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Do you know...
How many menstrual cycles does a woman have on average in her lifetime?
The duration of menstruation varies greatly between women and at different ages in life. On average, a woman has her first period between 10 and 15 years old. Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, except in the case of early menopause. Basically, menstruation is a certainty in a woman's life (not counting periods of pregnancy) for a good 40 years. For every period, we are talking about 3 to 7 days of bleeding. A woman will approximately have 400 periods in her life, or the equivalent of 2400 days.
How many tampons/pads does a woman use in her lifetime?
Assuming an average menstrual period of five days per month, this means that a woman menstruates for about 2400 days of her life. A woman uses more or less 6 tampons per day, which will make a total of 30 per month and 360 per year. Multiplied by the approximately four decades between the first menstruation and the menopause, that is 14,400 tampons.
What plastics are used to produce sanitary pads?
Conventional sanitary towels are mainly made of plastic (Polyethylene). One pad contains the equivalent of about 4 plastic bags. The massive presence of plastics in hygiene products can also be problematic for the vaginal flora, as it encourages the growth of bacteria.
Disposable sanitary towels also contain absorbent substances, such as acrylic polymers, but also perfumes, which often irritates the vaginal mucosa, and other odour neutralisers, such as silver nanoparticles. There are also various chlorinated adhesives (glues) and bleaches that are used to give the sanitary protection pads a “perfect” white appearance.
In which country in the world are sanitary pads and tampons available for free?
In November 2020, Scotland became the first country to provide free tampons and pads. In other parts of the world, tampons and sanitary pads are provided for free to female students, such as in New Zealand and Kenya. After becoming the first country to abolish the 'tampon tax', the Kenyan government started distributing free sanitary pads to girls in public schools in April 2018.
What are the alternatives to disposable sanitary pads?
There are healthy and effective alternatives to disposable sanitary pads. These include menstrual pants, menstrual cups, washable pads and menstrual sponges.
What is the average lifespan of a washable sanitary pad?
The answer to this question is extremely subjective as it is linked to the unique characteristics and needs of every woman (length of menstruation, type of flow, particular habits, sensitivities, etc.). As a guide, for a normal flow of average duration, it is estimated that approximately 10-15 washable pads will be required. If used correctly, a washable pad can last up to 4 or 5 years. A great saving for your pocket and the environment!
What is a menstrual cup?
The menstrual cup looks like a cup, as its name suggests. It is flexible, a few centimeters high and ends in a small stem. The menstrual cup arrived the market in the thirties, at the same time as disposable pads, but has only recently gained popularity. Menstrual cups come in different sizes and materials: silicone, latex or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The menstrual cup is placed inside the vagina like a tampon. The difference is that the cup does not absorb blood, it collects it. The user must therefore empty the cup and rinse it before putting it back in place. Durable and economical, the cup has many advantages: it can be used between 3 and 10 years and costs around 35 euros, or the equivalent of a year's worth of tampons.
