As if we women need another reason to dread "that time of the month". The cramps, bloating and moodiness was not enough, now we have to spend twice what we used to each month for feminine products.
I recall a few years ago I could pick up a decent brand of pads or tampons for $3 or less. Now I am buying for two AND the price has doubled. Mercy me, don't these manufacturers know that I am in a bad enough mood when dear old Aunt Red comes to visit? Forking over $5 for a package of pads leaves little money left in my ever shrinking wallet to buy more necessary things like dark chocolate or brownies! Stay Free, Kotex and Tampax you are walking a dangerous line getting between a menstruating woman and her monthly chocolate fix!
There are alternatives to going broke before you hit menopause.
Couponing is usually a good strategy to score some cheaper product. I stopped couponing when I moved back north because the deals do not seem as good and the distance to stores make multiple shopping trips each week impossible. I guess I am just lazy. But a couple years ago when I was into heavy couponing (I would not say extreme) I would get some rather good deals. For awhile I was quite stocked up because I was getting pads and tampons nearly free. I know you can often get free panty liners with coupons and sales. Although with prices they way they are now they may no longer be free but cost you a few cents.
The other alternatives are not for a squeamish. Approach the following portion of the blog post with caution if you are one of weak constitution!
Homemade reusable pads are an eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and body-friendly alternative to the store bought pads. I have used them before. Material is cheap, you can make them from your old flannel sheets or pajamas with an old crib pad backing. The pads are easy to sew up. Many people who have problems with their period or sensitive skin report less problems after making the switch to this natural alternative.
Homemade pads are great to use at home but can be more of a challenge if you need to go out in public. You would need to find a way to carry home the soiled pad. I guess it is no different than a cloth diaper, I just always chose to use disposable pads when out and about for the ease.
Washing them is the other factor that make these not for everyone. You need to keep a bucket with water and some vinegar in it in the bathroom to collect your used pads in until wash time. This can REALLY gross out the men and kids especially. I always warned everyone to get stay away from the ice cream bucket in the bathroom cupboard. When you want to wash them they just go in the wash on cold cycle (warm water sets blood stains) and wash like everything else. It is no big deal but it is a mind thing.
Lastly if you have a heavy flow they can be a little less reliable if you do not make them thick. Take it from me thick homemade pads make you feel like you have a pillow between yours legs all day. Maybe not horrible at bedtime but if your trying to weed the garden, ride a bike, take a jog, wear tight pants, or anything terribly active this would probably not be too fun.
Oh and just for kicks you can also find homemade reusable tampons. I have never personally tried this. They kind of scare me. But hey there must be someone using them because I see them all over the craft pages. You can also buy sea sponges for the same use. Now that scares me!
Last but not least here is an option that might not leave as many people gagging; the reusable menstrual cup.
Look at that amazing rainbow of choices up there. I have not yet tried one of these but a lot of the crunchy types enjoy them. I hear there is a big of trial and error in learning to properly install the cup. But again when people use them they seem pleased. These cups have a little squeamish factor to them too. You do have to empty and wash it a couple times each day but I guess in my mind that is a little less yucky than saving them up for washing later like the pads. Diva Cup is one brand that is pretty mainstream.
If you would like to try the menstrual cup concept before buying there is a lower cost way to do that. The Instead Softcup is the same concept as the menstrual cup but it is not meant to be reused. Since this post has already been full of TMI moments why not share a couple more. These cups can be worn during "marital relations" if you know what I mean. It makes for a lot less mess if you feel the need to get frisky while old Aunt Red is still visiting. These are easy to insert but taking them out is not real nice. You have to find it and hook your finger under the rim and try to pull it out with out making a mess. Doing it on the potty is essential and so is being near a sink! When I use these I usually wash it out before putting it in the trash. These are not eco-friendly but like I said they are a good introduction to menstrual cups and may be an alternative to tampons for someone who wants to swim but can't use tampons for whatever reason.
So there you have it ladies. There are ways to outsmart the system and save some money. You just need to decide your personal squeam level and do some experimenting.
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