Smitten is happy to announce that we are now carrying the innovative DivaCup and we are currently the exclusive distributor in Brandon for Lunapads!

The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women freedom without the worry, unreliability and health risks that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.

Lunapads reusable menstrual products are eco-friendly, money-saving, healthy alternatives to disposable pads and tampons. Women who have already made the choice to use Lunapads washable menstrual pads and The DivaCup for their periods report many advantages from worry free menstrual periods to less cramping and vaginal irritation.

What most women don’t know is what their store-bought feminine hygiene products are actually manufactured from (hint: it’s not cotton like they say) and the issues they can cause, both short-term and long-term.

The DivaCup, what is it?

The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup manufactured from 100% silicone that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and flexible, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove and because all of the flow is collected in it you do not come into contact with it.  It can be worn up to 12 hours, can be worn overnight and poses no risk of TSS.

The DivaCup is also latex, BPA and plastic free and contains no dyes, colors or additives.

For more detailed information on the DivaCup visit www.divacup.com or our store!

For more information on the risks of pads and tampons keep reading.

Lunapads, what are they?

Lunapads are an innovative pad manufactured with layers absorbent cotton. They can be purchased according to size and women’s needs.  They are machine washable and dryer safe. Depending on your flow you can choose between the pads (for heavier flow) or the liners (for lighter flow).  They even have liners for thong panties!  Lunapads panty-liners are also great as a backup when you are first starting to use the DivaCup and for light incontinence.

For more detailed information on Lunapads visit the FAQ section on their website at http://lunapads.com/tips-and-advice/lunapads-overview#lpincont.

Risks Associated with Feminine Hygiene Products

Most feminine hygiene products on the market are typically derived from wood, wood pulp or rayon.  When these materials are processed they are disinfected with chlorine bleach resulting in by-products such as dioxins & trihalomethanes, both of which are environmental pollutants, toxins & known carcinogens.  To add to the list of undesirables in these products, the plastics that they are often manufactured from frequently contain phthalates and BPA, both known carcinogens.

These many foreign materials used to manufacture these products can lead to reactions, infections and even long term health problems.

What is in Tampons?

If you were to break open an unused tampon you will notice an abundant amount of tiny particles that let loose and ‘float’ into the air.  When a tampon is used and removed, these particles from the processed tampons are left behind in the body including the toxic by-products.

Another risk of tampon use is TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome, mostly caused by toxic by-products.  Risk of TSS is reduced by changing the tampon every 4-6 hours and alternating use with with pads. It is important to note that TSS has never been associated with use of organic/silicone materials as they are free of dioxins.

During an interview with Dr. Philip M. Tierno, Jr. (Director of Clinical Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology at Tisch Hospital), he was asked, “Does anyone know what tampons are made of besides the manufacturer?” His response was a simple “No”.  The FDA states that is proprietary information and therefore cannot be released. So we can know what is in beauty products that you put ON your body, but have no clue what you put INSIDE your body.

What is in Pads?

The cover sheet and absorbent core of most pads are made from synthetic plastics and is treated with chorine bleach, therefore, has the same dioxins and disinfection by-products as tampons. When taken apart the inner absorbent pour starts to disintegrate and release particles, similar to tampons.

In addition to the toxins, when plastic materials are put against the skin it reduces the ventilation or breathability of the skin in that area, making it more moist and warm which increases the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of infections (bladder infections, yeast infections, etc.).

To add to an already growing concern, the new generation of feminine hygiene products are going from treated wood pulp to plastic pours (petrochemicals) loaded with synthetics, the new pads are not getting safer for your heath they are actually getting worse.