5 alternatives to classic feminine protections

For several years, we have only focused our choice on sanitary napkins or tampons. Now, many other alternatives are available to us.

Remember … in April 2017, the documentary “Tampon, our intimate enemy” broadcast on France 5 alerted us to the composition of our intimate protections. Since then, many women have turned their backs on tampons. And if, therefore, many have chosen the sanitary napkin, it is possible to fall back on other protections.

1. The menstrual cup (or cup)




© Saforelle

Menstrual cup, Saforelle – 29.50 euros

As the name suggests, the cup is a small cup. Made in silicone biocompatible medical or rubber and flexible, it is placed in the vagina to collect blood loss and block the flow of periods. The cup can be worn for a maximum of 6 hours. In order to best adapt to the body, it exists in several sizes.

Benefits : It is ecological AND economical. Indeed, a menstrual cup can be used for several years. Being sold at a rather reasonable price, the calculation is quickly done!

The inconvenients : Some women may have difficulty placing the cup. They can also be hampered by it once in place. Also: changing your tampon at work is pretty easy. Removing your menstrual cup and rinsing it is a little more complicated and delicate (Saforelle still offers a solution with its 12-hour Comfort pack including 2 menstrual cups, all in a sterilization and transport box). However, this is not a reason to put aside this intimate protection. It is easily adopted on weekends or on vacation.

2. The period panties

You had to think about it! The perfect panty for your period! Designed to respect your privacy, reusable and comfortable, it is THE hygienic protection to favor to live your periods more serenely.
Made of multiple layers, the upper one absorbs blood loss, while the lower one “recovers” them so that you are always dry!

Benefits : It gives the feeling of wearing nothing while remaining perfectly protected. Period panties may contain more blood than a simple tampon or menstrual cup.

The inconvenients : It costs between 30 and 60 € each, which can represent a significant investment at the time. However, this quickly pays off if you calculate the number of disposable protections used! Most period panties are sold exclusively online, often at a bit steep price.

Our favorite : DIM’s menstrual panties, DIM PROTECT, It’s the panty that changes our rules!
Now accessible to everyone, the new Dim Protect is available in a panty or shorty version for less than 25 euros only. In addition, it is available on the shelves of our supermarkets.
These period panties turn out to be the perfect alternative that is part of a more respectful approach to the environment and your privacy! Washable (therefore reusable) and made mostly of very soft cotton, its anti-leak and anti-odor design offers you up to 12 hours of protection. It is in black cotton, it simplifies our life with its discretion and comfort.

3. The natural sponge

This trick has been around since the dawn of time. The sea sponge can indeed be a perfect intimate protection. Both soft and natural, it is placed inside the vagina in order to absorb the blood. The sponge changes several times a day (approximately every 3/4 hours) depending on the flow and is washable.

Benefits : It is also ecological. Its soft texture avoids discomfort when wearing it. In addition, the sponge is non-irritating and non-drying for the vagina. It is also economical since it can be reused for up to 6 months.

The inconvenients : Jennifer Gunter, a Canadian-American gynecologist, warns: In the 1980s, the University of Iowa tested twelve of these sponges, and all of them contained sand, bacteria and other compounds harmful to the body. Very difficult to disinfect, they are not without danger and can present severe risks of toxic shock syndrome.

4. Reusable towels

Sanitary napkins (organic please!) Are good. But if you want to go further in your ecological commitment, you can adopt the reusable towel, a piece of fabric with a snap button to stay in place once on the undergarment. The principle is the same as that for a conventional sanitary napkin. What not to be too confused.

Benefits : They are, for the most part, without risk because they are in hemp or organic cotton. Washable towels are also more ecological and economical than classic feminine pads.

The inconvenients : Once again, when you’re on the go, it’s not ideal. On the other hand, for the weekend or at night, it’s the best!

5. The FIL

Do you know the FIL (free instinctive flow)? This is a method of not wearing any protection. Yes, you read correctly ! With a little exercise, the body can regulate the flow on its own. You just have to exercise your body and your mind in order to go to the bathroom when you feel you need it.

Benefits : It would reduce the duration of the rules, but above all: not wearing any protection, it is all the same a real freedom!

Discover our Newsletters!

We have so much to tell you: news, trends and all kinds of exclusions.

I subscribe

The inconvenients : The instinctive free flow cannot be acquired overnight: you have to get your body used to it and this generally takes several months. Finally, at the beginning, we do not lie to each other, there is still the risk of staining and / or spending the day in the toilet.

Marie Lacombe

Tips for dreamy hair, the latest makeup trends, or even celebrity beauty secrets … I stay on the lookout for any news to find you the most crisp news …