Feminine Pads, Tampons, Reusable Cups, Period Proof Underwear, Cloth Pads
What you use during your period could be affecting the length, flow and pain level you’re experiencing.
While I haven’t found studies proving this, I have seen countless testimonials from women who regularly have long, heavy flows or debilitating pain see a noticeable difference when making this switch. Their flow is lighter, it is days shorter, and/or they have less pain/cramps. If you have any of the above, try this switch out even if you’re not into organic or using organic products and see if you notice a difference.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬?
Currently, makers of pads and tampons do not need to disclose ingredients in their products. So if you’re using a tampon, you literally have no idea what you’re putting inside your body. Cotton is a crop that heavily uses pesticide, and that region even if only using pads, is especially sensitive. Other concerns include:
Dioxins (cancer causing, hormone disruptor)
Undisclosed fragrance (irritant, mystery “ingredient” hiding numerous unknown ingredients, likely ones that mess with your hormones)
plastic (hormone disruptor)
unknown ingredients
Later this year, products in New York will need to disclose their ingredients, but this doesn’t solve the issue because things like dioxins are contaminants created in the process, and won’t show on the ingredient label.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫?
Look for organic options that are transparent with what’s in their products. Thankfully, they are becoming more popular even from the big brands and you can even find them in many grocery stores. Some offer online subscriptions to save on cost if you don’t want to have to worry about running to the store.
Organic pads & tampons
– less irritation
– no chafing from a plastic top sheet
– keeping a sensitive area free from fragrances & pesticides
A not well known fact: Proctor & Gamble bought This is L. Brand a couple years ago. If you’re trying to completely avoiding the big brands, skip this one. It is one of the more affordable and easiest options to find in store, so I included them in this list still.
Silicone Cups
There are many different shapes and sizes of cups and you may have to get a different one after having children. I recommend using an online tool to find the right one for you. Putacupinit.com and many others have ones to help decide which might work best for you.
Regardless if you’re choosing conventional or organic tampons or even cups, there is a very small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a very serious, but rare disease caused by bacteria.
To reduce your chance:
wear the lightest absorbency your flow needs
change more frequently
ensure hands are clean
if using a cup, sterilize before reinserting (have 2 or 3 to rotate)
use a pad on lighter flow days
Cloth Pads
Organic is preferred, but there are 101 different shapes, sizes and styles and it seem like everyone has a different one. They can be found on Amazon and Etsy. Even if you’re sure a specific style will work for you, my recommendation is to try a couple before investing in the full number needed.
Period proof underwear
In a recent study 65% of period underwear were found to be positive for fluorine, an ingredient in PFAS aka the forever chemical. It doesn’t break down and it can accumulate over time. They cause serious health concerns relating to developmental, reproductive, immunological, thyroid, and cancer. It’s used in non-stick cookware, it’s contaminated our water, and we don’t need to be putting that in and around our bodies.
If you want to go with underwear, stick to these brands as they tested negative for Fluorine.
Aisle (formerly Lunapads)
Bambody
Intimate Portal
Period
Modibodi
Revol
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas
https://www.mamavation.com/health/period-underwear-contaminated-pfas-chemicals.html
