Organic tampons are typically composed of 100 percent cotton that has been grown without pesticides or herbicides, as well as dyes or fragrances commonly found in traditional tampons, according to Dr. Stephanie Hack, host of Lady Parts Podcast.
But will switching to organic tampons actually ease your period or decrease cramps?
Organic Cotton
Organic tampons differ from mainstream ones by being composed entirely of cotton with no rayon (a semi-synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp) or plastic components in their strings and applicators, and featuring smooth rounded tips designed for easy insertion with various absorbencies to accommodate various flow rates.
Organic tampons are free from chlorine, fragrances and dyes found in non-organic versions, while their cotton is grown without pesticides – giving you peace of mind that harmful chemicals won’t enter your vaginal canal.
That being said, even 100 percent cotton tampons do not guarantee protection from TSS. In fact, recent research indicates that all-cotton tampons may cause just as many cases as their rayon counterparts.
Natural Disinfectants
Some consumers are concerned about bleach and rayon in period products, attempting to avoid chemicals which have been linked with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), endometriosis, cancer and reproductive organ damage as well as other issues. Yet rayon production is considered synthetic; even some plastic pads contain it! A recent study also demonstrated that organic tampons contain volatile organic compounds like dioxins and furans which may pose health concerns.
Plastic menstrual products take decades to degrade and pollute our environment, so companies that produce organic pads such as PadBack, BanaPads, MakaPad and Aisle Pads that use agricultural fibers like papyrus, water hyacinth, bamboo and hemp to help reduce waste from these single-use feminine hygiene products. Furthermore, such companies offer education on proper menstrual management to address barriers that prevent people from practicing hygienic methods like cost, accessibility or sociocultural norms that impede proper menstrual management (MHM).
Less Toxins
Menstruators use various single-use feminine hygiene products that are often discarded after being used just once or twice, sometimes within hours of being purchased. Unfortunately, this waste often ends up clogging sewer pipes or landfills, or being left lying around on the ground where it becomes exposed to the elements posing a potential health risk for women who practice Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).
Studies have revealed that plastic-based pads often contain volatile organic compounds, dioxins, furans and synthetic fibers – all which have potential health impacts including endometriosis, reproductive organ damage and cancer.
Twelve peer-reviewed studies have assessed environmental chemicals present in tampons, menstrual pads and feminine wipes. Most tampons contained VOCs with risk estimates below guidelines; while certain pads had concentrations that approached or even exceeded them.
Organic tampon brands may contain fragrances that could cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals; however, most organic tampons are fragrance-free to decrease the chances of TSS (tampon-related toxic shock syndrome), an extremely rare but potentially deadly condition associated with using tampons.
Less Irritation
Women often report experiencing less itching, cramps and vaginal dryness after switching to organic tampons due to them not being bleached with chlorine or fragranced with chemicals that irritate the vagina.
Unfortunately, conventional plastic-based sanitary products can pose significant health hazards to menstruators who rely on them, particularly those living in areas without access or education about these supplies. Their chemical-laden plastic pads take decades to degrade and may contain ingredients which could pose potential threats both environmental and health-wise.
To avoid toxic chemicals, choose organic cotton tampons and panty liners as an eco-friendly period solution. Other eco-friendly solutions can include reusable tampons or menstrual cups. However, the ideal product solution for you ultimately lies within you – experiment until you find what works for you!
