Reusable products for menstrual hygiene are becoming increasingly popular today. After all, they are also much more environmentally friendly in use and in some cases more health-friendly than disposable products. In addition to menstrual cups and cloth pads, menstrual sponges are also popular.
What is a menstrual sponge?
Menstrual sponge is also known as Levantine sponge because its cultivation area is located on the Levantine coast. Menstrual sponge is also known as Levantine sponge because its cultivation area is located on the Levantine coast. The menstrual sponge is an absolutely sustainable natural product: when harvested, the root is preserved so that it can grow again until the next harvest. The sponge is one of the oldest hygiene products and is used in a similar way to a tampon. The user wears it in the vagina during menstruation. Its advantage over conventional disposable tampons is that it can be cleaned again and used over several menstrual cycles. In addition, it is completely free of chemical pollutants. The sponges can be worn complementary with menstrual cups. Both products are available at pharmacies, pro familia counseling centers or online stores.
Forms, types and styles
Because the Levantine sponge is an all-natural product, it does not have a uniform shape. Also, the size may vary from product to product. On average, the menstrual sponge has a round to slightly oval shape and a size of five to seven centimeters. There are also products available on the market that can be cut to any size. However, when wet, the shape and size can change. Therefore, cutting should be done only after moistening and trial wearing. If the sponge is perceived as uncomfortable, then the size is not yet correct. In case of very heavy bleeding, two sponges can also be inserted one after the other to absorb the large amount of blood. For complementary use to the menstrual cup, the sponge should be cut small enough to fit into the menstrual cup. Menstrual sponges are available in two different color shades: unbleached they have a light brownish color and bleached they are yellow.
Structure and function
Menstrual sponges are not used immediately after purchase. They are first placed in a mixture of vinegar and water with a ratio of 1:2. Before each insertion, the sponge is moistened with water and then squeezed. Inserting the sponge works best with two fingers. This is done very similarly to a tampon. It is then pressed deeper into the vagina with the middle finger. If the sponge fits properly, it will take the shape of the vagina. The sponge is cleaned at least every eight hours or even when it has already become full of blood. Menstrual bleeding is heaviest during the first two days. Then the menstrual sponge should be washed out and reinserted after just two to three hours. As soon as the bleeding subsides, it can also remain in the vagina for four to six hours. If used at night, it is not cleaned until the next morning. Removal as well as washing out is quite uncomplicated. When the sponge has soaked up blood, it automatically slides towards the vaginal entrance. This makes it easy to remove with your fingers. However, if it is not yet moist enough, it can be pressed down with the help of the pelvic floor muscles. During cleaning, the sponge is placed under cold running water. Immediate treatment with warm water would cause the blood to clot. This leaves a smear of blood that can no longer be removed from the sponge. Before reinsertion, it is held under lukewarm water and squeezed out again. The warm material is also often found to be more comfortable during insertion. At the end of bleeding, the menstrual sponge is cleaned so that it is as free of blood as possible – but also now first with cold, then with warm water. Under no circumstances should it be boiled or treated with strong cleansers. Now it comes again for a while in the vinegar water, so that all germs are killed. After drying, the sponge is stored in a cotton bag until the next bleeding.
Medical and health benefits
Levantine sponge is absolutely skin-friendly and free of harmful substances due to its natural origin. There are also no known cases of TSS here. TSS stands for Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can occur with the use of tampons. Finally, tampons can contain toxic residues that enter the body through the vaginal mucous membranes. In addition, some of them leave fibers in the vagina, which can cause allergic reactions. The menstrual sponge, on the other hand, is lint-free and at the same time so soft that it does not injure the vaginal mucous membranes when inserted. The natural material also ensures that the vagina does not dry out, since the sponge, unlike a tampon, only absorbs excess fluid. Also in terms of application, the menstrual sponge is not disadvantaged compared to disposable tampons: The pleasant wearing comfort is guaranteed, the sponge remains invisible in the vagina and it is not noticeable to the wearer. However, the sponge may be somewhat less absorbent than a large tampon during heavy bleeding. The maximum wearing time is eight hours, just as with conventional products on the market. Whether at night or even during sports, menstrual sponges can be worn at any time of day. The cost of purchase may be slightly more expensive than a pack of tampons or pads, but the purchase soon pays for itself. Finally, Levantine sponges are designed for use over multiple cycles.