Free period products
We as the AStA are pleased to provide you with period products free of charge. You can find them in the washrooms of the women's, unisex and barrier-free toilets of the university buildings. We also keep a small supply in the AStA office.
Our products
The tampons and pads we offer meet the highest quality standards. When selecting them, we make sure that they are as sustainable as possible. Tampons and some parts of the pads are made from 100% organic cotton, and the pads also have a cellulose core. Furthermore, they are bleached without chlorine. For reasons of hygiene, the packaging is no longer made of paper or corn starch, but in the case of the tampons, for example, of a more compostable plastic.
Change of supplier
Due to a limited tender, we have changed the provider company. As long as comparability is guaranteed (the relevant StuPa resolution is authoritative, as long as it contains objective criteria), we are forced to use the cheapest offer. Since we still have residual quantities from the previous supplier, products from both manufacturing companies will be in use for a while. The products of the previous supplier (happymona.de) will be in use in the HEL building as long as there are remaining stocks. So the old products will gradually be replaced by the new ones in HEL as well. The products of the new provider (mylily.eu) can be found in all other buildings from 27 March 23.
Supply
We do our best to always have all products available. This is not always possible throughout the day due to unpredictable use of the products (caused by different toilet use and personal needs), as they are only refilled once a day. From 27 March onwards, all containers will be equipped with a QR code that makes it very easy to notify us if one or more products are no longer available. If someone is on site and has time, refills can be done during the day. In any case, this system helps us to find out where more products can be placed. So every use of the QR code helps us to close gaps in the long term even though we can't guarantee that in each room any product at any time can be found.
It is not unlikely that products missing in one WC are available in another WC. Therefore, a list of the other WCs with free period products is additionally posted at all locations from 27 March 23.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
The use of period products may result in the occurrence of toxic shock syndrome. TSS is an infection that can result from a change in vaginal flora and the binding of magnesium. To minimize the risk, it is important that you change period products regularly. If you have your period and suddenly feel sick, remove the product you are using and see a doctor. Inform them that you are currently having your period and which product you are using. However, it is also possible to get TSS regardless of your period.
Alternative period products
Besides the tampons and pads we offer, there are other more sustainable alternatives. We would like to draw your attention to some of them below.
Description: Menstrual cups are inserted similar to a tampon. The fact that they enclose the cervix, they catch blood.
Price: From 8€ in retail and online.
Reusability: Cups should be boiled regularly for 5-10 minutes in a pot. This will make them hygienically clean again and discoloration will be removed. They can be used for several years.
Instructions: To insert a cup, squeeze or fold it. When you have inserted it, make sure that it surrounds the cervix, for example, by feeling around the cup once with your finger. It must be emptied after 12 hours at the latest. To remove it, gently squeeze the cup to release the vacuum. Now pull it out carefully. You can empty it into the toilet and flush it under running water.
Description: Fabric bandages are used like conventional bandages to catch the blood outside the body.
Price: You can sew cloth bandages yourself or buy them from various suppliers. A set of 3 cloth bandages is available online for under 20€.
Reusability: Most cloth bandages can be used for several years with proper care. For cleaning, cloth pads should first be washed by hand with cold water and then in the washing machine.
Instructions: Fabric pads are attached by a push button on the wings to attach them to the underwear. The wearing time varies individually.
Description: Soft tampons and sponges are inserted like tampons. While you wear a soft tampon or sponge, you can have sexual intercourse.
Price: Soft tampons from 1€ each in drug stores, sponges from 4€ each online.
Reusability: Soft tampons are products for single use. Sponges, however, can be thoroughly washed with cold water and possibly a little vinegar and then reused.
Instructions: To use a soft tampon/sponge, insert it like a tampon. Depending on your bleeding, you can use it for up to 8 hours. Removal works best from a squatting position.
Description: Period underwear is worn like conventional underwear. At the same time it catches the blood outside the body, which is possible due to a reinforced insert.
Price: Between 20€ to 30€ online and retail.
Reusability: Period underwear is washed in the washing machine after wearing and can be used for several years.
Instructions: Period underwear you put on, as the name suggests, like your normal underwear. Depending on the bleeding, the underwear must be changed 1 - 3 times a day.