So ladies, I know you have all seen commercials on TV for "shorter, lighter periods" with oral contraceptives, and there are also birth control pills like Seasonique that only give you periods every 3-4 months rather than every month. I have always been super-conscious about doing this, I figured, "Hey, this is going up against what the body natural does, and since it sounds like one of those ideas that is too good to be true, it probably isn't healthy. I bet when you do get periods, they are for like two weeks, too." However, I recently had the annual exam with my nurse practitioner, and I decided to ask her about them. She told me not only is it okay idea, but your period is typically lighter when you do have it.
So now I want you to think about how much you spend on those lovely "feminine care" items every month. I consider myself an over-user, since I am paranoid about the smell, leakage, TSS, etc. I would say I spend at least $5 monthly on those items. Times that by 12, that's roughly $60/year. Also, if you buy wipes or any other accessory-like items, add those in too. Now times that amount by 4, instead of 12. That's roughly $20 rather than $60. I know you're probably thinking, big deal, $40, but that can be used for a lot of things, including a savings account with interest!
If thats not enough to make you think about finding a way to have less periods, consider how much waste goes into the environment every time you have a period. Applicators, tampons, pads, wrappers, plastic bags, wipes, the list can go on. All of these go into a landfill like any other garbage, unless you are one of the rare, super-environmental conscious women that uses washable forms of feminine care products. Imagine the amount of waste you use for periods goes down by two-thirds. For me, thats close to 4 garbage bags. Think about what you might be using.
Not to sound like a drug commercial, but check with your doctor if you think one of these options might be right for you.
I know this choice is not for everyone, and I hope no one is offended by my mentioning of oral contraceptives here. While I am liberal, I understand not every one is, or agrees with the use of birth control. Due to the nature of my blog, I am always looking for ways to save money, and save the Earth, in ways not thought of by most. This posting in no way advocates for particular sexual lifestyles.
Fellow reader Melisma, posted a comment regarding another form of feminine protection...
"I'm a HUGE fan of the Diva Cup - check it out here: http://www.divacup.com/. (Think of it like switching from plastic to canvas bags!) It's a little silicone cup that you tuck up there and empty a few times a day during your period. Surprisingly little mess, and super easy. It lasts for many years. It takes some getting used to, but it eliminates virtually all that garbage created by tampons and pads. Anyone can use it - it doesn't have any hormones and I can't imagine a way it could conflict with moral beliefs."
What a great way to go green! I'm definitely looking into it, thanks Melisma!
3 comments:
I think this is a great post because a lot of women are not comfortable sharing information related to their monthly friend. I really like the idea of a shorter, lighter period that only happens every couple of months. The one drawback that really stops me from doing this is that there will no longer be that monthly verification that you aren't pregnant.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Diva Cup - check it out here: http://www.divacup.com/. (Think of it like switching from plastic to canvas bags!)
It's a little silicone cup that you tuck up there and empty a few times a day during your period. Surprisingly little mess, and super easy. It lasts for many years.
It takes some getting used to, but it eliminates virtually all that garbage created by tampons and pads.
Anyone can use it - it doesn't have any hormones and I can't imagine a way it could conflict with moral beliefs.
Check it out! :)
These are great comments! Emily, I am sure that is the main reason that a lot of people don't switch to less cycles, and I guess its a matter of how well you take your birth control pills (taking them everyday, and possible adding another birth control method), but its also important to know that if you were pregnant, since the dose of hormones is so low, its likely not to effect a potential child.
And Melisma, thanks for posting about the diva cup, I will add that to my post!
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