Booster, oh booster, what are you for?

Did you open your Aisle order and find that your undies came with a little extra piece of fabric? This is the almighty booster! It might look like just a thin piece of fabric, but it’s really high-tech & powerful!

It’s a blend of hydrophobic (wicks moisture away from you) and hydrophilic (absorbent) fibers, creating a bit of tech that keeps you dry and feeling fly. Unlike the undies themselves, they are not leakproof, and are merely designed to be a low-bulk way to add absorbency. All of our products outperform disposables; however, keeping absorbency adjustable helps us help you meet your menstrual needs with the product you prefer.

Our undies absorb 2 tampons’ worth of fluid on their own, but if you need a little extra you can add the optional booster for an extra 2 tampons worth. Just tuck the ends into the slits at either end of the gusset, like this:

Two tampons is already a lot, why would I need a booster?

Using a booster is totally optional, but here are some reasons you might want to use one:

Today is a heavy day. 

Having the full four tampons' worth of absorbency may be something you need on your heaviest days, depending on flow. If you’ve got a super heavy flow and know you’re going to need more than four tampons’ worth of absorbency in a day, picking up some extra boosters and swapping them out as the day goes on is an easy and inexpensive way to top up without having to change undies.

You want that fresh undies feeling.

If you want to wear one pair of undies all day and are experiencing a moderate flow, a booster allows you to get that fresh undies feeling without having to change! Just swap out a used booster for a spare (or even just remove it), and you’re good to go. You can put the old booster in a carry bag, or a toiletries bag.

Even if you’re not having a heavy flow day, it can be nice to change it up when going to the bathroom. (Especially if you spent too long scrolling through insta on your phone & the blood in your undies feels a little colder than you’d like!)

To rest easy.

Our undies are super comfy for sleeping (especially the boxer, highly recommend!) If you want to feel doubly sure that your undies can handle the night shift, equipping them with a booster to get a full four tampons’ worth of absorbency is a good way to do it! 

How do I wash them?

The same way as our other fabric products! Rinse it out when you get the chance, then put it through your regular wash/dry cycle (as with other fabrics, wash with like colours).

Overall, the booster is an inexpensive way to add some extra absorbency & help you feel fresh as you go about your day.

Think back to middle school. If your experience was anything like mine, this is when your friends first started talking about periods. Except they didn’t speak about periods in the grown-up, sophisticated way many of us do now, using medically-correct words like vagina, vulva, and menstruation. Instead they giggled and whispered, using silly euphemisms like, “I’m on my ‘dot-at-the-end-of-the-sentence!’” 

Even worse than the euphemisms were the myths. “I can’t run today,” one friend told me. “You can’t exercise when ‘Aunt Flow’ is in town.” Another told me bears can smell the period blood, so don’t ever go camping when you’re on your period. 

Some of the myths surrounding menstruation are downright silly, and easy to dismiss once we grow a little older and wiser. But others are more complicated — maybe it really is worse to exercise when menstrual cramps are already beating up your insides. 

Below, we explain what the experts and research really says about 8 common period myths. 

Your period will sync with your friends’

Although almost anyone who has a period can recount a time when their menstrual cycle “synced” with a roommate or friend’s, the idea that periods sync up isn’t backed by solid science, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

The myth of syncing seems to stem from a 1971 study in the journal Nature, which looked at 135 women in a college dormitory and measured when each woman’s period would start. Seeing “a significant increase in synchronization of onset dates,” the study’s author theorized there might be something phermonal going on. 

More recent studies, however, haven’t been able to replicate these results, nor find any biological reason one person’s period would intentionally match up with another’s. In fact, a 2006 study attempting to replicate the 1971 paper’s results (again studying women living in dorms), found that the 186 women in their sample did not sync up. More tellingly, the researchers revisited the 1971 data and found that any syncing was actually the result of chance. 

So when it feels like biology has purposefully made you sync periods with your roommate, best friend, sibling, or partner, either pairing you with a perfect commiseration partner or getting the misery over in one fell swoop, what really happened is purely math. Mathematically speaking, since menstrual cycles aren’t a perfect, regular 28-days for everyone, your period will eventually cross over with that of anyone else in your house who bleeds.  

Periods attract sharks and/or bears 

While this one might seem too ridiculous to even warrant debunking, it actually has basis in history. According to the National Parks Service, two women camping separately were attacked by grizzly bears in Glacier National Park on August 13, 1967. Following the attacks, there was speculation that the bears were attracted to these women by the smell of menstrual blood. 

A similar myth follows sharks. You may have heard from friends growing up, or from The Cosby Show on Nick at Night (like I did) that sharks can smell period blood — so stay far away from the ocean when you’re on your period. 

Yet, there’s no scientific evidence that either animal will sniff menstrual blood and think, “mmm, dinner!” 

Studies that analyzed hundreds of grizzly bear attacks found no correlation with menstruation, and a study that recorded the responses of 26 black bears to both menstruating women and used tampons found that the bears had no attraction to period blood. Further analysis of bear attacks in Yellowstone National Park between 1979 and 2018 found that of 50 attacks, 78% were on men, and of the 11 women who were hurt in bear attacks, most wandered into the bear’s path on a hike (and the attack had nothing to do with menstruation). 

The same is true of sharks. While sharks do have impeccably good noses (able to sniff out blood at one part per million, according to the American Museum of Natural History), there’s no evidence they’re attracted to period blood.

For one thing, menstrual blood isn’t the same as blood from other parts of your body. It’s a mix of blood, vaginal fluid, and the cells and fluid from the endometrial lining. It’s also not the same as seal’s blood, which is much more likely to attract a shark who likes to eat seals (not people). 

According to the Florida Museum, roughly 80% of recorded shark attacks happen to men, mostly because men are more likely to do sports that put them in the path of sharks (surfing, diving, and spear fishing). Yet, as more women and gender nonconforming people have taken up these sports, there has been no uptick in shark attacks. 

You can’t take a bath when you’re on your period 

Like many period myths, this one lies firmly in the “ew factor” associated with period blood. Some people consider taking a bath when you’re on your period to be unhygienic because blood can leak out and “infect” the bathwater. 

But there’s no real safety risk in taking a bath during your period. John’s Hopkins Children’s Hospital says that blood won’t even leak out most of the time, but if it does “it’s not a big deal.” And the Mayo Clinic actually recommends a hot bath when you’re menstruating. The heat of a bath surrounding your abdominal muscles may be just as effective at relieving menstrual cramps as over-the-counter painkillers, according to the clinic. 

So go ahead, turn on the tap, pour in some bubble bath, and sink into the water. 

Your period will stop when you go swimming

This is one myth that’s actually semi-true. As John’s Hopkins said about baths, most of the time, period blood won’t even leak out. 

That’s because the pressure water puts against the vaginal opening where period blood comes out is often enough to counteract the gravity pulling the blood out when you’re above water. Water pressure is your friend when you want to go swimming without a tampon or menstrual cup.

However, what the myth gets very wrong is that swimming doesn’t stop your period. Even while in the water, you’re shedding your endometrial lining and it’s got to go somewhere. If you cough, sneeze, or move around too much the pressure will change and you will leak small amounts of blood into the water. And when you get out, the blood will start flowing again. 

Periods make you moody

We’ve all heard the barb: “Must be that time of the month.” A common phrase that’s often used to dismiss someone's valid feelings of anger or frustration.

First, let’s address the truth: PMS is a very real medical condition that affects many people who have periods. And it can cause dips in mood that sometimes look like depression or irritability, according to Planned Parenthood. So yes, periods can make you “moody.” 

But let’s go back to that line above — one too many of us have heard from our brothers, male friends, partners, and fathers. PMS is not to blame for every strong emotion we have, and certainly not valid anger. Too often, menstrual cycles are used to brush aside womxn’s anger. We have a right to be angry. 

Period sex is unhealthy 

This is another one that stems deep into the “ew factor” of period blood. Cisgender men interviewed about period sex in the 1930s and 40s said they had learned from friends that sex with someone who was menstruating was not only unsanitary, but would also cause their penises to fall off. More recently, a 2009 study which interviewed 108 women and 12 men found that of those who were sexually active, about half of women said they would never have sex while on their periods. Yet most sexually active men (7 out of 9) said they would have sex with someone who was menstruating. 

Over the years, it seems cisgender men have learned that no, your penis will not fall off if it touches period blood. But there does still seem to be some disgust, and possibly shame, around period sex for cisgender women. 

We know, however, that there is nothing unsanitary about period sex — and as long as everyone involved consents, it’s perfectly safe. In fact, starting in the 1960s, sex education literature made it clear that period sex is totally fine. A 1962 guide stated, “having intercourse even during menstruation can be comforting and good,” according to The Modern Period: Menstruation in Twentieth-Century America. 

Later guides even started explaining the benefits of period sex. Far from being unhealthy, period sex, especially sex that ends in orgasm, can be very helpful in relieving the pain of menstrual cramps! 

You can’t (or shouldn’t) exercise when you’re on your period 

If you, like me, had friends use the period excuse to try to get out of gym, you might start thinking they had a point. How did those gym teachers expect us to run a mile or play volleyball or soccer with menstrual cramps tearing up our insides?

Well, turns out the gym teachers were right — periods are no real reason to skip out on exercise. Research has found no difference in menstruating people’s ability to exercise when they’re on their periods vs. not, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In fact, some research has suggested that people get fewer menstrual cramps when they exercise regularly. So there’s a chance choosing not to skip your run when you’re on your period could actually make you feel better. However, exercising too much can lead to missed periods or can cause your period to stop altogether. Irregular or missing periods are common in athletes who work out hard, but suddenly starting a vigorous exercise routine when you haven’t been working out before could also lead to missed periods. Be sure to talk with your doctor if this happens to you to make sure you’re exercising safely. 

Periods are just for women 

This myth is as outdated as the gender binary it’s based on. As celebrities like J.K. Rowling insist that only women bleed (by which they mean only cisgender women), they ignore the bodies and experiences of transgender men and nonbinary people who have uteruses. All bodies and all genders are valid, and everyone who experiences menstruation deserves recognition and respect for what their body goes through. 

Kasandra Brabaw is a freelance writer and editor with focus on health, sex, and LGBTQ+ identity. You can find her work at Health, Bustle, Women's Health, Allure, and other publications. 

Photo by Margaret Delamater on Scopio

One of the things that gave me pause when I was first looking into reusables for my period was how to care for them. 

I remember having thoughts like... that’s a lot of blood? Isn’t that kind of gross? How do I clean them? Is it safe to reuse something that’s had my blood on it? What if I’m out and want to change a pad? Or empty out my cup?

I’m here to tell you not to worry! There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to reusables, but it really doesn’t take long before the whole process becomes part of your day-to-day routine.

First, the general process for our fabric products (pads, liners, and undies) is, when you’re done with them, rinse them out in cool water and then toss them in the washing machine & dryer with your regular laundry. As with any garment, wash them with like colours. 

Some other tips to extend the lifespan of your pads & undies: 

• Avoid bleach or fabric softener - they will decrease the performance and lifespan of your pads, liners, and undies.
• Don’t leave your pads soaking in water - this can lead to bacterial growth and mold.
• Avoid frequent use of Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxygen bleach products - they might be great for removing blood stains but they’re also super harsh on natural fibers. Instead, try our Stain Eraser.

If you’re only going to be doing laundry once a week, it’s alright to rinse out your pads/undies and leave them somewhere with good airflow until laundry day. 

But what about changing them when I’m out of the house?

We carry wet/dry bags that are great for this! You can also use a toiletries bag.

Fold up some spare pads to bring with you, and then when you need to change, you can swap your used one out for a fresh pad. Here’s how you can fold the used pad to keep the blood on the inside:

I thought they were super absorbent? Why would I need to change it if my flow isn’t that heavy?

This is totally a personal preference thing. For example, sometimes I’m not a huge fan of how a used booster in my undies feels after I go to the washroom when I go to pull them up. (It’s a little too cold for me!) So I just swap out the old booster for a fresh one to feel extra comfortable.

Let’s talk cups.

Yes, let's! Our cup conveniently holds one ounce (30 ml) of fluid and can be worn up to 12 hours a day. Depending on your flow, you may only need to empty out your cup twice a day (once in the morning after you wake up, once before you to bed). If you find your cup consistently overfloweth (not just a small leak, but actually more than 30ml of fluid in small periods of time), you may want to get in touch with your doctor about having a heavy flow.

To clean your cup you should use warm water and a mild, unscented and oil-free soap.

There are some tiny holes located below the rim that should be kept clear and clean. (They help with keeping things leak-proof!) Gently stretch each hole under warm running water to remove any debris.

At the end of your cycle, thoroughly wash, rinse and dry the cup completely. Store it in the cotton bag provided, not in a plastic bag or airtight container.

If you’re out during the day and need to empty your cup in a public washroom, it’s ok to empty it out and clean it off with toilet paper/a paper towel. Wash your hands thoroughly before heading to the stall!

Make sure you check the cup for any pieces of paper that may have stuck to it and remove them before reinserting the cup. Some people also like to bring a small bottle of water with them to rinse out the cup, but it’s not necessary. 

Just remember to give your cup a proper clean the next chance you get!

How often do I need to get a new cup?

Since the Aisle cup is a personal hygiene product, we recommend you inspect it regularly for signs of deterioration such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc. If you detect any of these signs, or you experience irritation, replace it with a new one! 

Depending on factors like vaginal pH, how well and often the cup is cleaned, what you clean it with etc., the lifespan of your cup may vary. Our general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it's up to you to decide when you feel it's necessary.

Some discoloration over time is totally normal. Some folks like to sterilize their cup by boiling it at the beginning and end of their cycle for 1-2 minutes. 

Not so bad, right?

If it’s still overwhelming, try adding just one type of reusable product at a time to your roster until you feel like you’ve got a handle on how to use and care for them. (For reference, I started with pads, then the cup, and added undies relatively recently). It’s a big switch! It’s alright to take your time and get comfortable with whatever you choose to use. 

Speaking from personal experience as well, caring for my reusables as part of my daily routine helped me develop a new, healthier, relationship with my period. My blood is no longer something I have to hide away and throw into the garbage like it’s something gross and unnatural. It’s a part of the mundane, day-to-day lived experience, and not gross in any way. (Cramps still suck though, don’t get me wrong).

Feeling stressed recently? You're not alone.

We brought in an expert to answer some questions about how stress can impact your menstrual cycle.

Dr. Heather Irobunda is an OB/GYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) based out of NYC. An OB/GYN does a variety of work - delivers babies, takes care of vaginal issues, and probably most relevant to this post, period/menstrual issues. She decided to become an OB/GYN after seeing firsthand the lack of education provided around menstruation, especially in underserved communities.

We're thrilled to have gotten the chance to speak with her and get some detailed answers about what happens to our bodies when we get stressed.

A: How can stress affect your cycle overall?

Stress can have a negative effect on your body, including your period. All kinds of stress can affect your period – physical, mental and emotional stress. Sometimes, we may think that the effect of stress on our period is in our head – and actually it is. There are lots of hormones that are made in your brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary regions of the brain to be exact) that affect how your reproductive organs work. When you’re under great amounts of stress (from any source, including emotional and mental), these hormone levels become altered. Due to these alterations in hormone levels, we may see spacing out of your period (skipping periods) and in times of great stress, you may see absence of your period for an extended amount of time.

A: Can stress increase period problems (like PMS or cramps)?

Stress can definitely increase a variety of period problems. Again, due to changes in many hormones – not only hormones made in your brain but in other parts of your body, you can see worsening of PMS symptoms. There are hormones, like cortisol, that your body makes as a result of stress that cause you to have increase bloating and can negatively affect your mood in high levels. Cortisol can also affect hormones, like estrogen and progesterone that may change the way your uterus acts during your menstrual cycle. These changes can cause you to experience more painful cramps!! OUCH!

A: Should you discuss your stress levels with your gynecologist?

Of course you should! We are here to help. It is SO important to tell your gynecologist any and everything that is bothering you, including stress. We can take better care of you when we know more about you. Stress can negatively affect not only your reproductive health, but your overall health. Make sure to let us know if you have experienced any traumatic experiences, have increased anxiety, or are worried about any changes in your body.

A: Can an extremely stressful event (like a pandemic) cause your cycle to change dramatically?

A pandemic, like the one we are living through right now can change your cycle dramatically, especially if you have increased amount of stress. If you have a severe illness, like COVID-19, that can cause your body to have increased physical stress which can alter your menstrual cycle. Some of the other consequences of the pandemic, job loss, economic instability, distance from your social support system, and overall anxiety can all cause changes in your menstrual cycle as well. It would not be surprising to experience some changes in your period during this time. If you notice these changes, you should inform your gynecologist about them, so that we can help you through this time!

A: How can stress impact your fertility?

Stress can have a negative impact on your fertility. I actually wrote an article about dealing with fertility issues during the pandemic. During this time of great stress and uncertainty, the rise in cortisol levels can affect the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that cause you to ovulate or produce an egg to be fertilized by sperm. If your ovulation is disrupted, it will decrease your ability to get pregnant.

A: What are some good ways to manage stress for reproductive health?

There are so many great ways to manage stress during this time so that your reproductive health is improved. First, talking about your stress with friends or family that you trust can really help. If you want to have a more neutral person to vent to, seeking help from a therapist can be helpful too. Expressing your feelings, especially those of stress and anxiety can really help you to keep from bottling up negative feelings and also getting help to manage your stress. In addition, doing activities that increase your mindfulness can help too. Oftentimes, stress and anxiety are linked to being fearful of the future. If you can bring your mind back to the present moment, many times, you can break those anxiety provoking thought patterns. Great examples of activities that help with mindfulness are meditation, yoga, and crafting (painting, drawing, doing puzzles). Physical activity, like walking, running, and exercise class (there are many on YouTube), dancing to your favorite songs help with decreasing stress. When you are engaging in physical activity, you are releasing endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that make you feel good and reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression!

Got some more questions or want to know more about Dr. Heather Irobunda and her work? Check out her website and her instagram!

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has a variety of uses, and is often used by transgender and non-binary humans to help them experience gender-affirming physical changes. Hormones do a lot in our bodies, influencing everything from hair growth (or loss), sex drive, and mood, to fat distribution and the menstrual cycle. This post addresses some of the common questions that people have about HRT and the menstrual cycle, including information about both feminizing and masculinizing hormones. If you're curious about how hormone replacement therapy impacts the menstrual cycle, read on!

If you have other questions about HRT, you can speak with a care provider (often a therapist or a general care practitioner can help get you started or point you in the right direction) or talk to others who have experienced hormonal transition (try a Facebook group, a gender doula, or local/national/global organizations that serve trans individuals).

Feminizing vs. Masculinizing Hormones

There are a variety of HRT regimens that people use to achieve gender-affirming effects. Different people want different things from their HRT and so type and dose of hormone treatment will vary from person-to-person. Gender is truly a spectrum, a galaxy, and labels like "masculine" and "feminine" aren't all that helpful. Thick or coarse hair can be feminine, soft skin can be masculine, and so on. However, when hormones are classified as "feminizing" or "masculinizing", that generally means that feminizing hormones are taken by people who were assigned male at birth or have testosterone-dominant hormones in their system and that masculinizing hormones are taken by people who were assigned female at birth or have estrogen-dominant hormones already in their body.

Feminizing hormones often include several drugs or hormones, including anti-androgens or testosterone blockers that decrease the body's production of testosterone as well as estrogen that will support the body in things like fat redistribution, breast growth, softer skin, smaller pores, slower growth of body hair, genital change, etc.

Masculinizing hormones typically just consist of testosterone, which supports the body in facial and body hair growth, increased muscle mass, vocal changes, body fat redistribution, etc. 

Care providers may recommend progesterone in addition to other HRT for both people taking both feminizing and masculinizing hormones. For people looking to develop breasts, progesterone can cause additional breast growth, and for people seeking to stop a menstrual cycle, progesterone can help suppress ovulation and menstruation.

That brings us to the effects of HRT on the menstrual cycle. Some people wonder whether feminizing hormones can cause a menstrual cycle for transfeminine people and non-binary humans who were assigned male at birth. Unfortunately for the folks who hope this to be true, this isn't possible. To understand why not, as well as to understand more about the effects of masculinizing hormones on the menstrual cycle, let's take a look at what a body needs to have a menstrual cycle.

Elements Necessary for a Menstrual Cycle

To have a menstrual cycle, a person needs several elements. For ease of understanding, you need both the “hardware” and “software” necessary for menstruation, both the organs and the hormones that tell those organs to ovulate and menstruate. Those organs are ovaries that produce eggs, a uterus for an endometrial lining to build up on, and an opening for that lining to shed from the body. The hormones necessary for a menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen encourages the body to ovulate, and menstruation typically happens 12-18 after ovulation if the egg(s) released from the ovaries were not fertilized with sperm. 

If all of those elements are in play, a menstrual cycle is likely to happen. If not, the body will not ovulate or menstruate. Because both organs and hormones are necessary to menstruate, if someone does not have those organs (because the organs were removed or they were born without them), they won't menstruate.

Effects of Masculinizing HRT on the Menstrual Cycle

Often, the testosterone that people take as a masculinizing hormone affects the body's production of estrogen and stops the menstrual cycle. This isn't always the case, however, so people might take progesterone or use a hormonal birth control to suppress the ovulation and menstruation process. Even if menstruation doesn't happen, some people report menstrual-like symptoms, like cramps, bloating, or emotional changes that seem to happen in a cycle. Others might choose to have the organs responsible for menstruation removed, and then they'd no longer have a menstrual cycle, no matter what hormones were in their body.

Other than stopping the menstrual cycle altogether, other effects of testosterone on this physical process are:

• Change in the length of your cycles (often longer)
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Increased cramps, discomfort, or pain

Finding the hormones that are right for you and your body can be tricky. Talk with your care provider(s) about your goals for HRT and ask them to help you create the effects that are important to you while avoiding (as much as possible) the side effects that you don't want to experience. If you're taking testosterone as a masculinizing hormone and are experiencing longer, painful, or irregular cycles, you can also talk to someone who specializes in menstruation in addition to your primary care providers, like a doula, midwife, herbalist, acupuncturist, or other health practitioner. Here's to feeling good in your body, mind, and gender!

Beth Rich is a queer educator and full-spectrum cycle doula who works at the thresholds and intersections of menstruation, family-building, pregnancy, birth, loss, and other life transitions. They're a non-binary human who's excited to talk about bodies, periods, birth, and sex in language that holds space for all of us. Discover more of their work at thebethrich.com or on Instagram @thebethrich.

Photo by Zackary Drucker for The Gender Spectrum Collection.

Period sex...some people love it, some folks hate it. In general, it has somewhat of a bad rep and carries a lot of stigma. What feels good in your body is always up to you, and I'm not here to try to change your mind. However, here are some suggestions that may be helpful as you tap into your own period pleasure. Whether you're quarantined alone (unless you're reading from the future—hi! Remember that time in the spring of 2020 when many of us stayed home in the face of a global pandemic?) or just want to experiment with period pleasure on your own before sharing it with a pal (or two, or a bunch!), this piece focuses on pleasure you can offer yourself as you bleed.

Get messy...or minimize it.

The thing that some of us get turned off by when it comes to sex + menstruation is, well, all the blood. You've got a few options here. You can lean into the mess, or minimize it. If you're not sure what would feel good, or are just in the mood to switch things up, try both! 

If you're leaning into all the bloody glory, take time to notice what the blood feels like between your fingers. Let it get all over your skin, your sheets, your toys if you're using them. Make the blood a part of your sexual experience. 

If you're looking to sex up your bleed, but want to avoid the messiness, you've also got options. Consider pleasuring yourself with a menstrual cup or disc in, or use a vibrator over your undies. Put a condom on a vibrator or dildo, or stick to external toys that will give you lots of feels without getting very messy. Get busy in the bathtub, where the water will slow your flow (kind of, your bleed doesn't stop in water, but the counter pressure of the water often stops or slows your blood from leaving your body).

Feel into what feels good.

It's true of all kinds of sex, but especially period sex and masturbation that it's all about what feels good to you, just as you are in that moment. Take the pressure off. Go in without a plan. Just follow what feels good to you and see where it leads. You may or may not have an orgasm. You might go with your oldie but goodie positions, moves, or toys, or maybe you'll discover something completely new.

Think kinky.

Kink is broad, and whether hearing the term feels intimidating or lights you up, period pleasure can be an opportunity to experiment and explore to find what kinks you enjoy. Many types of kink have to do with specific sensations and bleeding bodies are often more sensitive. Play to find what sensations feel good to you while you're menstruating. Does it feel good to be tied up, and if so, do you like the ropes to dig into your skin or do you prefer your bondage to feel like a firm, loving hug? To your comfort level, play with things like cold ice, warm wax, paddles, harnesses, clamps, or chains and notice what feels good. And if you don't have any kink gear on hand, get creative! There are lots of ways to DIY prickly, squeezing, spanky, and other kinky sensations. As you're exploring, do keep safety in mind, and if you aren't sure, seek out a sex or kink educator who can support you in safe and kinky period pleasure.

Be open to the "why" behind your period sex.

There are many reasons why we have sex, and many motivations for seeking period pleasure. Getting curious about your "why" may help you to engage in sex and pleasure that ultimately meets those goals and helps you feel how YOU want to feel. Perhaps you're after an orgasm or are just looking for a way to alleviate cramps. Maybe you want to connect to your body or something about the physical experience of menstruation turns you on. All of your "whys" are valid, and being open to them can help you maximize your period pleasure and create an experience that truly satisfies the needs and desires you're trying to meet.

In summary, period pleasure is all about you and your bleeding body. There are no rules, and there isn't actually one "normal." Whether you're into the blood, or are just in it for the pain relief, your bleed offers a unique opportunity to connect to your body and sexuality. Happy bleeding!

Beth Rich is a queer educator and full-spectrum cycle doula who works at the thresholds and intersections of menstruation, family-building, pregnancy, birth, loss, and other life transitions. They're a non-binary human who's excited to talk about bodies, periods, birth, and sex in language that holds space for all of us. Discover more of their work at thebethrich.com or on Instagram @thebethrich.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered how your beloved menstrual cup compares to traditional tampons in terms of environmental impact? Maybe you’re someone who is still on the fence about reusable period products because you’d like to see some meaningful data on sustainability. This article takes you through the troublesome statistics of disposable menstrual products while also offering some ethical inspiration for those who menstruate. 

Consider this sobering fact: in all likelihood, every single disposable tampon or pad that has ever been used has yet to decompose — or even come close to fully decomposing. In fact, no one alive today will ever witness a total decomposition of these products; scientists hypothesize it will take at least 500 years for disposable pads and tampons to break down completely

On average, folks who menstruate will use 11,000 disposable tampons or pads over the course of their lifetime. To put that into a larger global context, it’s estimated that 100 million people use tampons worldwide. In North America alone, 20 billion disposable menstrual products are thrown out each year. 

Despite the alarming nature of these statistics, it’s important to note that these numbers are gradually shifting. Economists predict the reusable menstrual cup market will have a compound annual growth rate of 5.3 per cent over the next decade. In 2018 the menstrual cup industry, which continues to grow each year, was valued at a little over one billion US dollars.

These numbers focus primarily on environmental impact, but what about means of production and overall sustainability? The production of disposable tampons and menstrual products is reliant on the cotton industry. Cotton is considered a “thirsty crop,” which means it requires a large amount of water to thrive. When grown on an industrial scale, cotton also contributes to soil degradation and erosion while also requiring the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers — all of which have been shown to have detrimental effects on those working in cotton fields as well as local biodiversity. Most tampons are also made from materials such as rayon and chlorine, all of which can have a detrimental effect on the environment as they sit in landfill sites. Many disposable menstrual products, especially pads, contain polyethylene plastic which is a known environmental pollutant. 

Now for the good news! Here at Aisle we take environmental impact and sustainability seriously. Each year, our loyal customers help to divert 2 million pads and tampons from the landfill each month. Our reusable products are designed to replace at least 150 disposable products and with gentle care can go on to replace many more disposable tampons and pads. 

When discussing reusable menstrual products and sustainability it’s also important to consider economic privilege. In the long run, it makes more financial sense to invest in a reusable menstrual cup. However, for some folks the initial cost is insurmountable. Aisle is a proud participant in several Dignity Projects, with the aim of providing accessible menstrual care products for those who need it most. The use of reusable menstrual products ultimately helps lighten the environmental impact of people who menstruate all over the world, regardless of their financial means. 

Ashley Linkletter is a mental health, food, and nutrition writer based in Vancouver, BC. 

Aisle has been in the period underwear gig for a long time - since 1993! Our styles and designs have gone through a lot of iterations and experimentation since our first designs. The new Aisle underwear represents a lot of significant change from our previous offerings (known as Luna Undies), and we’re taking the opportunity to break it down for you. Here are some frequently asked questions about Aisle undies - and all the answers.

How do they work?

Aisle undies are a complete replacement for pads, tampons and cups. On their own, a pair of Aisle underwear will absorb two tampons’ worth of blood, and the accompanying booster adds an additional two tampons’ worth of absorbency. You can change the booster throughout the day to manage heavy flow or elect to not use it at all. The undies work well to back up a cup, if you’re a first time user or experiencing heavy, heavy flow.

What are they made out of?

The underwear are made out of organic cotton and TENCEL™, with recycled polyester and TPU in the gusset. Organic cotton adds structure and stability to the garment, helping keep the gusset in the right place, and TENCEL™ adds softness and wicking capability that should keep the wearer cooler. TENCEL™ is more absorbent than cotton to boot. TENCEL™ is a man-made cellulosic fibre,with similar qualities to cotton, and is made with wood pulp in a proprietary process by Austrian textile manufacturer Lenzing AG. This ultra-sustainable process is the gold standard in eco-friendly manufacturing.

Why are they not 100% organic cotton?

Organic cotton has a lot of benefits, but some significant drawbacks for the user and for the planet. All cotton production is extremely water-intensive, and the overall amount of organic cotton available worldwide is extremely limited. Cotton also did not provide all of the performance features we were looking for. In particular,  the organic cotton fleece that was our primary gusset material was absorbent but could feel wet and uncomfortable. We still use organic cotton, but we’ve paired it with other sustainable fibres to achieve better results for both the user and the planet.

What’s Truetex?

Truetex is a new, proprietary blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibres. The fibre combination provides both wicking and absorbent properties to ensure performance without the need for added chemical finishes. Truetex is the technology behind our high-performance, high-comfort gusset and booster, and it truly outperforms disposables. 

What about plus sizing?

We launched with an extended plus size range - up to 5X. Aisle decided on a completely new way of doing plus sizes. Instead of scaling our sizing up from a straight-sized sample size, we started with a 1X sample and graded our sizing appropriately. After multiple fittings and working with fit experts, we believe this approach will provide a superior fit for our plus sized customers and improve many of the fit issues that were part of the Luna Undies line. 

We are still a small business at Aisle, so we had to make the strategic decision to roll out with only two styles - our best-selling hipster and our trans-inclusive boxer brief, and we will have our full style range available later this year. This means that our briefs are currently not available in the plus size range. It is worth noting that our brief is now a true high rise; this is a big design change. For comparison, the hipster in the plus range has a similar fit to our old Luna Undies brief - if you loved the briefs, give the Aisle hipster a try, and if you want that true high rise feel, the Aisle briefs will be available later this year We are also proud to be bringing our bikini cut to plus sizing, something that was not available under the old Luna Undies line.

We’re thrilled with our new undies, but the journey doesn’t stop here. We want to make reusables that make periods better, and we always want to hear your feedback and ideas. Reusables should outperform disposables, and your body should fit in our products. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the best place on the planet to have a period - a period aisle built for you.

Whether you’re schlepping home for the holidays or embarking on a grand global adventure, menstruating sustainably is entirely possible on the road. Modern reusables are easy to use and store, and can be just as convenient as disposables. A big part of travelling ethically is showing respect for the environment that we find ourselves in, whether that is a national park, foreign country or simply the town where your in-laws live. So leave the tampons at home, and take your reusables on the road. 

Consider A Cup

If you’re travelling light with a heavy flow, we encourage you to pick up a cup. It can be safely cleaned with just soap and water, and sterilized with a quick vinegar rinse. Although boiling a cup is always a wise idea, medical grade silicone does not need to be sterilized repeatedly. A cup can simply be emptied, wiped clean and reused safely if you do not have access to clean water (hello, camping). 

Hygiene Matters

You may be wondering how you can keep the products in question clean. If you’re out on a short trip, it may just be a matter of stowing the products in a wet bag until you get home. If you’re on a more extended trip, you might need to consider laundry facilities. Our Performa products are ideal for a quick sink wash because their wicking cotton technology . 

Double Duty

If your flow is light, a few pairs of Luna Undies can be an ideal solution to comfortable menstrual management. The gusset is breathable and absorbent, and with the addition of Inserts, can be a great solution to having a lighter period on the road. Furthermore, if you’re worried you’re going to be surprised by your period in the middle of a 18-hour flight or long bus ride through the Andes mountains, your Luna Undies will have your back in total comfort.

Stow Your Stash

We cannot underestimate how useful a wet bag can be while travelling. Keeping a small supply of your favourite reusables with you on the road can bring period peace of mind no matter where you find yourself. A few liners and a cup tucked into your bag means that you won’t be navigating strange city streets in search of your preferred products, and you’ll be keeping your journey sustainable.

Don’t turn to disposables when you travel. One of the best things you can do for the planet is to reduce your waste and keep the planet clean for future generations. It’s no big deal to travel while keeping your period zero waste. Your adventures await!

Photo by Resi Kling on Unsplash

Period sex! Finally, lots of menstruating folks are having conversations around sexual pleasure during every cycle of their lives. However, there are still a lot of myths, anxieties and half-truths surrounding sex during menstruation, and we’re here to debunk them. 

Period Sex Is Unsafe

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Period sex is no more unsafe than non-period sex. That means, use a condom or dental dam to protect against STIs, pee after sex to discourage UTIs and communicate clearly with your partner to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Period Sex Is Disgusting

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A lot of folks aren’t participating in period sex because they think that it’s wrong or dirty or that their partner will be disgusted with them. There is no real reason to avoid having period sex, other than your or your partner’s desires. Menstruation is a normal bodily function, and lots of folks report having absolutely mindblowing sex during their period. It’s not wrong, it’s not dirty, and you should get down if you want to.

Period Sex Is The Best Ever

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Conversely, if you’re crampy, bloated and would like, thankyouverymuch, to not be touched, you’re totally okay to not have period sex. Especially during the first few days, it can be hard to feel in the mood.

Period Sex Is Unbelievably Messy

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You can manage the level of mess! Some folks put down a towel, some need to stick to the shower, some stock up on condoms to keep toys clean. Think about what you can manage and work around it. You might prefer to get an internal product, like a menstrual cup, to control the flow, or experiment with the new menstrual discs. There are even reusable options, like the Ziggy cup. (Just a reminder: menstrual cups and menstrual discs are very different products, and a menstrual cup will not work for vaginal penetration.)

You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

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If you have a very regular cycle, getting pregnant is unlikely, but not impossible, during your period. However, if your cycle is short or you experience regular spotting, ovulating can come very, very quick. Periods are part of a cycle - and your cycle is always coming around again.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Femtech (the umbrella term that covers all tech related to women’s* health) is expected to exceed worldwide sales of $50 billion dollars by the year 2025. Like any other tech product, period tracking apps—along with many other types of femtech such as fertility apps, smart breast pumps, and intuitive sex toys that connect to an app—are constantly finding new ways to monetize their product for maximum profit. In other words, the app itself isn’t where the company makes their money, it’s the data being collected and sold that has the biggest financial value.  

How does data collection happen in the first place? The recent controversy over FaceApp, an AI face editing app that requires entering personal data as well as uploading high quality pictures of yourself, is a perfect illustration of how data is collected, stored, and sold with your consent. It all comes down to clicking the “I agree” button at the bottom of the Terms of Use page without reading the actual contract you’re agreeing to. This phenomenon is hardly unusual, a survey of 2000 Americans found that 97 percent of adults aged 18-34 don’t read the terms they’re agreeing to, while 91 percent of adults aged 35 and up skipped right to the end before giving their consent. 

Selling data is not an uncommon practice. In fact, most apps (especially free apps with ads) use data brokers to sell apps to interested parties. Who buys data? Marketing companies, corporations, credit card companies, banks, as well as government operations such as CSIS and ICE. What makes period tracking apps distinct from other apps is the type of data being collected. For most apps, everything from your device settings, websites visited, and information about other types of apps you have on your phone is fair game. Unfortunately for period tracking apps, this also includes the sensitive information you volunteer when using the app: whether or not you’ve had sex, had an orgasm, intimate details about your bodily functions, as well as details about your mental health. 

So how can you protect yourself and your data from being brokered? Make informed decisions about the tech you choose to support (or consider using a daytimer or notebook to track ovulation, premenstrual symptoms, and period specifics. 

*Although some femtech companies are using more trans and nonbinary inclusive language most companies still only use the pronoun her and refer to their customers as women/ladies/girls. At Lunapads, we think this practice really sucks. 

How to track your period as an informed consumer

The German period tracking app Clue offers the most transparency as to how your data is collected—it also refers to itself as a gender-neutral company but the actual language used on their website is uneven at best (it was Clue founder Ida Tin who coined the term femtech in 2016). Clue’s privacy policy is written using easy to understand wording absent of non-legal jargon, breaking their policy down into manageable chunks. It states that Clue stores data for app improvement and some promotional material, your name and email address are not stored. Clue does not store sensitive data pertaining to your personal health and login information unless you give your explicit consent to the app (which requires setting up a password-protected account). This data is used in select academic and medical studies to further study health issues associated with reproductive health. 

If you’re an Excel or Numbers whiz you can create design your own spreadsheet to track your menstrual cycle (and then share the template with others!). Alternately, a quick Google search will produce multiple sites offering free printable Excel spreadsheet templates.

For some people, a good old-fashioned calendar is still the easiest and most reliable form of period and ovulation tracking. Create your own coded legend to mark down specific symptoms and bodily functions to make analog tracking even simpler.

As anyone who has ever experienced period pain knows it’s a multifaceted experience dependent on many factors: family history, environment, time of year, general mental well-being, and age (to name just a few). This makes treating period pain, or dysmenorrhea (as its formally called) an equally complex endeavour. There are many people who don’t respond to, or are uncomfortable taking, commonly prescribed treatments such as oral contraceptives or over-the-counter analgesics. Other frequently suggested options, such as the use of a heating pad/cold pack or staying in bed for the day, aren’t realistic options if you need to be at work, are a single parent, or do any other activity that requires your immediate time and energy. While there haven’t been any official studies done on cannabis and relief from the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, there is a growing body of individuals who swear by the soothing effects of this newly legalized in Canada option.

Before looking at cannabis and dysmenorrhea, it’s worth highlighting how common period pain actually is across the general population. On average, at least 80 percent of menstruating young people report experiencing dysmenorrhea and 20 percent report having such severe cramping it has a negative impact on their daily lives. Although older individuals are less likely to experience dysmenorrhea it is still widely reported, with statistics suggesting anywhere between 15 and 75 percent of menstruating individuals experiencing pain (the percentages vary based on the specific groups being studied).

Period cramping occurs when the body releases prostaglandins, a hormone which causes the uterine lining to shed and contract—often painfully. Prostaglandins are also responsible for nausea, GI issues, low mood, and inflammation (which is why anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics can be so effective). For some people, cannabis seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect that not only reduces pain but may also have the potential to lower the need for OTC analgesics. The official position of the Canadian Medical Association is this:

While the CMA recognizes that some individuals suffering from terminal illness or chronic disease may obtain relief with cannabis, there remains a need for clinical research, regulatory reviews and guidance for the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Regulatory reviews are designed to protect patients and to provide critical information to physicians, such as clinical indications, dosages, and potential interactions with medications.

While this position is definitely on the conservative side, it’s still important to talk to your doctor or OBGYN if you use cannabis as a form of pain relief for period cramps. Many physicians recognize the potential benefits of using cannabis over traditional methods and will, in fact, ask you questions about the type of pain relief you’re experiencing for their own notes and research. Because the relationship between cannabis and PMS or being on your period isn’t fully understood and is such a complex area of study, even anecdotes can be helpful for medical professionals if or when they decide to prescribe it to patients.

If you’re planning on using cannabis to relieve cramping, nausea, and other symptoms of dysmenorrhea it’s important to be a savvy shopper. The fact that CBD oil is now in everything, from sparkling water to junk food, is indicative of how quickly cannabis has become “A Thing” amongst food marketers and companies wanting to jump in while the trend is hot. With edibles, extracts, and topicals entering the legal cannabis arena no later than October 17, 2019 in Canada, there is still very little legislation around dosages and packaging on these products.

One cannabis product that doctors are warning against are THC-containing vaginal suppositories. Because the vagina’s natural flora is so perfectly balanced, gynecologists are concerned about the use of THC suppositories, especially when there is no data to show the long-term effects cannabis could potentially have on the vagina’s natural ecosystem.

At the end of the day, any decision to use (or not use) cannabis as a means to alleviate PMS and period pain is your own. If cannabis works for you then it can be a powerful tool, a trusty weapon against inevitable cramping and nausea. If you have a medical professional that knows about your ongoing dysmenorrhea, whether that’s a GP, OBGYN, nurse, or nurse practitioner, try to keep an open dialogue about using cannabis for pain relief. And finally, be a smart shopper and do your research before trying new cannabis products—at best you’ll save some money and at worst you’ll prevent accidental harm to your reproductive system.

Ashley Linkletter is a mental health, food, and nutrition writer based in Vancouver, BC.