.png){kind=logo}
International Women's Day is a reminder of the progress made in advancing women's rights and equality worldwide. As we celebrate this important day, it's crucial to reflect on women’s health and wellness, particularly concerning menstrual health, an essential yet often overlooked aspect of their well-being.
In this blog, we will be covering the most popular menstrual products and considerations to take when making a decision on what to use.
1. Menstrual Pads
Material - Made of absorbent materials like cotton or synthetic materials with an adhesive backing.
Usage - Placed on underwear to absorb menstrual blood. They should be changed every 4 to 6 hours, but the frequency may vary depending on the flow's heaviness.
Benefits - Easy to use, available in various sizes and thicknesses, and suitable for light to heavy flow.
2. Tampons
Material - Made of cotton or a blend of rayon and cotton.
Usage - Inserted inside to absorb menstrual blood. They should be changed every 4 to 8 hours, also depending on the flow's intensity.
Benefits - Convenient, discreet, and suitable for swimming or sports. They come in various sizes and absorbencies.
3. Menstrual Cups
Material - Typically made of medical-grade silicone or latex.
Usage - Inserted inside to collect menstrual blood. They can be worn for up to 12 hours and should be emptied, rinsed, and re-inserted regularly.
Benefits - Reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. They can hold more blood than tampons, and are also suitable for active lifestyles.
4. Period Underwear
Material - Made of absorbent fabric with a waterproof layer.
Usage - Worn like regular underwear to absorb menstrual blood. They can be washed and reused.
Benefits - Eco-friendly, comfortable, and can be used alone or as a backup to other menstrual products.
Disposable vs. Reusable
Disposable Products - Convenient and easy to use, but can generate waste and be costly over time.
Reusable Products - Environmentally friendly, cost-effective in the long run, but require regular cleaning and maintenance.
When choosing between disposable and reusable products, consider the convenience of disposable products versus the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of reusable ones. But factors such as flow, comfort, and health considerations should also be taken into account. It's important to ensure the product is made of safe materials that do not cause irritation or allergies. Explore different options to figure out what works best for you!
Access to menstrual products is a fundamental right that should be available to all women. Unfortunately, many women around the world still struggle to access affordable and hygienic menstrual products. This can lead to health issues and impact a woman's ability to participate fully in daily activities.
However, for our Essential Plan members, UHC’s new $75 OTC Card covers some! Find the list of feminine care products that can be bought at CVS here.
New UHC card members can also enjoy Annual Gym Reimbursements of up to $400. For each plan year, you can receive reimbursement of up to $400. That is $200 for each six-month enrollment period, as long as you have an active gym membership and a total of 50 visits (only one visit per calendar day will count).
Gynecological Visits
The Essential Plan also includes gynecological visits. Routine gynecological visits and Well-Woman Exams are covered in full.
* Well-Woman Exams - A well-woman examination is an exam offered to women to review elements of their reproductive health. The exam includes a breast examination, a pelvic examination, and a Pap smear, and may include other procedures.
Welcome to Kimber Health, the premier healthcare solution for international students from over 100 countries. Our mission is to provide exceptional yet affordable healthcare options that cater to the unique needs of the global student community. Experience comprehensive healthcare coverage with our groundbreaking $0 Essential Plan, which offers a suite of benefits including free preventive care, dental and vision care, $75 OTC expense card every quarter and even a gym membership reimbursement. We also have competitively priced plans designed that not only meet but exceed university waiver requirements, enabling students to easily waive their university insurance and save thousands of dollars each year. Choose Kimber Health for cost-effective, high-quality healthcare that supports your educational journey abroad.