positive changes since switching to cloth pads?

[sagemomma]

ok ladies, what types of positive changes have you eperienced since changing over to cloth?
currently my biggest complaints with sposies are sweating down below, itching, being rubbed raw in the groin thigh area , and this odd deep aching almost bruised feeling in my vulva it's worse when i'm staniding, like almost unbearable. oh and the always lovely external yeast infection toward the end of my period . so basically i spend a week or better after my period is over trying to recover from all the trauma. :
i am hoping to see some positive changes in these areas. is there anything else to look forward to ?

[partymoo]

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[~Demeter~]

When I used sposie pads and tampons, I had that kicked in the crotch feeling, stinky crotch days, horrible cramping, and a period that lasted 7-10 days.

Since switching to cloth my period lasts 4-5 days, I don't have kicked in the crotch sensations, my hoo-hoo doesn't stink for a week after my period ends, and I no longer cramp to the point of being bed ridden for the first two days. I love the fun prints on my cloth pads and that I'm that much closer to my moon time (am I sounding weird yet?!).

I also love how easy they are to use and clean. I was worried about caring for them but really.. I just rinse them out somewhat well and throw them in with the dipes every other day. When my dd no longer uses dipes I'll probably just wash them with the regular clothes? I don't know.. but most of mine aren't stained, look pretty and feel great.

[Gracefruit]

Prior to switching to cloth pads, I had *terrible* cramps that would send me to bed for several days every month--even with my taking medication--and super heavy periods that would leave me feeling terribly drained, as if all the blood & iron had left my body. Very unpleasant! After switching the cloth pads, however, my need for any sort of pain medication ceased and my flow lightened as the months went on. Within the first six months of cloth pads, I went from week long periods to only four days. I was stunned at what a big change could be brought along but such a simple switch.

[Jillie]

Another postitive experience here. I've been using cloth exclusivly for the last 4 years (one baby and a year off in there) and I'm very happy with it. Easy to care for and much easier to deal with. Lighter, less cramping, sometimes no cramping, shorter. In the beginning I had a little trouble with leaking, but I think it was a combo of new fabric and the still heaver cycle. Now I havent hardly leaked and don't dread that time like I used to.

[canuckgal]

I love cloth pads. My flow seems lighter (actually alot goes into the toilet when I sit down, I have heard others say the same thing), no cramps, etc.

I am one of the few people here I think who have stopped using the Diva Cup (previously used the Keeper as well) and now use just pads. I do have the cup still if I go work out, or swim. I was getting a yeast infection the week my period ended EVERY month for a YEAR straight, no matter how I washed or emptied or boiled my cup, plus I was getting alot of external irritation. My doctor told me to not use anything internal and see what happens. I have used just pads for about 4 periods now, and I really like it...no chafing, pads sticking, feeling sweaty, (and NO yeast or irritation) etc. like I remember when I used disposables. O, and I like not running out of pads!

I use Lunapads pantiliners, and the New Moon Pads from Sweet Cheeks diapers. I don't do cloth diapers anymore, so I keep my pads in a wet pail and change the water daily. I wash them with an old t shirt or two I no longer wear (makes the load bigger then I don't feel guilty LOL) and hang them on a rack to dry.

[yentroc]

I had a really unexpected change after switching to cloth... for a few months before I switched, I was getting these little (for lack of a better word) "paper cuts" inside the folds of my vulva. I could never corellate them with anything... no yeast, happened at different times of the month, etc. Since changing to cloth, I haven't had one yet and it's been 5 or so cycles.

I don't know what that was all about but it doesn't seem like a coincidence.

[sagemomma]

: holy moly ladies. what a difference. :
i am usually good for at least 7 days of unbearable, itchy, burny, sweaty agony.
this month i used the cloth pads and had 4 days of the most comfortable period i have ever had, no cramps. no soreness down below, no sweating, lighter bleeding and yeah no yeast infection at the end.
no recovery period, from my period lol. thank you ladies for all of the encouragement. wish i had been using these all along. i'll never go back though