Cloth Pads For Period — And Beyond

As more and more options for feminine hygiene products flood the market, it can be tricky to sort
through the hype and decide what's best for you. When it comes to finding the perfect coverage
for your menstrual cycle, natural cloth pads might just be the answer.

Think that cloth pads are only useful for your period? Think again! The truth is that cloth pads are
an excellent choice for coverage during your menstrual cycle, but also have a variety of uses for
different individuals. Let's dive into all the reasons why you might want to incorporate cloth pads
into your routine. You'll find cotton reusable pads can make for a more pleasant, more
environmentally-friendly, and safer period — and beyond.

Why Cloth Pads Are Perfect Coverage For Your Menstrual

Cycle

From concerns about the infection to issues with odor to reduced cramping, here are all the
reasons cloth pads can make all the difference for your menstrual cycle:

1. Reduce Worry About Infection

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening bacterial infection that's associated with tampon
use. Those who suffer from TSS will experience a high fever, vomiting, and severe illness
associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. By switching your super-absorbent tampons out
for cloth pads, you can significantly decrease your chances of coming down with this dangerous
infection.

In addition to rare cases of TSS, many women who use disposable products experience painful
discharge and infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. In many cases, this can be
aggravated and caused by the cocktail of chemicals used in traditional pads:
Avoid the risk of infection and irritation by switching to cotton pads. Remember — unbleached,
undyed, and organic versions are best.

2. Increases Comfort

Well-made reusable pads like our LUCKYPADS are created using the finest quality organic
cotton. This soft and absorbent material creates a comfortable experience for those on their
periods. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to customize reusable pads to your body's
specific needs by choosing Day Pads, Day Pads Plus, Night Pads, Night Pads Plus, or Waterproof
liners. These options ensure that you're never getting more or less coverage than you need at any
time, so you can stay comfortable for longer.

Day Pads 200cm Day Pads Plus 280cm Night Pads 350cm

Night Pads Plus 400cm Waterproof Liners 180cm Starter Set

3. Eliminates Odors

If you've ever used disposable pads, then you know that there's a chance for odor. Though you
might have thought that the odor is caused by your blood, that's simply not true. The smell is
caused by the chemicals in the pad interacting with your menstrual blood. And it's never a good
idea to purchase scented disposables because the added chemical fragrances can cause some
serious irritation. The solution? Use reusable cotton pads to avoid artificial fragrances, chemicals,
and bad odors.

4. Decreases Cramps

Many people who make the switch to cloth pads report a significant reduction in painful period
cramps. Why would this be? Unfortunately, disposable pads and tampons are made with plastics,
chemicals, and materials like rayon. The combination of all these synthetic materials can block
airflow and absorb normal moisture from your vagina. For many women, this contributes to
serious pain and cramping during their period. By switching to natural, chemical-free fibers, you
can decrease cramping and create a healthier environment for your vagina.

5. Easy for Newbies to Use

Cloth pads are an excellent option for those experiencing their first few menstrual cycles,
especially if you're looking to make a good environmental choice. Options like menstrual cups are
environmentally sound, sure, but inserting a menstrual cup is a bit daunting for newbies. Same
goes for tampons, which can be difficult to insert. By starting with reusable cloth pads, you'll
avoid the pitfalls of some of the other products on the market — and get started on a great habit
for life.

5. Better for the Environment (and your Wallet!)

During your lifetime, you'll probably use around 16,800 disposable pads and tampons. This
dizzying number of disposable products unfortunately has massive environmental consequences.
Plastic tampon applicators contribute to plastics in the ocean, disposable pads and tampons clog
up landfills, and some disposables contain toxins called dioxins which are harmful to the planet.

And it's not just the environmental costs that you have to consider. Disposable tampons and pads
cost women an average of $1,800 over the course of a lifetime — which racks in a whopping $5.9
billion for the disposable feminine hygiene product industry. Though cloth pads may present a
slightly increased up-front cost, they more than pay for themselves in the long run.

Cloth Pads Aren't Just for Menstruation

Though it's clear that cloth pads can be incredibly convenient during the menstrual cycle, however,
their use extends far beyond their periods:

1. Handle Discharge With Cloth Panty Liner

When most people think of the word "discharge," they think of infections like vaginosis. However,
women experience healthy, normal discharge at different points throughout a month's cycle. This
is because the cervix creates different types of mucus at different points during the month.

For example, during the point in a cycle when a woman is ovulating, she might have a sticky,
clear, egg-white consistency discharge that's perfectly healthy. Though it's normal, it's still a great
idea to have a reusable cotton pad during those times in the month when you experience increased
cervical discharge.

2. Postpartum care with cloth pads

After a woman gives birth — whether vaginally or through a cesarean section — a period of
heavy bleeding follows. Known as lochia, this heavy bleeding consists of remnants of the uterine
tissue that sustained the baby throughout the pregnancy and is a natural part of postpartum healing.
Doctors recommend that women who are healing after childbirth avoid tampons and stick with
pads instead. By using natural, chemical-free products like reusable cotton pads during this time,
you can increase postpartum comfort and keep your body on the right track towards healing.

3. Backup with cloth pads

Not sure when your period is coming? You're not alone. Many women have unpredictable cycles,
and tend to have some anxiety about breakthrough bleeding when they least expect it. Forget
running to the store for disposables at the last minute — having a stash of reusable cotton pads on
hand can alleviate a lot of your anxiety about having an uncertain period.

4. Great for Minor Incontinence

It's estimated that approximately one quarter to one third of women in the United States have
some degree of urinary incontinence. In simplest terms, this means that urine might leak without
your control — especially when sneezing or laughing. It's more common after pregnancy and
childbirth, and can be a source of irritation and embarrassment. Using cloth pads is a gentle way to
protect yourself from unintentional leaks that may crop up at different times in your life.

LUCKYPADS: A Solution for Menstruation and Beyond

Made with care from undyed, unbleached, Certified Organic cotton, LUCKYPADS are an
incredible solution for a variety of situations. Whether you're looking for a solution for painful and
irritated periods, seeking to pamper yourself with postpartum care, or simply trying to reduce your
environmental impact, LUCKYPADS can help. Want to learn more? Check out our
testimonials from people who have made the switch to our cotton pads, or see our FAQ for even
more information.