Are you thinking about switching to reusable cloth pads but feel unsure about hygiene? Is it healthy to use reusable cloth pads? Will there be an odor issue? How will it affect your skin? They're all good questions.  

Any choice you make that directly impacts your vulva needs careful consideration. It's one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of your body and is worthy of safe, gentle treatment. 

So let's dive right in and get straight to the heart of your concerns. Here are the top 5 things you need to know about vaginal health and hygiene and LUCKYPADS reusable cloth pads. 

1. Are Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads Better For My Health Than Disposable Menstrual Pads?

The short answer is yes; LUCKYPADS is better for your health.

It's easy to assume disposable menstrual pads are perfectly safe to use for your period because they're so common and readily available. It also seems most women use them. But have you stopped to consider whether they're truly safe for your body?

It may surprise you to know no research unequivocally declares disposable feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons safe. Alarming right?

Even more alarming is that independent studies by women's health organizations have identified chemicals of concern like dioxin, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins in commonly available disposable tampons and pads.

It's widely estimated that a typical woman goes through more than 12,000 menstrual pads or tampons over the years she has her period. That's 12,000 opportunities for chemical exposure through your lifetime.

Product makers say disposable feminine hygiene products are safe because they either don’t contain risky chemicals or only contain trace amounts of chemicals. However, women's health advocates disagree. They argue there isn't enough research to back-up the claims that disposable menstrual items are safe. In particular, they've identified that studies looking at the long term effects of using disposable pads and tampons need to be done.

With increasing global interest in the potential health risks associated with disposable menstrual products, it's a great time to explore better alternatives.

LUCKYPADS reusable cloth menstrual pads offer a simple and safe alternative to disposable menstrual pads. There is no risk of exposure to synthetic chemicals because organic cotton is chemical-free. The top and absorption layers of our reusable cloth menstrual pads are also unbleached and aren’t dyed. No chemical exposure means no risk to your health or your vagina.

2.Can I Get An Infection From Using Reusable Cotton Pads for Period?

Definitely not. The breathability and absorption properties of LUCKYPADS reusable cotton pads make them vulva and vagina friendly. These properties also protect you from infection.

To understand what causes vaginal infections, we need to talk about your vaginal microbiome.

Never heard of it?

You've probably heard about ‘gut bacteria’ which is the microbiome in your intestines. This microbiome is a collection of trillions of tiny microorganisms that include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome is thought to have a powerful influence on your health and wellbeing.

Like your gut, your vagina has a dynamic microbiome too.  This collection of microorganisms plays a crucial role in keeping you and your vagina healthy — whether you know it's there or not!

Vaginal infection trouble starts when we disrupt the harmony of our vaginal microbiome. If we create an environment where certain bacteria in our vagina can rapidly multiply, things can get out of balance. When this happens, we risk causing an infection like bacterial vaginosis or thrush. (Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast such as Candida.)

Because we make LUCKYPADS reusable cotton pads from organic cotton, they don't interfere with the balance of your vaginal microbiome. Organic cotton is a naturally breathable material that effectively absorbs your menstrual blood and other moisture from your body (such as sweat).  At the same time, it leaves everything else (including your vaginal microbiome) as it should be. Using LUCKYPADS reusable cotton pads doesn't disrupt the delicate harmony that is necessary for your vagina to be healthy.

As well as your choice of pads, practicing good hygiene during your menstrual cycle is essential for keeping your vagina free from various infections. Simple menstrual hygiene practices can be easy to overlook but go a long way towards maintaining good vaginal health. To keep your vagina healthy during your period you should: 

• Shower daily
• Change your pads regularly. At LUCKYPADS we recommend changing your LUCKYPADS reusable cotton pads every 3-4 hours
• Wear cotton underwear (avoid synthetic materials, especially in the gusset of your underwear)
• Avoid douching (a method of washing out the vagina) 
• Avoid vaginal cleansing products as can upset your vaginal biome

3. What About The Smell? Will Reusable Period Pads Make Me Feel Nauseous Just Like Disposable Pads Do?

Using LUCKYPADS won’t create odor issues — reusable period pads are a much better choice when it comes to odor than disposable pads.

Healthy, normal menstrual blood has a very slight smell that no-one else would be able to notice. The scent is from the combination of blood, tissue, and fluid that your body expels during your period — it's mild, undetectable, and most importantly, healthy and normal. 

Bad or strong odors during your period are most likely related to bacteria accumulating. Secondary vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, in particular, can cause a sharp, fishy smell. Bacteria thrive and explode in numbers when the environment is warm and moist. It's critical to ensure your choice of menstrual hygiene products doesn't inadvertently create an environment that bacteria will love. Keeping the area around your vulva as dry as possible is essential to prevent odor problems.

Disposable pads use synthetic materials and plastics which trap heat and moisture — when your pad isn't breathable the bacteria population booms — cue period odor.

In contrast to this, organic cotton such as the cotton we use in LUCKYPADS is very breathable, which prevents odor problems. Cotton is a natural fiber that absorbs moisture rather than repelling it — keeping the area around your vulva nice and dry. It also allows for airflow. This right combination absorbency and airflow is the perfect way to prevent bacteria build-up and odor problems.

As an extra precaution against bacteria build-up and odor from your period, consider wearing cotton underwear as well as using reusable peirod pads. The reason is similar — the cotton will allow airflow and also absorb sweat and keep the area around your vulva dry. 

Cotton is a wonder fabric!

4. Will Reusable Sanitary Pads Irritate The Sensitive Skin Of My Vulva?

The skin of your vulva is delicate and sensitive — so it’s not surprising it can be vulnerable to irritation. Because of the materials we use in LUCKYPADS reusable sanitary pads, they won’t irritate the skin of your vulva.

For some women wearing a disposable pad means itching, swelling, and redness. If you take a moment to consider what's involved in the construction of a disposable pad, it makes sense. There are so many materials and components that have the potential to irritate.  

In disposable pads, you'll find compounds called polyolefins which are also used in clothing, straws, and ropes. Typically absorbent foam, gel or wood celluloses are found in the 'absorbent core' of disposable pads. Then you've got adhesives and synthetic fragrances. Mix that with a whole bunch of other chemicals, and you have many possible causes of skin irritation.

LUCKYPADS reusable sanitary pads are simpler and gentler. The top and absorption layers are unbleached and undyed organic cotton. The inside of the outer layer of LUCKYPADS has a special waterproof coating. The pads are fastened onto your underwear with body-friendly plastic snaps. That's it! No wood cellulose, gels, chemicals, fragrances or adhesives. Certainly no chemicals in direct contact with your vulva.

The other benefit of organic cotton is that it's soft to touch and breathable — precisely what the vulva needs.

The simplicity of LUCKPADS and the choice of safe and gentle construction materials mean our reusable sanitary pads won’t irritate the sensitive skin of your vulva. They’ll care for it instead.

5. Can Using Reusable Menstrual Pads Help Relieve My Cramps?

Many women who use reusable menstrual pads report they have noticed a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of their menstrual cramps since switching over from disposables. You can find numerous first-hand accounts from women who've experienced this phenomenon on forums that discuss menstrual health.

We don't know for sure why this happens. One theory is that eliminating chemical exposure from disposable pads may play a role. Another thought is that improved comfort and a positive relationship with your menstrual cycle may reduce stress, which could impact hormone production.

Whatever the reason, many women agree the reduction in menstrual cramps from using reusable menstrual pads such as LUCKYPADS is very real.

Over to you

LUCKYPADS offers a healthy and hygienic alternative to disposable pads. By switching to reusable cloth pads, you're protecting your health by eliminating exposure to chemicals contained in disposable products and protecting the balance of your vaginal biome.

You can also feel good knowing the delicate skin of your vulva will only come into contact with materials that are gentle, natural, and breathable. 

You may even find switching to LUCKYPADS can support reducing the discomfort and occurrence of your menstrual cramps.

What do you think? Is it time to take the leap and give reusable cloth pads a try? 

You won’t regret it!