Menstrual Sea Sponges

Did You Know? Tampons can take up to 5 years to biodegrade; and most commercial brands contain harsh synthetic chemicals and bleaching agents. Menstrual sponges on the other hand break down quickly and harmlessly.

Sustainability and regrowth:

Sea sponges have the ability to regenerate from fragments left from the original sponge. When a sponge is correctly harvested, the base of the sponge remains intact, so that it has the ability to regrow, and can be harvested again and again.

Sea sponges and veganism:

By definition, sea sponges are classified as animals and not plants; however, sponges have no organs, brains or nervous systems, meaning that they do not feel any pain. When they are correctly harvested, sea sponges are not injured or damaged; they grow back stronger, and also release spores to form new sponges. This process is similar to pruning a plant in order to keep it healthy. Some vegans might feel that using a natural sea sponge contradicts the vegan belief system or lifestyle; while some others may not. The choice is yours to make.

Sea sponges and TSS:

Always be aware of the symptoms of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome); this is a rare condition associated with internal menstrual products. Because sea sponges are natural and do not cause dryness or abrasion, they are less likely than ordinary tampons to trigger TSS.

Directions

Before first use:

• Check and clean your sponges before the first time you use them. You may find small particles of shells and coral in the sponges; simply rinse and rub these out of the sponge.
• Like tampons, sea sponges are not sterile. Soak your sponge in a cup of warm water with a little vinegar to disinfect it, then allow it to air-dry.

Insertion:

• Wet your sponge with warm water until soft. Squeeze out the excess water.
• Squash the sponge and gently insert it as you would a tampon, until it feels secure.
• You can also trim the perimeter of your sponge a little at a time, until you are comfortable with the size.

Removal:

• Feel for the perimeter of the sponge, grasp it and pull gently; sponges are delicate and can tear quite easily.

Cleaning:

• During your cycle, simply remove and rinse your menstrual sponge with warm water, with every trip to the toilet, or when the sponge is full.
• Gently squeeze out the excess water before re-inserting the sponge.

Care:

• Between each cycle, disinfect your sponge.
• Do NOT use soap or detergent.
• Soak the sponge in warm water and vinegar for 10 minutes, then leave to air-dry.
• You can also add a few drops of Lavender or Tea Tree oill to the water when disinfecting your sponges.