As you’ve probably noticed, organic tampons and pads have recently become a fixture at drugstores. These all-natural alternatives often do without bleach, dyes, fragrances, or phthalates – something bleach-dyed versions cannot do.
Many women report experiencing less cramping and lighter flows after switching to organic tampons, but does that indicate that these products are better?
Organic tampons
Tampons are thin cylindrical pieces made of absorbent material designed to be worn inside your vagina during your period, with applicators and strings to help insert and remove them easily. Organic tampons feature cotton grown without synthetic chemicals or additives; some even boast biodegradable applicators for even greater environmental friendliness!
Organic tampons are designed to be gentle on your vulva. Since tampons are medical devices regulated by the FDA, all must meet certain absorbency and packaging standards; typically organic options have similar levels of absorption as conventional ones.
TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is one of the main concerns many women have when using tampons, yet this rare but severe side effect typically doesn’t depend on which brand or type you select. To decrease your risk of TSS and ensure maximum effectiveness for you and your flow cycle, follow FDA recommendations regarding wear time of no more than eight hours with the lowest absorbency level based on flow needs and wear tampons no more than eight hours a day with minimum absorbency levels for optimal use.
Organic pads
Organic pads offer an eco-friendly solution to traditional plastic menstrual hygiene products, featuring soft organic cotton material with an absorbent cellulose core for increased comfort against sensitive skin and reduced risk of rashes and irritation. Furthermore, this healthier choice reduces waste production from millions of tampons used each month compared to using more disposable options such as plastic tampons.
Organic cotton tampons use natural fibers that help lower the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome), an emergency condition associated with certain tampon types. Furthermore, organic cotton grows without pesticides or organic-only ones for added safety and environmental sustainability.
Eco-friendly menstrual products use significantly less water and energy than their nonorganic counterparts, and are biodegradable, meaning you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into the earth or ocean from disposing of them in the trash can – unlike nonorganic pads that may take up to 800 years for total breakdown!
Organic sanitary pads
Many women are wary of the chemicals contained in traditional sanitary pads, including chlorine bleach and rayon. These substances can enter their bodies through vaginal tissue and cause rashes and allergies. Organic sanitary pads use cotton that has been grown without pesticides or other chemicals; additionally they use other natural fibers such as bamboo, jute or starch as material components.
Organic sanitary pads come with various absorbency levels and lengths, making them suitable for different flow conditions. Some can even be reused, helping reduce waste while saving money over time. They’re free from plastic, chemical glue and dioxins!
Reusable menstrual cups offer another viable alternative to conventional pads; however, this requires addressing concerns related to pain when inserting it and fear that it might get stuck. An eco-friendly option to traditional pads are biodegradable menstrual pads made from plant fibres like banana, jute and water hyacinth for sustainable menstruation needs.
Organic tampon applicators
Many brands now offer organic tampons. These organic options are made of certified organic cotton that’s free from pesticides and dyes, uses biodegradable cardboard applicators, is OEKO-TEX certified, comes in various absorbencies, and are an effective way to decrease environmental footprint.
Traditional tampons are made from cotton that has been treated with harmful pesticides and herbicides, including harmful pesticides that pollute waterways and damage soil life, as well as increasing the risk of toxic shock syndrome, an potentially fatal condition linked to tampon use.
TSS (tampon skin syndrome) occurs when bacteria from the surface of a tampon enter the bloodstream. TSS can lead to fever, low blood pressure, rash, vomiting and nausea – making it essential to follow basic safety rules for using and changing tampons such as using those with the lowest absorbency possible and changing them every six hours.
