I like being a — pardon the pun — sponge when it comes to — pardon the pun again — absorbing information. For this reason alone, I’m not ashamed in the least to admit that it wasn’t until just a few months ago that I even knew that there was such a thing as a menstrual sponge in the world. Yet, before even getting into all of that, after also learning that the terms sea sponge and menstrual sponge are basically used interchangeably, I was curious to know if a sea sponge can hook a sistah up in other ways, too.
Boy, can it. Did you know that sea sponges contain chemicals that help to fight off viral infections? Oh, and let’s keep going. Did you also know that sea sponges are a great skin exfoliator? Yeah, and let’s push on further.
Reportedly, sea sponges are also beneficial when it comes to blending make-up (you know, for using as a make-up sponge) and increasing blood circulation — and since they are biodegradable, antifungal, and highly sustainable, so long as you cleanse them with vinegar and allow them to dry in well-ventilated spots, they really are a great all-natural, holistic investment.
Okay, so am I saying that this same kind of sponge can be used during your period like a menstrual cup or disc? Yes. Well, sort of. That is what I am just about to get into if you’ve got a couple of minutes to read further.
Can Sea Sponges Really Be Used During Your Period?
Yes, a Sea Sponge and Menstrual Sponge Are Basically the Same Thing
GiphyI guess without really realizing it, there is a show from a few years back that was preparing me to pen this. It’s called the Secret Diary of a Call Girl and there’s a particular episode when one of the characters unexpectedly came on her period and the main character told her that sticking a piece of sponge up her vagina would temporarily…remedy the situation (chile).
Apparently, there is some truth to this because, aside from all of the other things that a sea sponge is useful for, there are people who opt to insert it into their vagina in a way similar that they would a tampon. In fact, a lot of people refer to it as being a “stringless tampon.”
So, do you use a literal sea sponge in this case? For some individuals, yes, exactly that. Another alternative is to go with a synthetic type of a sea sponge which is oftentimes known as being a soft tampon. Different options of sea sponges (that are used for menstrual purposes) can be found here.
And just why would you want to go with a sea sponge over the other period product options that are currently available? Good question.
Pros & Cons Of Menstrual Sponges Compared To Cups & Discs
3 Reasons Why a Sea Sponge Is Worth Considering
GiphyHonestly, whether it’s a pad, tampon, menstrual cup, menstrual disc or even a pair of period panties, everything has its own list of pros and cons. Today, since we are tackling a sea sponge, let’s talk about the benefits as well as the challenges that come with it specifically. Benefits first.
1. It’s super comfortable and fairly absorbent. One of the main reasons why some women opt for sea sponges is because they are incredibly comfortable to wear. I mean, think about it — sponges are really soft and they easily accommodate whatever they are inside of. And honestly, that makes them an even bigger winner when it comes to your vagina and your period because they go in without any discomfort and then slowly expand in order to collect the blood that you lose while you are on your cycle.
2. It’s reusable. I once read that the average woman spends between $120-180 annually on menstrual products. Thing is, when you opt for something like a menstrual cup or a sea sponge, they are reusable which means that you are able to keep more coins in your pocket. Plus, when it comes to sea sponges, most of them are designed to last for 6-12 months before you need to get yourself a new one — and that makes them something that are easy on your pockets and good for the environment too.
3. It’s affordable. This damn country right now. SMDH. Yet I digress. What I will say is the cost of living doesn’t appear to be going down any time soon and so, the fact that you can find a sea sponge (for your period) for under $20, when you know that you can use it over and over again for at least six cycles? How is that NOT a major win?
3 Reasons Why Sea Sponges Might Not Be Worth the Hype
GiphyAight. So, what is the other side of the sea sponge coin? Yeah…I won’t lie to you — there are definitely some other things to consider before going all in with one.
1. Many Are Not FDA-approved. First, read this: “Sea sponges labeled as 'menstrual sponges,' 'hygienic sponges,' or 'sanitary sponges,' intended for use as menstrual tampons, are regarded as significant risk devices requiring premarket approval under Section 515.” Because sea sponges run enough of a risk of exposing its customers to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), that’s one of the main reasons why the FDA isn’t exactly thrilled about most sea sponge products.
Definitely don’t overlook that — and also, if your flow is pretty heavy, other than on your light days, a sea sponge probably wouldn’t serve you very well.
2. Removing it can be quite the ordeal. Listen, although I was a late one to enter into the (in my opinion) truly wonderful world of menstrual cups, I did almost quit in the beginning stages of using one because there ABSOLUTELY is a learning curve on how to get them in correctly and how to take them out (so that there is as little mess and spillage as possible). And from what I hear about sea sponges? Chile, that is the absolute worst part of using one.
I get it too because, when you really stop to think about it, a sponge that has nothing but blood in it? And since, unlike a tampon (which has a string) and a menstrual cup (which has a rim), there is nothing to “grip” the sponge with, when you’re trying to take it out, that could cause you to end up with a mini-crime scene on your hands (yes, literally). Plus, sponges aren’t the strongest things in the world, so you do run the risk of them breaking apart while trying to take them out. Whew.
3. Cleaning them. Hmm. Another reason why the FDA sees sea sponges as a cause for concern is — they can be a real doozy when it comes to thoroughly cleaning them in order to reuse them. See, unlike a menstrual cup (that is typically made out of silicone) that you can toss in some boiling water to automatically sterilize it, sea sponges require way more elbow grease.
I have read that soaking a sea sponge in a combination of vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil and peroxide in a cup of warm water (for 5-10 minutes) on a daily basis can do the cleansing trick. Other people use apple cider vinegar. The main thing to keep in mind here is that the cleaning part is a bit on the high-maintenance side — which can be a downer if high-maintenance is absolutely not your thing.
How To Use Sea Sponges As Period Care
How Do You Insert and Remove a Sea Sponge?
GiphyThere is nothing worse than trying out a new “thing” and having to spend 10 minutes hunting down some thorough instructions. SMDH. Since I can absolutely relate to that, I wanted to briefly explain how the “entrance” and “exit” of sea sponges work.
ENTRANCE
- Wet the sponge with some water-based lube (for easy entry).
- Lie on your back or squat down in order to insert the sponge into your vagina (like you would a tampon).
- Push it up as far as it will comfortably go.
- Prepare to change it out every 2-4 hours (just to be on the safe side).
EXIT
- Get into the same position to take the sea sponge out as you did to put it in.
- Use your index finger and thumb (like you are pinching something) to grip the sponge.
- Grasp as much of the sponge as possible and pull it out.
BONUS: Keep in mind that it’s going to be bloody, and so doing this over a toilet is super ideal.
___
Would I ever consider using a sea sponge? Eh. Definitely not on day 2-3 of my cycle yet on the lighter days, I would give it a shot — due to the organic materials that it’s made from alone. Okay, but would I choose it over a menstrual cup? I ain’t got no lies to tell you — after knowing the pros and cons of sea sponges and menstrual cups…HELL NO. LOL.
Still, I do think that a sea sponge is something that y’all should know about…just so you’re aware of all of your options.
And either way, I do think that you should get a sea sponge, for other reasons, in general. Even if, when it comes to your own period…you’ll pass.
At least for now.
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