Cloth Pads

Before disposable pads and tampons were invented, women used special cloths to absorb their flow. Lately a whole new generation of cloth pads which are meant to be reused have become available. They are not nearly as popular as disposables today, but women who are concerned about the environment are rediscovering this old-fashioned method.

These cloth pads are usually made of soft cotton flannel or terry cloth. Some are sewn into ovals and are puffy in the middle, like disposable pads. Others are flat like washcloths, and are meant to be worn folded. When one side is wet, the cloth can be refolded so that a dry side is facing you. They come in different sizes for different needs. They are not usually held in place with belts or pins because the flannel does not slide around much when worn with close fitting cotton underwear. But I should add that they seem to work best when you are bleeding. I find that dry pads (like a pad you are wearing at the end of your period) slide around more for some reason. For this reason, perhaps, some of companies that sell the cloth pads also sell underwear with snaps or elastic bands to hold the pads in place.

They are meant to be washed and reused, and if they are cared for properly, one set will last for years, depending on how grungy you want them to get..

You can buy them in some health food stores, or order them by mail, or make them yourself, for that matter.

Advantages:

As with disposable pads, they are easy to use, allow you to see what's going on with your period, and may be healthier for your system.

They are softer than disposable pads, almost cozy, and best of all, you never get an adhesive strip stuck to your body. They also smell better than pads when used.

Cloth pads absorb the fluid very well, and can hold quite a bit. I think they actually allow less of the dreaded "edge staining" than disposable pads, and they won't soak through to your panties unless they are completely saturated.

They are good for the environment: they produce no waste for years except for wash water, and when they are finally thrown away they can decompose.

Once you pay for the first set of them, you don't have to buy them again for a long time. This means that ultimately you save money, and stop worrying about how many pads or tampons you have left, or being caught unprepared. They are always there for you.

Disadvantages:

They are not as convenient as disposables. If you change your cloth pad when you are away from home, you have to bring the old one back in a bag or something.

They are not as thin as the ultra-thin disposable maxi - but they are no thicker than full sized pads.

Some women complain that they do not absorb blood fast enough, and so are not good for heavy, FAST bleeding.

You have to wash them. For best results, you should soak them or rinse them before you put them in the wash. It's not a big deal, but it is more work than throwing something in the garbage. It can be a drag if you don't have easy access to a washer and drier. Also, because the evidence leaves the bathroom and goes to the laundry room, you have to be open about the fact you are menstruating.