The Thing with
TAMPONS & PADS
Did You Know?
The hidden dangers of tampons and what you should know:
Tampons became popular in the 70’s as an alternative to pads. While tampons brought a lot of convenience to it’s users there are a few dangers that users need to be aware of:
1. Tampons contains toxins and heavy metals
Tampons are made from a combination of cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers. Some tampons are treated with chlorine during the bleaching process, which can leave trace amounts of dioxins, harmful chemicals linked to hormone disruption, immune system suppression, and even cancer in long-term exposure.
In a recent study published in August of 2024 has shown that all tampons in the study whether organic or not contains harmful toxins. Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons but arsenic was higher in organic tampons.
Manufacturers of menstrual hygiene products like tampons are not required to reveal the levels of toxins or heavy metals in their products, this is dangerous as consumers trust brands blindly and do not realize the product they use might expose them to a higher toxic burden.
Your vagina is a highly permeable place. Anything we place inside this area can be absorbed through our mucus membranes and into our bloodstream. We are already being burdened with so many toxins in our daily lives. Using tampons can add to your toxic load.
2. Impact on vaginal flora and exposure to bacteria
Tampons are highly absorbent and can impact your vaginal canals’ PH levels. Your body is amazing at keeping a natural balance “down there”.
Your vagina is a mildly acidic environment that normally kills off small amounts of bad bacteria. Your body also produces important mucus that acts as a lubricant for your vaginal canal, keeping you nice and comfy while housing your healthy vaginal bacteria.
Tampons absorb menstrual blood, but they can also absorb the natural moisture needed to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance. Overuse of tampons, especially high-absorbency ones, can lead to dryness and irritation, disrupting the natural flora and increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
Do not forget the “Wet String” situation after going to the toilet, shower, or swimming. Not so nice! It is just another breeding ground for pathogens (and very uncomfortable).
3. Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
One of the most well-known risks of tampon use is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This rare but life-threatening condition is caused by bacterial toxins, often linked to leaving a tampon in for too long. Super-absorbent tampons, in particular, can create an environment for harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive. Symptoms of TSS include high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and vomiting.
4. Environmental Concerns
From the beginning of a woman’s first cycle up to menopause, the average woman will have 450 periods. That equates to approximately 3500 days of menstrual flow. Depending on a woman’s flow rate this translates to 10 500 – 17 500 pads or tampons over a lifetime.
Conventional tampons contribute significantly to environmental waste. The plastic applicators, synthetic fibers, and packaging can take centuries to decompose, adding to the global plastic pollution crisis. A single person using tampons throughout their life can generate up to 250-300 pounds of waste.
5. Cost over time
Have you ever thought about the real cost of your period? If you pay as little as R1.50 per tampon and use between 3 – 6 tampons a day while menstruating, that translates to R15 000 – R32 000 spent in one lifetime. (And this excludes calculations for inflation)
Tampons are a recurring expense, and the costs can add up over a lifetime. In contrast, reusable options like menstrual cups more affordable in the long run and can last several years with proper care.
6. Potential allergies, sensitivities and cramping
Some tampons are scented or contain chemical additives that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrance and chemical-laden products can trigger redness, itching, and discomfort, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema.
Because the user is menstruating they might not notice that the vaginal canal is sensitized and irritated – leading them to assume that the symptoms they feel are associated with their menstruation and not realize that they have symptoms being caused by using a tampon.
These allergies and sensitivities can also lead to the user experiencing more cramping as the body is trying to expel the irritant.
Are Sanitary Pads Bad?
Sanitary Pads have come a long way since the days our grandmothers had to hand-stitch their own sanitary napkins and embroid them for their school sewing class.
We have all used a pad at one time in our life. It is still the most popular choice for girls starting their first cycle. But as with Tampons, Sanitary Pads also have a few things that are”Not So Nice”.
Uncomfortable. No matter how many wings you give a pad it is uncomfortable to wear. “Not so nice” – feeling like you have a slice of bread between your legs the whole day.
Strange Odours. Sanitary pads have to be changed regularly and sometimes it is difficult. We have all been caught off guard on a humid and hot summers day when you realize that slice of bread between your legs is getting an odour of its own. Not so nice. Not to mention the struggle if you have to change a pad and there is no bin in sight.
Environmental Impact and Cost. Depending on the brand, a sanitary pad can contain up to 90% plastic (Yikes). As with tampons, sanitary pad use over a a lifetime accumulates to a lot of waste on landfills.
According to Menstrual Health Alliance India, one regular non-organic sanitary pad could take 500 to 800 years to decompose as the plastic used is non-biodegradable and can lead to health and environmental hazards. Not so nice.
Limiting Activities. There are some activities in life where a sanitary pad is just not suitable, and wearing your swimming costume is one of them. You cannot take that slice of bread with wings into the water. Not so Nice!
Toxins, Pesticides, and Perfumes. Just like tampons, sanitary pads contain various toxins and pesticides. Some pads are made from recycled materials like plastic bottles. A lot of sanitary pads also have added perfumes and other additives. All of these elements can impact your vaginal homeostasis and can present as rashes, vaginal inflammation, vaginal allergies.