In this day and age, women tend to trust feminine products blindly. Just because such products are meant for women, it does not mean they are completely safe. The skin in the vagina is highly absorbent, due to which it can be effectively used to deliver drugs into your system. So, the chemicals that are introduced into the vagina through feminine products are also going to be absorbed very easily. Women should be extremely cautious about toxic exposure from feminine products. Although you use feminine products only 3 to 7 days each month, it adds up over the years. So, in a lifetime, you will be using feminine products somewhere between 2,000 to 4,000 days of your life. Products like tampons, pads, and pantiliners all come in contact with vaginal mucous membranes, which are highly absorbent. Since this area contains blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, it delivers the toxins absorbed from such products throughout your body through the circulatory system.
You may think that since feminine products are categorized as medical devices, the FDA would not allow them in the market if they were harmful, but the FDA does not regulate the cosmetic industry. And, just because it is allowed by the FDA, it does not mean that they are safe. You need to be aware of the toxins present in feminine products and have to try and limit your exposure to them as much as possible. Feminine products that are not labeled as organic can contain various toxins. Here are some of the toxins found in feminine products that disrupt hormones.
1. Dioxins
Tampons and sanitary pads are usually crisp and white because they are bleached. Dioxins are chemicals that result from such bleaching processes. They disrupt your hormones and cause issues with autoimmunity.
2. Glyphosate
The most important component of pads and tampons is cotton, which is one of the top genetically modified organism crops that are treated with a chemical known as glyphosate. Since cotton is highly absorbent, it easily absorbs the chemicals it is sprayed with.
3. Mercury
Mercury is not directly added to feminine products, but traces of it can be found in pads and tampons because it is a byproduct of the bleaching and manufacturing process. It is harmful to your body as it can cause immune system, nervous system, and digestive system disruptions.
4. Phthalates
Phthalates are found in many cosmetic products that are scented. Scented pads or tampons that are used to mask vaginal odors also contain them. Phthalates are plastic-like chemicals that disrupt the activities of hormones.
5. Rayon
Rayon is a synthetic material made from sawdust and is closely associated with toxic shock syndrome. Tampons should not be left in for more than eight house because of toxic shock syndrome, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, fever, rash, and even seizures.
6. Fragrances
Fragrances are synthetic products that are used in feminine products to mask odors. Even though these feminine products smell fresh, it does not mean they actually are. Chemicals used to produce fragrances are not disclosed, due to which you will not have an idea of what you are inserting or ingesting. Some fragrances may also contain carcinogens.
Using feminine products that contain toxins can cause infections and can harm your reproductive system.You can opt for some toxin-free alternatives, like reusable pads, menstrual cups, period panties, and organic tampons, pads, and liners. These products are convenient and do not contain harmful chemicals like other products do. Though the cost for these products may be more than the cheapest option you would generally go for, it is definitely worth the investment as your health is worth protecting.
