Every woman should know the shocking details about what’s really inside tampons. From a recent article here at HoneyColony:
“In most cases, tampons are made of synthetic fibers that have been bleached to give them that “clean” look that appeals to most consumers. But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proven that using any products with chlorine increases the risk of cancer exponentially. So every month when you reach for that chlorine laden tampon, you are raising the likelihood of contracting cancer. Then there’s Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but fatal disease caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It can be transmitted via a tampon which can then get into your blood stream and cause nausea, high fever, diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms. Most women at risk are white and between the ages of 15 to 19.”
While pads are generally the lesser evil compared to tampons, they too have problems. Pads hold blood and other discharge, like mucus, close to the body with little ventilation or air flow. This can and often does make your pad a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that can cause infections, such as the dreaded candidal vulvovaginitis or “Candida.” And of course commercial pads contain chemicals and are also bleached.
Instead of using an everyday ‘maxi pad’ or tampon, try using the Diva Cup or menstrual cotton Moon Pads, which are like regular pads only reusable and more comfortable. You can save your menses blood and help cut down on trash.
