Alternative to tampons or menstrual cupsSea sponge tampons are natural sea sponges that are inserted into the vagina to absorb the blood, then rinsed out and used again. Sponges are reusable, in constant use they will last around 6-12 months. When they start to tear they should be replaced.
Any natural sea sponge can be used to absorb menstrual blood. You can purchase sponges that are specifically designed for this or you can also purchase sea sponges for bath/cosmetic/art use in that case you may need to trim it to a desired shape and size.
Once you have purchased a sponge, you should wash it thoroughly to remove any sand particles or other debris. Some sources say to boil the sponges in water for 10 minutes to sterilize them. Boiling the sponges can shorten their lifespan, so some sources do not recommend this, and suggest using other methods, such as soaking in vinegar, tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide solutions.Advantages
· Cheaper than tampons in the long run, and much cheaper than menstrual cup initially.
· More comfortable to wear than tampons (and perhaps even more comfortable than menstrual cups), you may not even feel it is there.
· Can be trimmed to a desired shape and size.
Disadvantages
· No proof they are safe. The softness of the sponge allows it to easily fall apart, sometimes leaving pieces in your vagina, which can, and has lead to, toxic shock syndrome.
· No strings or stems to make removal easier.
· Not very effective for heavy flow.
