For decades, disposable pads and tampons have dominated supermarket shelves. They’re convenient, cheap upfront, and marketed as essential. Yet a quiet revolution is taking place in period care. Around the world, more people are looking beyond single-use products and choosing reusables. Among these, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear are gaining significant attention.
In Australia, one brand that stands out is the my mimi reusable menstrual disc. By combining comfort, long wear time, and eco-friendly design, it reflects a shift in how people think about period health and sustainability.
The Environmental Toll of Disposable Period Products
Every period leaves behind more than just discomfort – it leaves waste. Globally, billions of pads and tampons are discarded each year. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown away annually, many containing plastics that take hundreds of years to break down.
Australia contributes to this problem, too. With an average person using over 10,000 disposable products in their lifetime, the landfill impact is enormous. Plastic applicators, pad linings, and wrappers often end up polluting waterways and beaches.
Reusable menstrual discs such as the my mimi menstrual disc address this directly. Instead of tossing away products month after month, users can rely on a single disc for years, dramatically cutting down waste. For environmentally conscious Australians, this is no small shift – it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference.
Why Menstrual Discs Are Winning Attention
Reusable menstrual products are not new, but discs are carving out their own space. Unlike menstrual cups, which create suction in the vaginal canal, discs sit higher in the vaginal fornix and rely on positioning rather than suction to stay in place.
This subtle difference brings big advantages:
- 12-hour wear time – Many menstrual discs, including my mimi, can be worn safely for up to 12 hours, providing all-day protection.
- Comfort and flexibility – Without suction, discs often feel more comfortable for people who struggle with cups. They also allow penetrative sex during menstruation, something pads, tampons, and cups cannot offer.
- High capacity – The my mimi disc comes in two sizes, holding up to 32 ml or 61 ml, which equates to 5–7 tampons’ worth of fluid. This makes them suitable for light through to very heavy periods.
Financial Benefits: Small Cost, Big Savings
Disposable products may seem affordable in the moment, but over time, they add up. An average box of tampons or pads costs between $5 and $8. Over five years, this can mean hundreds of dollars spent – often more than $1000.
By contrast, the my mimi reusable menstrual disc, priced at $44.95, works out to around 83 cents per month over five years. That cost comparison alone is enough for many Australians to make the switch. For students, young professionals, or families managing household expenses, reusables provide a financial edge as well as an environmental one.
Learning to Use a Menstrual Disc
Making the switch can feel daunting. Insertion and removal are the biggest hurdles for first-time users. But most people find that practice makes perfect.
- Insertion: The disc folds into a thin shape and is placed into the vaginal canal, where it sits securely behind the pubic bone.
- Removal: Unlike menstrual cups, discs do not rely on suction, so they can be removed by hooking a finger under the rim or, in the case of the my mimi disc, by using its easy-to-grip loop tab.
Hygiene is straightforward: rinse after each use, wash with mild soap, and sterilise between cycles. Over time, the process becomes second nature, and many users find discs easier to manage than they expected.
Health and Safety Consideration
Some people worry whether reusable discs are safe. The answer is yes – provided they are made of high-quality medical-grade materials and are properly cared for. The my mimi reusable menstrual disc is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, making it both TGA-compliant and FDA-registered.
Reusable discs are fre.e from harmful chemicals, bleaches, and synthetic fibres found in some disposables. They don’t carry the same risks of micro-tears or irritation caused by tampon fibres. While no product is entirely risk-free, the likelihood of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is lower with discs than with tampons.
As with any new product, there can be a learning curve. Users should always follow instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider if they experience discomfort or unusual symptoms.
Allergies, Lifestyle, and Comfort
Another reason discs are winning users over is comfort. People with sensitive skin or allergies to disposable products often find relief with silicone discs. With no fragrances, dyes, or absorbent fibres, there’s less irritation.
For those with busy or active lifestyles – athletes, travellers, outdoor enthusiasts – long wear time means less disruption. Whether it’s a full workday, a camping trip, or a swim at the beach, the my mimi menstrual disc offers flexibility without leaks.
A Cultural Shift in Period Care
Beyond health and sustainability, the adoption of reusable products marks a cultural shift. Periods have long been associated with stigma and secrecy. Products like the my mimi reusable menstrual disc contribute to normalising open conversations about menstruation. They represent empowerment: giving people choices beyond what’s on supermarket shelves.
More schools, workplaces, and governments are beginning to recognise the importance of sustainable period care. As conversations grow, reusables are moving from niche to mainstream.
A Worthy Swap for You and the Planet
Choosing a reusable disc is more than a personal choice – it’s part of a broader movement toward sustainable living. The my mimi reusable menstrual disc embodies the benefits: eco-friendly, cost-effective, comfortable, and safe.
Switching from pads or tampons may take a few cycles to adjust to, but the rewards—financial, environmental, and practical – are clear. With up to 12 hours of leak-free protection, the ability to reduce landfill waste, and a product life of up to five years, discs are shaping the future of period care in Australia.
Saying goodbye to pads and tampons doesn’t just change your monthly routine. It’s a statement about health, sustainability, and self-care. The my mimi menstrual disc makes that statement confidently: better for you, better for the planet.