Before we had all these different tampon alternatives, teen magazines like Dolly and Girlfriend had me convinced that if I left one in I would get Toxic Shock Syndrome. The minute you start menstruating you hear cautionary tales of young people who left their tampon in for too long ending up in the emergency room. Fast forward to today, and I still wake up in the middle of the night if I’ve accidentally fallen asleep with a tampon in, fearful that this time might be that one time that triggers TSS.

If you’ve ever had a period, you understand the banality of it all. It slips your mind — especially during the first and last few days of your period — and hours later you suddenly remember you’ve still got a wedge of cotton inside you that’s so full it’s grown twice the size. As you pull it out you can’t help but think about how something catastrophic could have happened, because it can… even though, according to experts it actually takes the perfect storm (read: vaginal environment) to occur.

What exactly is toxic shock syndrome?

Microbiologists and scientists discovered that the TSS is caused by a toxin called TSST-1. The TSST-1 toxin is produced from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and when the TSST-1 toxin crosses the vaginal mucosa and enters the bloodstream, it can result in low blood pressure, organ failure, and even death.

So how is it linked to tampons?

As Dr Patrick Schlievert previously told LH , a woman on her period with S. aureus present in her vagina will have more than enough bacteria to produce the toxin, “Menstrual blood can multiply Staph. aureus organisms from 1,000 to 10 billion,” he said. But, in order for all that bacteria to result in TSS, “you just need something to turn on the toxin,” and that something is air.

Meaning anytime someone inserts a tampon, menstrual cup or a disc, they risk introducing oxygen into the normally anaerobic vagina. Tampons, in particular, because of their absorbency and the frequency in which we change them, have the ability to trap more oxygen increasing the user’s risk of TSS.

And while microbiologists believe that most of us are immune after adolescence (because they’ve developed the antibodies that recognise and can inactivate the toxin), a small percentage of people can still have the toxic-producing strain of S. aureus present in their vaginas.

What are safe alternatives to tampons?

Period undies! Over the last year, I personally made the switch to period undies and let me tell you, not sleeping in a tampon is absolute bliss. Brands like Modibodi , have created a range of period undies and sleep shorts that are leak-proof, comfortable and can handle a heavy flow. Case in point: Their new sleep shorts. Backed by their proven-to-work technology, the shorts give you full protection from front to back, meaning you have absolutely zero fear of leaks. And If you’re not going to do it for your health, at least do it for those lush linen sheets you just spent half your pay check on… No? Just me? Ok.

Classic Sleep Short in Heavy-Overnight, $60

If you’re keen to jump full speed onto the period undie train, we’ve thrown a few of Modibodi’s best-sellers together to get you started.

Seamfree Full Brief in Heavy-Overnight, $35

Sensual Boyleg in Light-Moderate, $26.50

Classic Bikini in Light-Moderate, $24.50

The post Period Shorts Are a Safer (and Comfier) Bedtime Alternative to Tampons appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

Calling all bubble tea lovers, we’ve just received news that’s going to blow your mind. From today, you can head to your local Coles or Woolies and grab a bubble tea dessert that’s inspired by the iconic drink. Brought to you by the good people at Buono, the two-part range is the brand’s signature dessert collection that’ll bring you a taste of Thailand without leaving the couch.

Yep, if you’ve ever wished you could glug down a bubble tea while watching The Crown on Netflix – now you can.

First up is Buono Boru Boru – the bubble tea dessert available in a tub. The frosty treat is free from gluten, dairy, artificial colours, artificial flavours, trans fats, preservatives and cholesterol. Don’t worry though, it’s not one of those healthy things that taste awful – it tastes just like the real thing. The range is coconut-based, blending the flavour of real brewed tea with chewy Boru Boru balls. You’ll experience a burst of flavour in every mouthful, just like sucking one up through your straw while drinking a bubble tea.

This dessert is currently available in two flavours – Thai Tea and Genmaicha (a combination of green tea and roasted rice).

Image: Buono

The second dessert is a frozen spin on the beloved Mochi ball and has been named Mochi Ice . This is a great snack if you’re on the go because it doesn’t require a spoon (which also makes it difficult not to eat the entire box in one sitting).

Inside each mochi pocket is a creamy, dairy-free frozen dessert that boasts a unique flavour and texture. The range is currently available in six flavours including strawberry, black sesame, vanilla, mango, chocolate and coconut. You’ll have to work your way through each one (maybe twice) to pick a favourite flavour but they’re all shaping up to be standouts.

With summer right around the corner, these healthier frozen treats couldn’t have landed at a better time. It’s time to dig out your biggest spoon and get to work, because bubble tea hour is officially every hour.

You can shop the entire Buono bubble tea dessert range here .

The post Bubble Tea-Flavoured Ice Cream Is a Real Thing and Where Has It Been All Our Lives? appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

With so many kinds of sex toys available, it’s likely you’ll have more than one. Depending on what kind of mood you’re in, who you’re with or what you’re trying to achieve – the sex toy will typically vary. But what happens once we’ve used our sex toy to death or decided to get an upgrade? How does sex toy disposal actually work? That’s what we’re here to find out.

What’s the best way to dispose of sex toys?

When it comes to sex toy disposal, there’s a big difference between devices that are battery-operated and ones that aren’t. Battery operated devices are considered e-waste and in some states (like Victoria), there’s legislation in place which prevents e-waste from being sent to landfill. This means you can’t chuck your old vibrator in the rubbish bin and be done with it. Other states don’t strictly prohibit sending e-waste to landfill, but it’s really harmful to the environment so if you’re looking to dispose of them more mindfully, there’s better ways of doing so.

Some council bodies provide e-waste collections and drop-offs but you might not be keen to drop it off in person. Luckily, there’s a new initiative which is far more discrete.

So, what are my options?

Up until recently, there was no national sex toy recycling facility or scheme – but that’s all changed. Australia’s newest sexual wellness brand NORMAL has launched the first national sex toy trade-in program in the country. So, if you’ve used your vibrator to death or used it once and will never again – this is the perfect way to rid yourself of it for good.

The Australia-wide sex toy buyback program allows anyone to send in their old (or unwanted) sex toys at no cost. You’ll then receive $20 which can go towards a new device from NORMAL’s range of toys . Have a look at some of the products on offer below.

Quinn, $195

Darcy, $195

The best part is, once you sign up for the initiative, NORMAL will provide you with a discreet, prep-paid envelope for you to send the toy back in.

“All that’s required from anyone looking to get involved is to drop of their retired sex toy at a postage box,” said Wark. “Then we’ll make sure it’s recycled in a sustainable way”, said founder, Lucy Wark.

So there you have it, sex toy disposal made easy. Now, not only can you say goodbye to your old sex toys with a clear mindset, you can have a helping hand to buy a new one, too. If you’re already thinking about what you might buy, have a look at NORMAL’s online quiz which will match you up with the perfect sex toy.

The post How to Properly Dispose of Your Unwanted Sex Toys appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

The average person will spend about 26 years of their life sleeping. Given that insane statistic, it makes sense that we’d want to be as comfortable as possible, right? Luckily for us, beloved bedding brand Ecosa has just announced a $250 discount on their mattress and bed bases and 20% off on everything else. They’re also offering free express shipping on smaller items as well.

The sale is running from today (1st February) until the 14th February, which is just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’re not sure what to gift your SO this year and you both enjoy spending time in the bedroom – nabbing some new bedding is a surefire winner. All you have to do is enter the code VDAY21 at checkout and you’re good to go.

Ecosa’s queen mattress is currently on sale for $849 (down from $1,099) and their king mattress is sitting at $949 (down from $1,199).

Nabbing a new mattress for under $1000 is worth shouting from the rooftops, especially when it comes with all the bells and whistles like adjustable firmness and back support. Each mattress is also fitted with pincore holes (to keep you cool) and zero-disturbance technology (which means you won’t feel your partner moving). Sound good? We thought so.

Image: Instagram @ecosa_sleep

Why stop there though? Ecosa is also home to timber bed bases and bedside table if you’re keen to go all out and redesign your entire bedroom. When the prices are this good, it’d be rude not to.

They don’t call them the sleep experts for nothing. Ecosa really knows what they’re doing when it comes to getting a great night’s snooze. Sweet dreams!

Shop Ecosa’s entire bedding range here .

Mattress in Queen Size, $849

Bed Base in Queen Size, $1,149

Bedside Table in Walnut, $384

The post Ecosa’s High-Tech Mattress Is Currently $250 off if You’re Prioritising Sleep in 2021 appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

I don’t know about you, but the ridiculously high stress levels of 2020 have made one thing clear to me going forward. I don’t want to deal with unnecessary difficulties where I can avoid them.

If my mind and body are going to have to handle the weight of a global pandemic, then you better believe I’m not going to let some stupid annoyance like running out of toilet paper further mess up my cognitive load. No, sir.

One way to help streamline your everyday life is to sign up to a bunch of set-and-forget subscriptions that’ll have your boring ol’ life admin running like clockwork. If you too are looking to de-stress in 2021, here is a list of options to consider.

Health and hygiene subscriptions:

This is a very popular area. There are oodles (wow, haven’t used that word like, ever before) of options in this space, so know there are loads more where these came from.

Amazon

It’s worth noting that when buying products from Amazon (like body wash , hand soap and so on) you can select a subscription option for the product. You can choose the frequency of the deliveries, and sweet bonus: it’ll get you a discounted price.

Vitable

Knowing exactly what vitamins to take can be a tricky task. This clever company allows you to take a quiz to find out which vitamins are right for your body. Once you’ve done that, you’ll then have the vitamins delivered to your door monthly. It couldn’t be easier.

Toothcrush

These cute, eco-friendly toothbrushes are delivered as a timely reminder that your old brush is past its prime. Because admit it, you’d forget otherwise. You can choose to have your deliveries sent quarterly or every two months, and memberships can be tailored to the number of people living in your home.

Prices start at $35 per year for one adult.

Kin Fertility

Kin offers a fully virtual contraceptive prescription experience, which is pretty incredible if you’re a time-poor modern individual. You’ll be paired up with a GP for an online consultation, and they’ll talk you through contraceptive options like the pill before setting you up with a prescription. You’ll then have your prescription delivered to you (usually it’s quarterly).

I personally use this (not for review or part of an affiliate partnership) and find it very convenient. However, it’s with checking in with your personal GP about any new medications and what’s right for you.

Pilot

This company is connected to Kin fertility (they exist under the same parent business, Eucalyptus) but focuses on men’s health. Here, you can sign up for subscriptions to treatments for sexual health and hair loss treatment options.

These involve an assessment with an Aussie doctor and are discreetly shipped to your home. Again, please be sure to chat with your personal GP whenever it comes to new medications.

Software

Okay, this is another Eucalyptus health brand. I know it’s a lot, but they offer some really cool services. This is a skincare subscription where you get a skin consultation online with a dermatologist, then can have your skincare shipped to you regularly from that point. Same as above, just chat with your doctor first if you have any reservations.

Who Gives A Crap

Never worry about empty shelves at the supermarket again. Who Gives A Crap is a subscription service for TP that happens to be plastic-free. The company also donates 50 per cent of their profits towards building toilets in communities that need them.

How We Roll

These guys also deal in eco-friendly TP , but also stock paper towels; compostable dog poop bags; bin liners and tissues. They’ll also plant one tree for every box of product sold. Pretty sweet, no?

Dollar Shave Club

When was the last time you updated your razor? These guys will quiz you on your shaving needs (on all parts of the body – so it’s not gender-specific) and from there will give you a recommendation on razor and product combos for your bod. Delivery dates are flexible and you can cancel whenever. More here .

Juuni

Period products regularly delivered to you? Tell me more. Design your perfect period pack, place your order and have it shipped free on the reg.

Jonny

Get condoms and other sex-related bits (like lube) discreetly delivered to your casa so you never need to do a late-night run to 7/11 again. These guys also come with biodegradable bags for disposals, and they donate $1 from every pack sold online.

Home subscriptions:

This list could go on forever, but here are a few useful subscriptions that’ll help around the house.

Zero Co

These guys deliver eco-friendly cleaning products to your door. The cleaning products are housed in bottles made of plastic waste taken from the ocean, and with your order, you’ll receive a refill bottle made from recycled materials. Once you’ve poured the contents of your refill bottle into the main container, return the empty refill bottle to Zero Co who will top it up for next time (and the time after that, and the time after that).

Koh Cleaning

Okay not technically a set-and-forget subscription, but these guys will also send eco-friendly cleaning products to your door, as well as refill packs for when you’re running low.

Coffee subscriptions:

There are loads of these available, so here’s a few to get you started.

Nespresso

You can sign up for 1, 2 or 3 capsule per day monthly subscriptions, each of which will offer you your 4th month free (at the time of publishing) when you sign up.

The tiers are priced at $25, $50 and $75 per month.

AllPress

Choose your coffee type, size and grind, then you can either buy your brew once-off or sign up for a subscription at a discounted price. This can be as often as weekly deliveries or as spread out as once a month.

Wine subscriptions:

Vinomofo

These guys offer two clubs : the MOFO club ($179 per pack) and the Black Market club ($139 per pack). You can choose how often you’d like the wine to be delivered, and have the boxes tailored to your tastes.

And there you have it. Our list of nifty subscriptions to help 2021 become more of a breeze for you all.

Got any other useful subscriptions we should know about? Let us know in the comments section.

The post The Best Subscription Services That’ll Save You Hours of Shopping Time appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .