The Truth About Your Tampons
Being a woman is beautiful and amazing. We have the ability to create and grow life, but when we decide not to get pregnant, our body puts us through -what seems like- a torturous procedure month after month. It is life. We deal with it, push it aside, and never really talk about it.
It's time to talk about it.
If you are anticipating your first postpartum menstrual cycle, consider changing up your previous period absorption methods.
Top reasons you should ditch the non-organic tampons and pads....
- They cause imbalances of pH in the vagina (Normal pH is essential for maintaining good vaginal health.) When the pH is imbalanced a woman is at risk for vaginal issues such as infections, pain and discomfort.
- They can cause TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is not as rare as we are made to believe. (TSS can include causing endometriosis, abnormal pap smears, genital warts, etc). TSS is caused by a bacterial toxin that can also result in high fever, confusion, a rash similar to a sunburn, low blood pressure and can be fatal.
- They interfere with the menstrual flow- Tampons disrupt the natural downward flow of energy during menstruation which causes excess cramping and abdominal discomfort.
- They contain Monsanto's chemical 'Roundup' which is linked to cancer
- 5 of the top 9 pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. are classified by the EPA as a Category 1 & 2, which are the most dangerous. These pesticides have also been linked to cancer.
- A few of the toxic chemicals used in the process of manufacturing rayon include carbon hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide
- Glyphosate was found in 85% of the products containing (non organic) cotton bought in pharmacies and supermarkets including feminine care products like tampons and sanitary pads, sterile gauze pads, cotton swabs and wipes.
- Aside from pesticides, traces of dioxin (from chlorine bleaching), and GMOs, if you’re using scented tampons, be aware that such products may contain any of the nearly 3,000 fragrance chemicals widely used.
- They are bad for the environment.
- They deplete natural fluids causing dryness and irritation.
- They can contain mold.
- They can reduce fertility.
What are your REAL options?
- Organic Pads
- Organic Tampons
- Reusable (“Mama Cloth") Fabric Pads
- Menstrual Cup
- Period Panties
Pads and tampons are one of the most convenient inventions for feminine hygiene products in modern times; however, now more than ever it’s crucial for us to know what we’re putting into our body. Knowledge is power.
The Breakdown
Disposable, single-use tampons and pads became available in much of the developed world in the first half of the 20th century. Today, tampons are used by over 100 million women worldwide, while pads, which are much more widespread on a global scale due to a cultural aversion to tampons in many regions, comprise a multi-billion dollar industry.
The average woman uses an average of more than 11,000 tampons in her lifetime. It's estimated that approximately 20 billion pads, tampons and applicators are filling our landfills annually! These products require hundreds of years to biodegrade, particularly if wrapped in the plastic they were packaged in.
Not only are we clogging lanfills, but we are clogging our bodies (pun intended) with toxic chemicals. You absorb everything from your feminine product into your body.
Tampons and pads are sold under the cosmetic product label, and they are tested and determined to be safe if used on ordinary skin. But what does 'safe' mean?
This means chemicals of concern such as carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens are being used on, or even in, the extremely permeable mucus membranes of the vaginal area. Yes, these chemicals are all approved for use in our cosmetics.
