If you are going to use tampons, you should know that they are safe when used properly. They stop period blood from escaping and keep your underwear (and dignity) safe – what else do you need to worry about? This one isn’t going to have a direct negative impact on your body but, in the long-term, it’s important to consider. They're unscented, 100% leak.. You’re not really supposed to put any sort of “scent” down there, we all know to avoid using scented shower gels and moisturizing creams on our intimates (and even to be careful when using scented or flavor lubricants), so it doesn’t make that much sense to ever use scented tampons. The results showed that dioxin levels ranged from non-detectable to one part in 3 trillion, and the FDA has determined that dioxin at this extremely low level does not pose a health risk., Bleaching is required to purify wood pulp and retrieve the cellulose fibers that make rayon. Before the 2015 study was published about the dollar stores having toxic products for sale, this group of dollar stores became a focus by the Environmental Justice and Health Alliance in 2014. Toxic Shock Syndrome can potentially kill or paralyze you. Organic Pads and Tampons Both traditional pads and tampons, the ones you would commonly find on supermarket and … If you are still concerned, consider buying an organic option. Ahh, the dollar store. There is no hard evidence to say that tampons make cramps worse, but they can sometimes cause swelling which might cause or exaggerate menstrual cramps. Spend some time experimenting with what feels more natural for your body, and fits practically into your lifestyle. Yes, there are organic cotton tampons out there and companies like LOLA who disclose how their products are made—and shout-out to them for existing! Menstrual sponges are exactly what they sound like. At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether to start or continue using them. 2017;189(20):E726‐E728. The Facts on Tampons—and How to Use Them Safely. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. There is even a ‘smart’ menstrual cup called LOONCUP that will tell you when it needs to be changes, if you prefer to be a bit more tech-savvy with your vagina. Packs, Ladies let go of some stress you may have over your monthly cycle and grab these pocket-sized tampons. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health has been regulating and providing consumer information about the safety and efficacy of medical devices produced and sold in the United States, including tampons. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9942. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3, Vostral S. Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). 1. ), they are not independently safety tested, companies knowingly risk women's health, they are self-regulated, and the … "The FDA regulates both the safety and effectiveness of tampons," says Dr. Hakakha, "and despite recent claims in the media that tampons leach chemicals such as asbestos and dioxin, to date there are no studies indicating tampons are contaminated with either chemical. In general, tampons are very safe, but it's imperative that they are used properly. No company wants to put out a product that’s going to endanger women,” said C. Tucker Helmes, executive director of the … Examples of such companies are Thinx and Knic Wear. Dear Kate even makes yoga pants you can wear without pads or underwear! Tampons are a convenient option for many women. They look like bath sponges and they work pretty much the same way. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. What alternatives exist to help you out on a month basis? So, like many women, you’re wondering if tampons are safe or not. Here are 7 items that you may want to stop buying at the dollar store: 1. Pads are also safe for overnight use, as there is no risk of TSS if used for longer than 8 hours, making them a great choice for protection while you sleep. Softs cups are potentially less wasteful than pads and tampons, and an easy introduction into getting comfortable with the idea of using something a little bit less familiar. The long-term effects of bleached chlorine haven’t been studied closely or extensively enough to be viewed as safe to insert into your vagina! “Tampons are safe. The number one argument for tampons and against pads is … We still don’t 100% know the full health effects of these chemicals, so it may not be wise to put them in your body. These chemicals include harsh pesticides and chemicals such as chlorine. Since tampons are going to be inserted into your vagina, you do not have to worry about such matters. This billion-dollar business is the result of women using tampons monthly. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by an infection of either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. These bacteria already live on the surface of your skin, and they protect your skin from other infections. Here are seven reasons why we should all care more about what goes into our tampons, pads, and other menstrual products. Both traditional pads and tampons, the ones you would commonly find on supermarket and drug store shelves, contain added chemicals. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This process results in the formation of dioxins which has been linked to breast cancer, endometriosis, and immune system suppression. I feel like I've been very misinformed about tampons in the past so I have a lot of hang ups about them even though I prefer them. This option also doesn’t take you too far away from you comfort zone: you don’t have to forego pads or tampons, just switch to the reusable versions. Approximately 43 million women in the U.S. use tampons. The FDA requires all tampon manufacturers to provide packaging information on all tampons sold in the United States describing the symptoms of TSS and how to reduce your risk, so a handy reminder of this information is likely as close as your bathroom cabinet.. This is far more practical, reduces environmental waste, and totally removes the possibility of TSS – especially if you tend to forget about your tampon. You might not need the whole box for one month, but you can always store them for your next period, or share with the other females in your house. 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We’ve provided you with 8 alternatives to tampons, each with different effects on the environmental, health, and comfort. Published July 2005. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. There is a possibility that inserting an object into the vagina whist menstruating can increase the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions and increased cramping. You should probably be more concerned about the chemicals in tampons or throwing off your pH balance than the rare possibility of TSS. Take back control of your health by experimenting with these genius alternatives to figure out what works for you! While you can easily score cheap party decorations and glass bowls at the dollar store, it can be tough to know what is and isn’t a good deal when it … Vostral S. Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. Despite their availability and common use, tampons have some negative side effects – side effects that you probably never even knew about, or possibly just chose not to think about. Do not store your tampons in the bathroom long-term. Brands such as Divacup and Lunette have hit stores and helped to pull this menstrual product further into the forefront of public view. I had one of those moms that didn't let me use tampons until I was 18 because she thought they didn't make me a virgin anymore and didn't tell me anything about how to use them safely. Updated November 4, 2015. But the most popular tampons on store shelves (especially fragranced ones) are composed of chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins that the EPA calls “probable human carcinogens” aka sh*t that’s poss unsafe for the human body. Like the menstrual cup, you pinch a soft cup in half, slide it in, let it unfold, then push up the front of the plastic loop up so it rests behind your pelvic bone, creating a tight seal. The menstrual cup is simple: a flexible plastic cup is pinched in half and inserted into the vagina, where, when released, it unfolds and creates a tight seal. A downside to using a menstrual sponge is plausibly that you might find it a little bit cumbersome and messy to get out. Brands such as GladRags and Lunapads create washable cloth pads that even feature cute designs. But of course, these will all be artificial fragrances, and the more artificial things that are going up into the hoo-ha can never be good. Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but it's important to know about it. These products are all washable and reusable, meaning they will save you dollar, while helping to save the environment. Some women complain that using tampons seems to make their menstrual cramping worse. TSS is more common among young women and women who have decreased immune function. But leaving a tampon in for too long is considered one of the most significant risk factors for TSS, even for otherwise healthy women who have used tampons before. Not only do reusable menstrual products help save the environment, they also help you save money. The condition can advance rapidly and may even result in death. One concerning source of toxin found in tampons — rarely mentioned — is dioxin. Do they have any risk of infections? To be on the safe side, always store your tampons in a cabinet in a cool, dry place. This article is going to take you through very real risk of tampon use and how you might get around this issue. Some of them doing it more safely, with less environmental impact, and a more pleasant effect on your day-to-day life. Whether there is scientific evidence or not, the fact that women are complaining about this symptom is sufficient reason to be cautious with tampons. Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. This isn’t so much a health risk as an inconvenience, but tampons can cause odor. The average woman will purchase 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, yet millennials are increasingly opting for other feminine hygiene options. Examples of companies that sell these menstrual sponges are Jade & Pearl and Jam Sponge. The idea of the pad is a pretty simple one, however the absorbent power of our current pads is such that they can absorb an awful lot more than you think! Menstruation is an uncomfortable time of the month as it is. CMAJ. According to the FDA, tampons are made of cotton and rayon, or a combination of these materials. Asbestos is not approved for use in making tampons, and factories that manufacture tampons are subject to inspection to ensure that required manufacturing standards are being met. Low-quality tampons may also be made of a fabric than is unpleasant and a poor-quality tampon can easily result in excessive dryness of the vagina which makes chafing and infection more likely. SKIP THAT: Baking soda What if you were to not use any sanitary products at all during your period? 2017 May 23;189(20):E726-E728. But they certainly are very good for the environment and your wallet. Menu Categories Digital Coupons Weekly Ad Inspiration DG Tips & Hacks DG Easy Meals DG ... My Store: Find a store near you These companies believe that women shouldn’t be exposed to pesticide residues, phthalates, ado-dyes and dioxins, especially in such a sensitive and absorptive part of the body. But, some side effects, as well as serious complications, can occur as a result of tampon use. Some spices. Switch from tampons to sanitary towels . What’s in a tampon? By Tess Francke. Why You Should Never Eat Store-Bought Dressings (Plus 5 Healthy Alternatives), Think Parkour is Just For Men? If your flow is very heavy then wear a pad just to be on the safe side. Once removed, soft cups can be thrown away like you would do with other disposable sanitary products. Be Prepared with Maxi Pads & Tampons from Dollar General. And while they are still a fringe option, there are also reusable tampons for sale, albeit in more niche places such as Etsy. My friend puts in 2 tampons at once. The pH balance describes the balance of acidity and alkaline in your vagina, and an imbalanced pH can lead to yeast and bacterial infections. This is a mild concern with other forms of sanitation and flow-control, but tampons tend to have the largest problem with odor. The soft cup will catch the period blood and hopefully prevent leaks for a longer duration of time than your average tampon. This means you are heading to the bathroom while you’re using them, nor do you need to buy new ones more than once a year (providing you take care of your menstrual cup and wash it properly). But the next time you buy spices, … The first menstrual cup was patented in 1937, but the device didn’t become popular until as recently as the past decade. Some strategies are better than others dependent on the context – if you’re working at the office, free-bleeding may not be a great choice, for example. The materials used in tampons don't cause TSS, but high-absorbency tampons are associated with an increased risk (more below)., There are concerns that dioxin, a pollutant found in the environment, could be present in the cotton or rayon used in tampons, potentially causing endometriosis. Updated September 12, 2018. But are you aware that there are several other, less conventional options that do the same job? doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479. Free bleeding is a fast-increasing trend. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479. Is Toxic Shock Syndrome Really a Threat for Tampon Users? Your vagina is a sensitive place and any foreign object can irritate it. 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