not proceed with having a sexual relationship with this person. Being sexually responsible includes openness about STIs, consent and other topics. If a person is not mature enough to communicate about this without being awkward, dismissive or critical, then they are probably not mature enough to be having sex.
5. They tell you they’ve had better.
Maybe it was a throwaway comment, or maybe they did it to intentionally criticise you. However, this sentiment isn’t expressing support or helping to make you feel good. The approach for expressing feedback should always be positive and include helpful suggestions; it should not be mocking or derogatory. Feel free to not try any harder.
References
Luebberding, S., Krueger, N. & Sadick, N.S. Cellulite: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015; 16, 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-015-0129-5
Wade LD, Kremer EC, Brown J. The incidental orgasm: the presence of clitoral knowledge and the absence of orgasm for women. Women Health. 2005;42(1):117-38. doi: 10.1300/J013v42n01_07. PMID: 16418125.
Kontula O, Miettinen A. Determinants of female sexual orgasms. Socioaffect Neurosci Psychol. 2016 Oct 25;6:31624. doi: 10.3402/snp.v6.31624. PMID: 27799078; PMCID: PMC5087699.
Frederick DA, John HKS, Garcia JR, Lloyd EA. Differences in Orgasm Frequency Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Men and Women in a U.S. National Sample. Arch Sex Behav. 2018 Jan;47(1):273-288. doi: 10.1007/s10508-017-0939-z. Epub 2017 Feb 17. PMID: 28213723.
15 years of World Contraception Day
Since 1960, people have had access to a variety of hormonal and non hormonal contraceptives. This has empowered women to more freely decide on the timing of their education, careers, relationships, pregnancies and parenting, as well as manage many health concerns.
However, unintended pregnancy rates continue to be high around the world. In countries with restricted abortion access, women may resort to unsafe practices that increase the maternal mortality rate each year. Contraception is a vital tool for global public health equity, and there is clearly unmet need for contraception access that must be fulfilled.
How many people need contraception internationally?
There are 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15-49 years) worldwide
1.1 billion women need contraception;
Only 842 million women use contraception;
270 million women have an unmet need
75% of women are using modern methods of contraception globally
In the least developed countries, use of contraception increased from 39% in 2000, to 59% in 2018
In 2018, 45 countries including 27 sub-Saharan African countries have less that half of women using contraception
There were 121 million unintended pregnancies from 2015-2019
255 million women who want to plan their pregnancies lack access to modern abortion methods, leading to maternal and infant mortality
Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age around the world
The History of World Contraception Day 26th September
23 September 2007
UN experts at the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva released a statement;
“Access to family planning and contraception services, free from coercion or impediment, is a component of the right to health that is central to women’s autonomy and agency and key in the realization of women’s right to equality and non-descrimination, life, sexual and reproductive health rights and other human rights.”
26 September 2007
10 international family planning organisations joined together to raise awareness about contraception, working towards a vision where every pregnancy is wanted. The World Contraception Day mission is to:
“improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.”
The present day
There is a coalition of 15 NGO international government organisations and scientific medical societies spreading the right knowledge about sexual and reproductive health.
Remarks from Dr Alaka Singh, a WHO Sri Lanka representative on World Contraception Day 2021 detail the importance of contraception access in all aspects of contemporary society:
“Improved access to low-cost contraception and its uptake through family planning programmes has reduced high-risk pregnancies; maternal and child mortality; teen and unplanned pregnancies; and, improved child health and nutrition. Modelling exercises have found that contraceptive use may have reduced maternal mortality by over 40%…
It is important to note that the impact of family planning is beyond health. It is multisectoral and even intergenerational. It is well documented that improved child health and nutrition has the potential to positively influence academic performance and behavior. In turn, education is a key determinant of the uptake and consistency in use of family planning services. Estimates for the economic impact of family planning have found that $3.6 billion a year spent on providing contraception to all those who want them has a potential of an annual return of $432 billion. A return of $120 for every dollar spent. Further, family planning is increasingly being identified as a cost-effective approach in climate change resilience strategies.”
The future
By 2030, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.7 is:
“to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services, including family planning, information and education and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies.”
If you want to know more about your contraception options please review our website.
There are 10 choices that include hormonal or non-hormonal options, with long or short term methods available.
If you are looking for a contraception service, you can search for a provider in your local area or call 1800 696 784 for confidential, free and non-judgmental pro-choice advice.
You may have heard the term Plan B on social media or in films or tv, but do you know what it is?
Plan B is an American brand name for the emergency contraception medication called Levonorgestrel.
Emergency contraceptive pills are available in Australia too, but ‘Plan B’ is not a brand name that is used here. So, to avoid any confusion always ask your pharmacist or doctor for the Emergency Contraceptive pill rather than Plan B. In Australia this medication can also be known as ‘The Morning After Pill’.
The two types of emergency contraceptive pills most commonly available in Australia are Levonorgestrel and Ulipristal Acetate.
The pills are around 85% effective, and work best if you take them within 24 hours of having unprotected sex.
Levonorgestrel, can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex. Ulipristal Acetate (sold as EllaOne) can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Ulipristal Acetate is more effective than Levonorgestrel. Both options are available from pharmacists without a prescription.
These pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation (this is when a mature egg is released from the ovary). Despite what you might hear, use of the emergency contraception pill is NOT an abortion. Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy whilst abortion is a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy (via medication or surgery). If you are already pregnant before you take emergency contraception the pills will not work.
If you’re going to a pharmacist for the Emergency Contraceptive pill, they will need to ask you some questions. These questions might include:
How many hours has it been since you had unprotected sex?
Are you using any contraception?
When was your last period?
Have you done a pregnancy test?
Do you have any medical conditions or taken any medications?
Are you experiencing any pain when you pee or during or after vaginal sex?
Are you experiencing any unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding?
Pharmacists, however, have NO right to ask you about your sexual partners, or – if you are a young person – if your parents know that you are having sex.
Emergency contraceptive pills will not harm a pregnancy. It is safe to continue the pregnancy or have an abortion.
In this blog we will be discussing WHERE you can buy contraception in Victoria. Broadly speaking, we can divide contraception methods into those that require a prescription, and those that don’t.
Contraception methods that REQUIRE a doctor’s prescription
Some contraception options require both a doctor’s prescription, as well as needing to be administered by a trained professional.
Contraceptive Implants: often known as the Implanon®, Nexplanon® and ‘the rod.’ They’re a small plastic rod placed under the skin of your upper arm, releasing a low dose of the hormone progesterone, to stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Available at most pharmacies with a script, and inserted by a trained doctor or nurse.
Hormonal IUDs: available in Victoria as the Mirena™ or Kyleena™. They’re a small, T-shaped, plastic device inserted into your uterus, releasing a low, steady amount of progestogen. Available at most pharmacies with a script, and inserted by a trained doctor or nurse.
Copper IUDs: small, T-shaped contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus. They do not contain hormones, and constantly release a small amount of copper into the uterus. Available at most pharmacies with a script, and inserted by a trained doctor or nurse.
Contraceptive injections: commonly known as the ‘Depo shot,’ these are given in your arm or bottom every 12 to 14 weeks. Available at most pharmacies with a script, and administered by a trained doctor or nurse.
Other contraception methods require a doctor’s prescription, but you can use them without a doctor or nurse inserting them for you. These options include:
Vaginal rings: Sold as the NuvaRing® in Australia, these are soft silicone rings that you self-insert into your vagina (as easy to put in as a tampon). They sit in your vagina for 3 weeks, and can be removed for 7 days or can be used back-to-back. They come in a pack of 3 and must be refrigerated. Available at most pharmacies with a script.
Oral Contraceptive Pills: There are two types of oral contraceptives – the Combined Pill (contains both estrogen and progestogen) and the Mini Pill (contains progestogen only). There are many different types and brands available. The Pill can affect other medications, so let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications.
Available at most pharmacies with a script. Some oral contraceptive pills are now available through online delivery and subscription services.
Contraception methods that DON’T require a doctor’s prescription
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: (commonly known as the “morning after” pill) are best taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours. They work by delaying when your ovaries release an egg (ovulation), and are around 85% effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy.
There are two options available:
Levonorgestrel, which can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex.
Ulipristal acetate (sold as EllaOne), which can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel.
Emergency contraceptive pills can bought directly from most pharmacies without prescription from your doctor – they are available “over the counter”. Your pharmacist will go through some questions with you before dispensing the medication.
External condoms are sheaths made of latex or polyurethane, rolled onto an erect penis before sex. These come in different sizes, materials and flavours. These are widely available from supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations and pharmacies. Some health clinics, youth services and community health services provide them for free.
Internal condoms are a soft pouch made of latex or polyurethane, with two flexible rings at each end. The internal condom is inserted into the vagina before sex. These are available online, and at some pharmacies and family planning clinics. Unfortunately, they can be a bit harder to find and are more costly than external condoms.
Diaphragms are a shallow, cup-shape device made of silicone. You self-insert the diaphragm into your vagina to cover your cervix. These are available online, and at some pharmacies and family planning clinics.
Some people prefer to meet with a nurse or doctor before using a diaphragm for the first time, so they can show you how to insert and remove it.
When purchasing contraception from pharmacies, it is useful to call the pharmacy in advance to check for stock. Prices can also vary depending on where you go, so if cost is an issue, it might help to look at different pharmacies to compare prices.
When travelling interstate or overseas, make sure you plan ahead for your contraception needs as different rules will apply in different places. If you can, organise your contraception supply before a trip!
It’s always a good idea to discuss your contraception options with your GP or sexual health nurse. You can contact us at 1800 My Options to find a service near you – call 1800 696 784 (weekdays, 9am – 5pm).
References:
Benefits of Contraception Use, New Zealand Family Planning 2013.
Contraception Choices, Better Health Channel 2022.
What Does It Mean to be Pro-Choice?
Pro-choice is a term used widely in debates around abortion care, but what does it actually mean?
Being pro-choice means supporting the notion that people are able to have agency over their lives, bodies, and choices.
Having a child is a significant life event – and it is in everyone’s best interests that a potential parent is emotionally, financially, and physically prepared to do so.
To be forced to have a child is to completely alter someone’s life. Access to education, career progression, and even family support is often limited, if not blocked completely, if someone were to bear a child they do not want to have. When someone is not ready for parenthood, an unplanned pregnancy often results in devastatingly poor outcomes for everyone involved, parents and child included. This is in addition to horrendous circumstances involving rape, incest, family violence, and minors.
However, abortion care is not only for victims of horrific situations. No one should be forced into an unwanted pregnancy, under any circumstances. Abortion care is also for those who aren’t ready for parenthood, whether it is due to study, career, or inter-personal instability, or don’t want to become a parent at all!
It is also not enough to just make abortion legal – abortion care must also be accessible. To be pro-choice does not only mean to be supportive of someone’s choice to get an abortion but also of the systems in place to provide it. In Victoria, the cost of an abortion can vary, from under $100 to the thousands of dollars. There are many reasons for this discrepancy, but the core issue remains that there are many barriers to safe abortion care in Australia – from cost, wait times, geographic distances to doctors refusing to provide abortions.
When we say we’re pro-choice, what we mean is, we support your right to…
have an abortion, and be supported in doing so
have a child, to parent, and be supported in doing so
continue a pregnancy, and access adoption or kinship care arrangements
legal, safe and accessible healthcare
unbiased pregnancy options counselling
medical privacy and confidentiality
accurate, evidence-based information
make choices free from judgement
Safe access to abortion, free from harassment, judgement, and other barriers is a core human right that needs to be protected.
Why do people use contraception?
Contraception is used for many reasons, from preventing unwanted pregnancy, to managing menstrual cycles and various health conditions.
Different people may choose to use different methods depending on their circumstances, so it is important not to make assumptions on why someone might choose to use contraception, or to judge them for the type of contraception method they choose to use.
First of all, what is contraception?
Contraception refers to the intentional use of artificial methods, various devices, medication, or surgeries to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Some contraceptive barrier methods, such as condoms, are used to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In Australia, there are many contraception methods available:
Long Acting Reversible Contraception methods, such as contraceptive implants and hormonal IUDs
Short Acting Contraception methods, such as the contraceptive injection, vaginal ring, and oral pills
Barrier methods such as internal condoms, external condoms and diaphragms
Permanent methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation
You can have a read of their correct use and effectiveness in a previous blog post we wrote, at this link.
So, what are the main reasons people use contraception?
Most commonly, contraception is known for preventing unplanned pregnancies.
Different contraception methods work in different ways, and have different efficacy rates. For example, Long Acting Reversible Contraception methods like the IUD and implant are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, while emergency contraception pills are around 85% effective.
Our previous blog post discusses various contraception methods and their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
Contraception can also help you space your children.
People may choose to plan their families, by having more control of the spacing in between childbirths. These may be for health reasons, lifestyle choices, for financial reasons or otherwise.
Hormonal contraception can be great for managing periods and associated issues.
People may choose to use hormonal contraception options to manage period pain, cramps, bloating, breast soreness, menstrual migraines and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Hormonal contraception may also be used to regulate their menstrual cycles or skip their periods when convenient.
Common hormonal contraception options include the pill, implant and hormonal IUD (eg the Mirena or Kyleena in Australia).
Hormonal contraception can also be useful in managing other health conditions. For example, acne, iron deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, cysts, bone thinning, and unwanted hair growth.
A combination of the above!
It is important to note, that most contraception methods do NOT provide protection against STIs, so the use of barrier methods as well as getting regular STI tests are key in ensuring STI prevention. Barrier methods like condoms can be useful in promoting safer sex and preventing STIs. These can be used for oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your contraception options with your GP or sexual health nurse. You can also contact us at 1800 My Options to find a service near you – call 1800 696 784 (weekdays, 9am – 5pm).
The Better Health Channel has a very useful factsheet on various Contraception Choices.
You can also view our videoexplaining the various contraception options available in Victoria.
If you have periods, you probably want to minimise bloodstains and mess.
Whether they’re single use, multi-use, external or internal – there’s more period products out there than ever before, with all sorts of fun, eco-friendly, fancy-packaging options to choose from! Have a read through some of the pros and cons of period products available in Victoria, and see if there’s something new that catches your eye.
Disposable pads
How they work: Pads are long strips of absorbent material that are stuck to the inside of your underwear crotch. Most disposable pads have a plastic lining. They come in lots of different shapes and sizes – eg with wings, extra long night pads, and heavy flow.
How long they last: Pads should usually be changed every 4 hours, or as soon as they feel too wet.
Pros: Easy to find and relatively cheap. Great for if you’ve just started menstruating, find inserting products in your vagina difficult or don’t feel comfortable using inserted products for cultural reasons. They have almost no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. They can also be great for heavy flows, overnight use and are easy to clean up – just pop them in the bin.
Cons: Pads can sometimes shift out of place if you’re moving around, and you can’t wear them over some types of underwear (eg thongs) or doing certain activities (eg swimming). Some types can irritate the vagina. Depending on your flow, you might need to change your pads sooner than every 4 hours to avoid any odour. Like tampons, because they are disposable, they can have a negative environmental impact (with lots of plastic packaging and pads ending up in landfill).
Cost range: $3-5 for a pack of 10-20 pads
Where to get them: Supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, online.
Cloth pads
How they work: These work just like disposable pads, in that they are made of an absorbent material and sit inside your underwear crotch. Unlike disposable pads, they don’t have a sticky side but usually have wings that snap into place. Some cloth pads have a removable absorbent insert. Most cloth pads can be washed just in the washing machine and dried, (though some brands also recommend soaking and stain-treating).
How long they last: Like disposable pads, these pads will need to be changed every 3-4 hours, or when they start feeling wet. But, you can wash and reuse cloth pads for years!
Pros: A lot softer and more comfortable compared to rustle-y plastic pads. Some people also say they smell a bit less, as the fabric allows for more breathing, less moisture and therefore less bacteria build-up. They’re also great for the environment, as they will last a long time. And finally, there’s lots of cute fabric patterns to choose from.
Cons: A bit annoying to carry around (you will need a water-proof pouch) and wash. They can be a lot more expensive up-front too, compared to disposable pads, but over a long time, this cost can even out. Like disposable pads, you also can’t go swimming in these.
Cost range: Varies a lot, depending on the maker – but averaging around $10-15 per pad.
Where to get them: Environmental stores, some supermarkets, online.
Tampons
How they work: These are little cotton plugs that you put in your vagina to soak up blood. They have a little string on the end to make removing them easier. Sometimes they come with plastic applicators that help to insert them, which work like a syringe. You can get tampons with various absorbency ratings. In an entire lifetime, if you use only tampons, you might go through over 11,400 tampons!
How long they last: Tampons should generally be changed every 4-6 hours. Never keep a tampon in for over 8 hours to avoid the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Tampons need to be disposed of in a sanitary bin or regular bin (don’t flush them down the toilet!).
Pros: Super easy to find, relatively cheap, convenient, small to carry around. They’re also great if you need to be active; you can swim with them in! Also, feel very cool knowing they were originally invented to stop bleeding from gunshot wounds.
Cons: Inserting them can be a bit uncomfortable, with some trial and error to find which ones suit you best. They can sometimes dry out the vagina or cause irritation. There is also the small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a very rare complication of some bacterial infections (but handwashing, regular tampon changes and using a pad at night will lower your chance of developing TSS). Additionally, as tampons are disposable, they can have a negative environmental impact – with millions of tampons and packaging ending up in landfill each year.
Cost range: Usually around $5 for a 20 pack.
Where to get them: Supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, online.
Sponges
How they work: Sponges work like tampons – they are inserted into the vagina to absorb blood. There are lots of different types of sponges, made from different materials – from natural sea sponges to synthetic sponges. Some sponges are designed to be reusable, while others should be disposed of after use. Some also come with pre-lubrication, or else you can soften it with some water before insertion. Reusable sponges can usually just be washed with a mild soap under warm water.
How long they last: Like tampons or cups, sponges need to be changed every few hours. Don’t leave them in longer than 8 hours. Reusable sponges can last up to 6 months.
Pros: Being very soft, sponges are often said to be more comfortable as they can adjust to the shape of your body. Reusable sponges are also great for the planet, and sponges made from natural materials are renewable and biodegradable. They’re also great for use during intense activity or sex.
Cons: Sponges can be a bit messy to deal with when removing and replacing (though some sponges are designed with little loops for easier removal and less chances of breaking pieces apart). They can also take a bit of care to make sure they’re clean and ready for re-use. Like tampons, there is the very slight risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Disposable sponges are a lot more expensive per use than tampons, and they can be a lot harder to find.
Cost range: Depends on the material and whether they’re reusable/disposable. Disposable sponges can cost a few dollars each, while reusable sea sponges can cost $20-30 each.
Where to get them: Online, some pharmacies.
Cups
How they work: Menstrual cups are small, flexible, bell-shaped devices that are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. They are usually made from rubber or silicone. Cups use suction to stay in the vaginal canal. Some cups will have a stem to help you locate the cup for removal. Before and after a cycle, most cups will need to be boiled; during day-to-day use, you can generally clean cups using a mild soap under cold water. Some brands also sell special devices to sterilise your cups.
How long they last: Cups can be worn for 8-12 hours at a time, or until they are full. With appropriate care, they can last up to 10 years!
Pros: They can be safely kept in for a much longer time than tampons or pads, avoiding frequent bathroom trips. There’s lots of variety in menstrual cup shapes and sizes, so you can find what suits you best. Given their long lifespan, they’re also environmentally friendly, and much cheaper in long run compared to disposable products!
Cons: Cups have a bit of a learning curve to them, and it can require some trial and error to find which brand, shape or size suits you best. They can be more expensive up front compared to a pad or tampon (but long-term are definitely more cost effective). They need to be taken out during sex, and for people with an IUD there maybe a small risk of menstrual cups shifting the IUD.
Cost range: Prices generally range from $30 – 60 a cup, depending on the brand.
Where to get them: Pharmacies, some supermarkets, online.
Discs
Image source: Nixit
How they work: Menstrual discs are similar to cups, in that they are small, flexible devices inserted into the vagina to collect blood. However, unlike cups, menstrual discs sit in the vaginal fornix – the widest part of the vagina and the base of the cervix – and rely on gravity, not suction, to stay in place. Discs can be disposable (made of plastic) or reusable (made of silicone or rubber). Like cups, they will need to be boiled before and after each period, and washed in between insertions.
How long they last: Discs can be inserted for up to 12 hours. Some discs are single-use, while others can be reused and will last for months or years.
Pros: Because they’re thinner and more flexible compared to cups, discs can be worn during sex, if you have an IUD inserted (as they don’t use suction), or if you have a tilted uterus or partial prolapse. Reusable discs are also great for the environment.
Cons: Like menstrual cups, there is a bit of a learning curve involved with inserting discs. They are also a bit messier to remove than cups. Discs can also be a bit expensive, especially if they’re single-use.
Cost range: Discs can range from $3 – $100 each, depending on if they’re reusable, what they’re made from and the brand.
Where to get them: Online
Underwear
How they work: These are basically just super absorbent undies, with usually a few layers to wick away moisture, absorb blood and protect your clothes. They can be made from a variety of fibres, including cotton, bamboo, or synthetics. Usually they’re easy to clean – just run them through cold water before doing a cold machine wash. They can take a while to dry, so you’ll need to have more than 1 set per cycle.
How long they last: Change and clean these every 12 hours. If you care for them correctly, period underwear can last for several years.
Pros: Period underwear are an easy to use, and non-invasive option. With lots of different styles, patterns and absorbency options, these could also be great for people just starting out periods, people wanting overnight protection or extra protection at the tail end of a period. The reusable aspect of these makes them a good environmental choice too.
Cons: These need to be washed immediately after wearing, and take a while to dry. There’s also the upfront cost involved, as well as the trial and error as you find the right size, fit and fabrics you like.
Cost range: Anywhere between $10 – $40 a pair.
Where to get them: Pharmacies, online, and lots of supermarkets and underwear brands are now stocking these.
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