The Covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption around the world. There have been more than 26k deaths in the US alone and many more in other countries. In an attempt to contain the virus, many countries have implemented draconian lockdown measures, where the population has been ordered to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.
So far, lockdown does seem to be slowing down the rate of infection. In China, where the coronavirus was first seen, lockdown successfully flattened the curve and prevented more deaths. In the US, 95% of Americans have been ordered to stay in their homes for the time being. This has had a huge impact on ordinary lives. Stores are closed, businesses have furloughed their staff, and tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs.
Life Goes On – Despite Lockdown
But despite the lockdown, there are some aspects of life that continue as normal. One of these is our monthly period. Sadly, not even Covid-19 can prevent that from occurring!
If you’re stuck at home, self-isolating to protect vulnerable relatives or because you have symptoms of Covid-19, you might be wondering how to cope with your period. Many stores are closed, and essential supplies are in short supply, thanks to panic buying and supply chain disruption. Luckily, online shopping is still a thing, so all is not lost.
Coping with Monthly Periods
Tampons and sanitary pads may be the more common way to cope with periods, but modern women have plenty of other options. Reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and period panties are actually a better option while you’re self-isolating.
Research carried out by a menstrual product company says women use a minimum of 21 tampons per over one cycle, not just seven tampons, as one social media commenter claimed. If a woman is in a state where lockdown is compulsory or she lives with a vulnerable person and is self-isolating, she’ll need at least 63 tampons plus around 21 sanitary towels for night-time use. This could be tricky if local stores are closed and those that remain open have empty shelves, or she can’t leave the house.
Instead of worrying about buying tampons and pads, it’s a much better idea to switch to a reusable product.
The Advantages of Reusable Menstrual Products
Menstrual cups and period panties offer a lot of advantages. Both can be reused time and again, instead of being discarded and ending up in a landfill somewhere. If a woman is in self-isolation, she can use her menstrual cup or period panties, wash, and reuse, as often as needed. It makes a lot more sense. In addition, reusable menstrual products are much better for the environment. They don’t contain toxic, non-recyclable materials such as plastic, which causes such damage to our planet.
Cost is also an issue to consider.
Covid-19 has caused thousands of businesses to close and millions of people have lost their primary source of income. Some families can barely afford to pay their rent, let alone find the money for menstrual products.
One way to reduce the cost of menstruation is by switching to reusable products. There is an upfront cost when buying a menstrual cup or period panties, but once you have these products, you don’t need to replace them for a long time. This saves money in the long run.
It also saves women the cost of replacing ruined underwear following disastrous leaks.
The Advantages of Having Your Period During Self-Isolation
A period can last from a few days to a week or more. Whether you use reusable menstrual products or stick with your trusty box of tampons, there are some advantages to being stuck in self-isolation when Aunty Flow comes to visit.
Some women suffer breakouts a couple of days before their period arrives, caused by a surge in hormones. Breaking out in huge zits isn’t pretty. Thankfully, if you are self-isolating, nobody can see your spots. However, it’s a good idea to avoid joining any video conferencing meetings and webinars, unless you are willing to put your makeup on.
Periods are a time when we can wallow in self-pity, eating lots of chocolate and binge-watching Netflix rom coms. Whereas your time for doing this is limited under normal circumstances, self-isolation means you can eat as much chocolate as you like and stay in your PJs all day long. Nobody will know.
Don’t let self-isolation drag you down. Put your order in for reusable menstrual products and binge-eat chocolate today!
