We all have different names for our period. From aunty flow to the red wedding, most of us don’t look forward to this monthly visit. Especially because traditional pads and tampons cost quite a bit of cash. So if you are looking for alternatives to these, here are a couple that you can get your hands on.

Menstrual cup

Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930’s, but they have only grown in popularity in the past 10 years. What it does is that you insert it and then it collects the blood from your period, which you then dump out every 10-12 hours. This means that you don’t need to go to the bathroom as often when you’re using it. It is also made of healthcare grade silicone so that it fits comfortably. You can get your own from My Own Cup, MCup and then the awesome Princess D Menstrual Cup.

Period panties

If you are worried about potential shifting and bulkiness of pads, a useful alternative could be period panties. There are now a number of companies that build pads right into the lining of your underwear. These products are also washable meaning that you don’t have to buy pads or tampons every month – and that means it’s also great for the environment. You should be able to order your own from THINX.

Menstrual sponges

While many people might not know about these, menstrual sponges are a renewable resource and can serve as a natural alternative to tampons. They are also comfortable and when properly cared for it can last you up to six months. The only disadvantage with these is that they can be very messy and a bit of a challenge to remove. However, because they are made from a renewable resource, not only are they great for the environment, they are also great for your wallet. Get your own from Faithful to Nature.

Reusable pads

If you are stuck in your old ways and would rather stick to pads, there are reusable ones available out there. Hannahpad and Subz Pads are both South African companies that provide washable cloth pads, some made with cool designs. So if you’d like to make a switch, you can always start with reusable pads and see where that takes you.

There are many alternatives out there to pads and tampons. While some of these may seem a little daunting to use at first, most are surprisingly easy to use and to take care of. So if you want to save some money and help to protect the environment you have a variety of choices to chose from.