Feminine care products like pads, liners and tampons help women manage their periods efficiently; however, many contain unregulated toxic chemicals which pose potential threats to health.
Women should opt for safer options that won’t contaminate the environment.
Eco-friendly period products help minimize waste while being available in various sizes and absorbencies, like reusable menstrual cups, period underwear or organic cotton pads.
Tampons
Tampons are known for being convenient and hassle-free tools for incontinence care, consisting of pocket-sized plastic or cardboard applicators filled with absorbent material that are used by inserting them into vaginal canal and leaving an attached string tied around their base to pull to remove. Some also come equipped with additional features like leak protection or odor control capabilities.
Tampons come in various sizes and absorbencies depending on how heavy a menstrual flow is. Their shape may range from cylindrical or tent, enabling for easy insertion and discretion. Prior to and after using tampons, make sure your hands are clean for easier insertion and to reduce any risk of infection; change every four-six hours; never exceed eight hours wear time to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
TSS symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness or fainting when standing up, red rash that resembles sunburn, and more transparent ingredients, less plastic waste, and no chemical additives such as PFAS, BPA or EA. You could ask local health and beauty retailers to offer more transparent tampons that contain less plastic waste as well as free of such additives as these.
Pads
Pads are designed to absorb menstrual blood externally and come in various sizes and absorbencies. Sometimes referred to as sanitary napkins or panty liners, pads can also be found as washable and reusable versions made from soft fabrics like organic cotton for maximum convenience and reduced waste production.
Change a pad every 4-6 hours, and overnight pads may provide better coverage during heavy periods. If your period feels heavier than normal, try going up one size to increase coverage.
Pads are an increasingly popular option among girls as they’re easy to use and do not carry the risk of TSS as much. Although more traditional menstrual hygiene products, pads may still contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, dyes and fluorescent materials from plastic products which could enter your body through vaginal skin – this is why eco- and health-minded women prefer organic or unbleached pads in order to mitigate risks.
Pantyliners
These small, disposable items can be worn inside of your underwear up against the vulva to absorb light amounts of menstrual fluid. They provide an efficient alternative to pads on lighter flow days or as backup for tampons.
Internal feminine hygiene products like tampons and menstrual cups must be inserted into the vagina to collect flow, but may require learning curves that may not suit all women. For a natural approach with no chemicals necessary, try organic cotton or hypoallergenic feminine hygiene products as options.
Chemicals of concern found in feminine care products like tampons and pads can come into prolonged contact with sensitive tissue and lead to health concerns such as toxic metals, reproductive toxins and allergic reactions. To protect yourself from these substances, look for non-toxic feminine hygiene alternatives like organic cotton pads and tampons, menstrual discs or period underwear which reduce waste as well as brands which disclose all ingredients clearly while remaining PFAS free.
Wipes
Wipes can be constructed from many different materials, including nonwovens and papers, and often come scented with lotion or perfume for fragrance. When moistened with water or other liquids, they may also contain softeners, disinfectants, preservatives (like isopropyl alcohol) or other chemicals depending on their product and application – typically packaged into small pouches or box dispensers for ease of use.
One of the major drawbacks to wipes is their potential to dry out skin, particularly if they contain alcohol, and cause irritation and infection. Douching, or using homemade or store-bought solutions and washes to scrub vagina, has been associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
People are exploring alternative feminine hygiene products such as organic cotton tampons, washable period panties and the Dame Reusable Menstrual Cup (which will be featured later). We love seeing so many options emerging; these kinds of products make us extremely excited.
