Swapping tampons for natural sponges – yay or nay?
8.8.2023
Translation: Eva Francis
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
I stopped using tampons and started using a natural sponge instead. It’s considered an environmentally friendly alternative to the white cotton plugs. Here’s how it went.
Note: After I published this review, Hera Organics sent me an e-mail to inform me that some of the struggles I initially had were soon to be improved. I've mentioned these new features at the end of this article.
When I’m on my period, I use tampons. Lots and lots of them. That’s why I wanted to switch to using a menstrual cup years ago. However, my gynaecologist advised me against it. Not because the cup is bad, but because the negative pressure it creates isn’t compatible with my coil. The other day, my colleague Aline drew my attention to natural sponges by the brand Hera Organics – a kind of natural and reusable tampon. Worth a try.
First impressions
The sponges come in packs of three. In other words, each box contains three natural sponges of the same size. Three sizes are available – S, M and L – which you can choose depending on how heavy your flow is. Once unpacked, I realise the size indication isn’t exact. These sponges are natural products, so their shapes and sizes vary greatly. Some sponges of different size categories look almost identical. A size M, for instance, might also pass as a size S. Nevertheless, I tried to approximate the dimensions of the sizes:
S about 5 cm × 3 cm
M about 6 cm × 3,5 cm
L about 7 cm × 4 cm
Source: Natalie Hemengül
According to the manufacturer, you should only use a sponge for two to three menstrual cycles and then replace it. This makes sponges more sustainable than tampons, at least in terms of waste and degradability. But they’re not nearly as durable as menstrual cups, which you can use for up to ten years, depending on the manufacturer.
Preparation
Before I can get started, I have to do some prep work. I pluck visible fibres (from the fabric bag?) from the sponges and then place them in a vinegar-water solution with a ratio of 1:2 overnight to clean them. That’s what the instructions say. Sounds simple, but it’s not. The sponges only absorb water very, very, very slowly, which is why they first dance around on the surface of the water. To ensure they’re cleaned equally well from all sides, I weigh them down with a plate. After the first hour I already have another problem – the vinegar has attracted fruit flies. I don’t want to fish my period sponges out of a graveyard of fruit flies tomorrow, so I cover the plate with a sieve – I think nostalgically of my good old tampons.
According to the instructions, I need to carry out this ritual before and after my cycle.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Source: Natalie Hemengül
The next morning, more dissolved fibres are floating in the pool of vinegar water. I rinse the sponges thoroughly under running water and, as instructed by the manufacturer, examine them for any natural leftovers such as stones that might be stuck in the holes.
The test phase
What I didn’t expect is that Hera Organics also warns against using a sponge if you have a coil, as the sponge could get caught in it. I’m a bit annoyed for a moment, but then decide to continue the self-experiment at my own risk. At worst, I’ll end up at the gynaecologist.
In and out; in and out...
I make my first attempts in the shower. Unlike a regular tampon, you need to insert the sponge when it’s wet. Squeeze it between your thumb and forefinger and insert it – that’s the theory. My practice leaves a lot to be desired. It takes mental effort for me to insert something that doesn’t have a retractable cord. I briefly consider attaching one to the sponge myself, but then dismiss the idea.
I have that same feeling I had when I was a teenager, desperately trying to get into the tampon game. Back then, it took me countless attempts. And it’s the same story today. Again and again, I squeeze the sponge into an elongated shape and try to insert it. All while squatting. But every time, just before I’m supposed to give the sponge the final push, I’m overcome with the fear that I won’t be able to get it out again. So I back off and pull it out. This goes on for 15 minutes. (How on earth do people do it who use a diaphragm? Respect!)
Eventually, I get so annoyed with myself that I just take the plunge. Anyone who’s ever used a tampon knows that if you can still feel it, you’ve done it wrong. The same applies to the sponge. And I definitely still feel it. What to do? Well, there’s no getting around taking it out again. So I squat down again. According to Hera Organics, squatting shortens the depth of the vagina – from nine to ten centimetres to four to five centimetres. At the same time, I tense my pelvic floor and lo and behold, I get hold of the sponge and pull it out. Turns out my concerns were unfounded.
I give the sponge another quick wash and then decide to cut it into the elongated shape of a tampon. This is an option according to the instructions, but turns my size M into an S. Of course I could have opted for an S in the first place, but I’m here to test all options. Also, it’s good to know that you can always cut a larger sponge into a smaller size. Why? Well, there’s no need to order several packages in different sizes.
I give it another go and this time, the sponge is in the right place and I can finally hop out of the shower.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Wearing a sponge
At first, I don’t trust the sponge and put on period underwear, too. Just in case. After two hours – earlier than expected – the sponge makes itself felt. I dash to the toilet, where I discover a new way to remove it easily: sitting on the toilet, I put my feet on my Squatty Potty (a toilet stool for pleasant, anatomy-friendly shi...). This makes the sponge slide down by itself and I get a grip on it.
Tip: If you ever have trouble getting the sponge out, the manufacturer recommends a vaginal douche. A fully soaked sponge slides down automatically.
Mine isn’t soaked. So I wash and squeeze it out before reinserting it. This time, all’s fine for three hours. According to the manufacturer, it’s advisable to change the sponge every two to three hours anyway – after seven hours at the very latest. Still, I wonder if I can feel the sponge sooner than I’m used to from using a tampon because it’s already soaked when I insert it. This might shorten the time you can wear it, but it also has the advantage that you’re not tempted to leave it in too long. And very importantly, it doesn’t feel like every last bit of liquid is being sucked out of my abdomen.
I don’t get to experience wearing it for the mentioned seven hours this week. My maximum is four. I also don’t experiment with different sizes, as each sponge would require me to try out how to best place the shape and size. Besides, I don’t think I can fit anything larger into me than my tailored M sponge. It doesn’t leak once. Throughout the night, however, I prefer using a sanitary pad, as there’s a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome with natural sponges.
Whenever I sneeze, I feel the sponge. The tension in the pelvic floor makes it slide out a bit. In this case, I recommend checking and, if need, be, reinserting it. This also happens with tampons, but only when they’re completely soaked.
At home, removing and washing out the sponge isn’t a problem. Public toilets are a different story. One option would be to carry a water bottle with you and use it to wash out the sponge over the toilet. That’s not for me.
Plus, how hygienic is a sponge that’s wet throughout the week and is only washed out? I have my doubts.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
My verdict
Yes, menstrual sponges work. And they even make me feel like a nature-loving elf at times – until everyday life strikes. For a leisurely day at home, these sponges are a useful addition to my period products portfolio. However, if you travel a lot and experience heavier bleeding than I do, the frequent washing and reinserting could quickly get on your nerves. For my part, I’m not willing to compromise, especially since my period already comes with plenty of other inconveniences in everyday life. As so often, it’s a question of personal priorities.
Note: Hera Organics will soon launch a simpler cleansing solution that will shorten the cleansing process. Newer instructions state that the sponges can also be worn with an IUD without any problems, as Hera Organics states to have clarified this with a medical team. The maximum wearing time of 7 hours has been increased to 8 hours in newer instructions. In addition, a sponge that's easier to remove and a convenient solution for changing the sponge on the go are to be launched soon.
Want to read more about this topic? My colleague Maike recently published an article about Free Bleeding:
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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