Menstrual Sponge.
We answer the most
common questions.

Menstruationsschwamm, Levantiner Naturschwamm, wiederverwendbar, zero waste, gesund

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What can you use instead of tampon and sanitary napkins? Is there a good, healthy and practical substitute?

A healthier and reusable alternative:
>> The Levantine menstrual sponge <<

The natural sponge, along with cloth sanitary napkins, period panties or menstrual cups, is considered one of the most eco-friendly and healthy alternatives to sanitary napkins & tampons. It is reusable, sustainable, free of plastic and chemical ingredients, easy to use & gentle to the delicate vaginal mucosa.
Save your health, save your money, save our environment!

For whom is the Levantine Menstrualsponge suitable?

For whom is the Levantine menstrual sponge suitable?

It is perfect for you...

if you want a healthier menstrual product (e.g. because you constantly have bladder infections or fungal infections and the tampon/sanitary napkins is strongly suspected as the cause).
if you are not 100% satisfied with your menstrual cup (it pinches, hurts, is not tight, does not fit properly,...).
if you want to save a lot of money
if you want to help protect our nature more #sustainability.
if you need double protection (backup) e.g. on the road (period panties + menstrual sponge or sanitary napkins + menstrual sponge).

For whom is the menstrual sponge not suitable?

It is important to note that every woman may react differently to the use of a menstrual sponge. If there is any discomfort or discomfort, you should take it out for now and consult a gynecologist/doctor if necessary.

In case of postpartum flow, you should refrain from using a human truation sponge and rather use a cloth sanitary napkin/periodontal briefs.
Women having vaginal plastic surgery or reconstruction should refrain from using a menstrual cup as it can interfere with healing.
Women with vaginal infections or inflammation should also refrain from using a menstrual cup as it may increase the risk of aggravation.

Why are menstrual sponge healthier than tampons and sanitary napkins?

It's important to consider the pros and cons of different period products and to focus on personal needs.

The natural sponge do not affect the natural flora of the vagina. The tampon absorbs not only the blood, but also the entire vaginal flora (composition of various essential bacteria). Tampons can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
It is reusable, saves a lot of waste and thus protects our environment.
They are much cheaper because they can be used for several months.
It contains, no plastic, no chemicals or bleaching substances (When buying look for unbleached men's sponges!), which are contained in many tampons (except organic tampons) and can be absorbed by the vaginal mucosa.

Which size do I need?

There are different sizes and often a comparison with the tampons is given as a guide. It is advisable to buy one size larger and to insert and test it after the vinegar-water cleaning (instructions see here). If you do not feel it and have a good feeling, then the size fits. If you do not have a good feeling, it presses or the like, then it may be that the menstrual sponge is too big for you.
This can be easily remedied: Wet the sponge, squeeze it out, and then cut a piece off the sponge with a clean pair of scissors. Insert in. How does it feel now?

How much blood does a menstrual sponge suck and hold?

At least as much as tampons. Many manufacturers write a milliliter rating and/or a tampon comparison in their product description for guidance.

However, to prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS), it is important not to leave the menstrual sponge in the vagina for too long. Take the menstrual sponge out and clean it after 7-8 hours at the latest.

What do I need to consider before using it for the first time after purchase?

Each menstrual sponge is checked, against the light of a strong lamp, for foreign bodies such as pieces of stones and shells. In very rare cases, the small parts, if they are further inside, can only be felt when the menstrual sponge is wet. Therefore, we recommend wetting it before the first use and feeling it thoroughly once for foreign bodies. If any damage occurs during removal, the manufacturer/distributor will replace the sponge.
Clean it thoroughly overnight in the vinegar-water mixture (see here for instructions) to neutralize the pH and ensure hygiene. Wash it briefly with water and you are ready to squeeze or roll & insert it.
Did you insert the sponge, wet it beforehand and it presses or hurts? First check whether you have inserted it far enough. If you still feel an unpleasant sensation, the sponge may be too big for your vagina. If you do not have a smaller size at hand, this is not a problem. Take out the men's sponge and cut off a small piece with clean scissors, insert it into your vagina again and feel if it now fits and feels good. Nothing should press or hurt!

How do I clean the menstrual sponge after I buy it
and at the end of my period?

Anker 1

Soak the sponge overnight in a mixture of water and vinegar, in a mixing ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water (1:2). Mixing ratio: for example, mix 100ml vinegar with 200 ml water. (Attention! If you use vinegar essence, the mixing ratio must be 1:10, because it is very strong. This means for example: mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar essence with 10 tablespoons of water). You can additionally add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil (Attention! Please add only 100% therapeutic pure essential oil without additives and no fragrance oil for fragrance lamps / scented candles). This essential oil has an antibacterial effect and also stops unpleasant scents in the sponge.
After it has been soaked overnight in the vinegar-water mixture, rinse it thoroughly with normal water and you can use it directly. In no case boil it!
At the end of your period: Proceed as described in 1+2. Then let the menstrual sponge dry in an airy dry place, then put it in a cotton bag and store it in a dry place (your bathroom is not suitable for this, as it is regularly damp there) until your next period.

How do I insert the menstrual sponge?

First of all, clean your hands thoroughly.
First wet the manstrual sponge properly with clean (lukewarm) water and then squeeze out the excess water.
For example, squat down and relax yourself and your pelvic floor muscles.
Then squeeze the sponge and insert it into the vagina (it may help to roll the mens sponge up a bit so that it becomes round like a tampon and then insert it). If the sponge presses or hurts, first check whether you have inserted it far enough. If you still feel an unpleasant sensation, the sponge may be too big for your vagina. If you do not have a smaller size at hand, this is not a problem. Take out the sponge and cut a small piece with clean scissors, insert it into your vagina again and feel if it fits now. Note: Always cut the sponge when it is wet, then you can see how small it becomes when wet and compressed.

When do I have to change the sponge?

When it is full, but no later than 7-8 hours to avoid toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
When you notice that it is slowly sliding down. As it gets heavier due to the absorbed blood, it may move down a bit properly vagina entrance.
If it pinches, hurts or you notice an uncomfortable feeling in your vagina.

How do I get the menstrual sponge out of the vagina again?

First of all, clean your hands thoroughly.
For example, squat down, relax your muscles of the vagina and buttocks, then go with e.g. thumb and index finger into the vagina and grab the sponge like a pair of tweezers to pull it out. If you can't reach the sponge, press it down with your pelvic floor muscles as if you want to push the sponge out. This will push it towards the entrance of the vagina (vulva) and you can grab it with your fingers. It is also possible to attach a natural cotton thread to the sponge before insertion in order to be able to pull it out.

How do I clean the Menstrual sponge?

For your own safety and to be able to reuse the menstrual sponge as long as possible, a continuous hygiene must be ensured. For this purpose, wash the sponge after each change first with clean cold water (so that blood/sperm does not coagulate) then with lukewarm water (be careful not to get it too hot, this destroys the pores of the natural sponge and it is no longer as absorbent). Do not boil in any case!
If you are not sure if the water is clean, put the sponge in a bag or box and clean it with clean water as soon as possible. At the end of each period, soak the sponge overnight in a mixture of vinegar and water (see here for instructions).

How hygienic is the Levantine natural sponge (menstrual sponge)?

As long as the sponge is cleaned correctly (see here for instructions), it is hygienic for many cycles. It is important to clean your hands well before inserting and removing the sponge. The fact that the sponge gets a little darker with time is absolutely normal and no cause for concern. If the sponge smells unpleasant after proper cleaning, you can use a new sponge at your discretion and dispose of the old one in the compost or organic waste.

Can the hymen tear by using a Levantine sponge?

There are religions e.g. in Islam in which girls/women may use tampons, menstrual cups or menstrual sponge only after marriage and the first time sexual intercourse, because otherwise the hymen tears.
It is important to know:
The hymen is like a crunchy hair elastic and expands as soon as something is inserted into the vagina. It is not something that is/needs to be punctured. It can tear even without anything being inserted. It can remain intact with or without intercourse. It can remain intact with or without the use of a menstrual sponge. (That is why the hymen does not say anything about whether you have had sex or not).

Where does the Levantine menstrual sponge come from?

The sponges grow off the Levantine coast, from where they get their name. They are harvested so gently in sustainably managed and controlled cultivation areas (their roots remain after "harvesting" so that they can grow back). They are refined by gentle maceration, but not by bleaching.
The Levantine natural sponge is, to be precise, a multicellular creature that lives on the seabed in the deep sea. It settles on the seabed and in places that are rich in food. Sponges harvested in the Greek Mediterranean Sea are considered to be those of the best quality, followed by Red Sea sponges and West Indian sponges. Lower quality sponges are found in the Caribbean and sometimes in fresh waters.
Definitely take some time to carefully check and evaluate the provider. A legit online store remains transparent to their customers, such as quality test and certify their products, disclose their sources of supply and are generally keen on providing all sorts of information and answer any questions.

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The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor if you have questions about a condition. Never hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

Menstrual Sponge. We answer the most common questions.

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