Natural Menstrual Sea Sponge "Tampon"
aka: Tampon Substitute
For some of you this topic may be a little squeamish, if that is so, you may find one of my other topics better suited to your taste. But, if you are anything like me, you might like to have different or healthier choices for your health and personal care. And well, we are all human, we all have experiences with things that might be viewed as embarrassing to discuss or share. But, sometimes if one person shares or talks about it, others find it easier to do, say or ask about and might just find a better or different alternative to something that might not be working so perfectly. So, here we go...
After a lot of research, I chose to try the natural sea sponge "tampon" aka: tampon alternative for a healthier alternative during menstruation. I was really nervous the first time I tried them, but now, I will only use "normal" all cotton tampons if I don't have a means to use the menstrual sea sponges.
I will preface this post with saying some of this information is information I found during my research and I am not a medical doctor, blah, blah. I am not authorized to diagnose/cure anything, etc. Most of this post is to share my experience and opinion about using the natural sea sponge "tampon" vs. standard tampons, and that's it. That way you can make your own informed decision as a human being with a little more information than you might already have.
Here is what I found out about the whole tampon issue in general after doing some research. So, it is my understanding some tampons containing cotton and rayon may be a higher TSS risk than if they were just plain cotton tampons such as organic ones you find in a health store. My understanding from my research via the internet, is because of the rayon. From what I read, the rayon is more susceptible to growth of bacteria, etc. which could possibly lead to TSS or other infections. It is my understanding that pure cotton, does not carry as much of a risk, though not completely innocent either.
In my extensive research on the internet, I couldn't find any reports from women who have used the natural sea sponge "tampons" and TSS. However, that doesn't mean there are no reports at all. They just may not be published on the world wide web. I have researched a lot, and so I do not have a record of every website I viewed, sorry. But, as will anything you insert like tampons, you would always want to make sure to use common sense in making sure your hands are clean, and the tampon is completely clean, sanitary and of course you don't leave it in place for a ridiculous extended amount of time.
I also read about some women who reported they had less cramping and lighter periods, reduction or complete cessation of bladder infections & vaginal infections, etc. So, can do some more research on these topics if you are so inclined as well. I also read that they are quite absorbent in comparison to their weight. (Weight to absorbency ratio or something scientific or technical).
I recommend doing some research before making your purchase. Find a reputable company that harvests the sea sponged for this purpose. Some women I read about just went to an art/craft store and purchased some sea sponges for use in arts/crafts. While this probably worked for them, I would not personally recommend it. And, my yoni probably thanks me. I found a place that harvests sea sponges for the purpose of using them during menstruation. They advertise that they clean them thoroughly to remove as much debris/sand, etc. as possible. With a lot of companies that sell them, you also have a choice of bleached or unbleached depending on if are concerned with chemicals in your body. Again, I think my yoni prefers no bleach, thank you.
Natural menstrual sea sponges come in different sizes just like normal tampons. Some women actually use 2 together for added protection. Some sets are sold in a variety pack and some include a couple of one size. They are all a little different shape/size since they are natural. But, you can cut them to size and shape for your comfort. Mine just happened to come with one a little bigger than the other as you can see in the photo. They reminded me of a one regular and one super once I got the hang of using them. Here are a couple photos so you can see the size in comparison to my hand.
Once I received my set I rinsed them for a long while under running water as hot as my hands could stand. I read that it is not recommended to boil them. I also sanitized them with hydrogen peroxide after inspecting them for any debris that might be left from the company I purchased them, which they recommended as well. Then, I put some super hot tap water in a glass bowl and added a dropper of colloidal silver and about 10 drops of tea tree oil and soaked the sponges in it. I squeezed the sponges to soak up the colloidal silver and tea tree oil throughout the whole sponge. I let them sit for about half an hour or so. Then I rinsed them again very thoroughly to remove the colloidal silver and tea tree oil, and let them dry on a clean, dry washcloth. I keep them in a clean dry area, wrapped in a clean washcloth so they have air, and aren't caged up in an air-tight container to breed bacteria and stuff.
Once you are ready to use your sea sponge, you will want to wet it and squeeze any excess water out and insert as you would a tampon that has no applicator. Depending on the size of the sponge and your anatomy & comfort, you may want to twist it to make it slimmer for easier insertion. Now, here are a couple tricky things, your sea sponge does not have a string for removal. Some women add an all cotton string by sewing it into the sponge for easier/less messy removal. I would recommend making sure to sew it not very close to the edge just in case the sponge rips when you pull, but not way in the center either, which may be uncomfortable for removal. I would probably also recommend changing the string frequently. And, make sure you don't use one that could chafe or cause any harm, abrasion, cut, etc. while removing. Just my opinion.
When you first begin using the menstrual sea sponge tampon alternative, you will probably want to test them out at home to make sure what size is best for you. Check them more frequently than you might a regular tampon at first, just to make sure. And, you might want to wear a backup liner or something until you get used to what is best for you. You might even notice some nice changes in your flow or other things that other people reported, as I found when doing my research.
You will definitely want to make sure you will have access to a restroom with a sink right in the stall if using these. Each time you remove it, you would completely wash it thoroughly and reinsert, or you can keep another one handy for insertion, of course make sure you wet it with clean water first. Then you can thoroughly clean the used one for the next change out. If you choose not to attach a string for removal, you may have to bear down just slightly then insert a finger to remove it. (Yes, this may be a little messy, but, in most cases not too bad, again, more convenient if the restroom has a sink in the stall).
I recommend keeping something like hydrogen peroxide handy if you will be reinserting the same one. I would wash it very thoroughly and then rinse with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse under very hot running water to get out all the hydrogen peroxide, then reinsert. Of course, be careful not to burn yourself with the very hot water. I know it sounds silly to say it, but, it's kind of like people who buy super hot coffee at a drive through and then complain they got burned when they drank it, when there is a warning on the lid, too...be responsible.
I found some of the differences of the menstrual sea sponge in comparison to regular tampons are:
Menstrual Sea Sponge:
* They are inserted wet (not drenched), so they are much more comfortable and don't scratch you inside (more comfort, less infections and such...win-win)
* They conform to your natural curves and shape so they may feel much more comfortable, most times I could not tell I was wearing one, which is not always the case with normal tampons
* They are reusable therefore earth friendly/green living/eco friendly (I think most companies recommend using fresh new ones every 6 months or so.)
* Cost friendly (I think my set was about $10 plus a few dollars for shipping and if I choose to re-use them as recommended for 6 months, well...you can do the math vs. 6-8 dollars per package organic all cotton one month supply (maybe, depending on your flow)
* Not as convenient as normal tampons if you don't have a sink handy in your restroom stall
* Takes a min or two each time for removal/thorough rinsing and reinsertion
* No applicator or string for removal = a little more mess, but not usually too bad
Regular tampons:
* Dry, not so comfortable to insert/wear sometimes
* They are uncomfortable since they are dry and stiff
* More costly, especially if you prefer organic all cotton
* Waste (not eco-friendly, not re-usable, plastic/cardboard applicator, wrapper, box, etc.)
* Convenient to carry for use and disposal
* Some research shows higher risk of infections compared to organic all cotton tampons or menstrual sea sponges
There are other tips and tricks you may find on the internet, too. This page shares just the ones I have personally used and have worked for me. I am happy to answer any real questions if I can, if you leave a question in the comments below. I will delete spam, rude/distasteful comments.
You can purchase natural menstrual sea sponges through various sources such as Amazon.com, Ebay or directly through some companies who specialize in either earth friendly/eco friendly products or even just green health and feminine products.
I hope this helps you make a more informed decision when choosing to try or not to try natural menstrual sea sponge tampon alternatives.
