The 9 Dangers of Using a Sanitary Pad and How to Protect Yourself

By Anisha Nair - Updated: August 19, 2019

In this Article

Are Sanitary Pads Safe?
Possible Health Hazards of Sanitary Napkins
Safer Options For Your Period

Every woman relies on sanitary pads and tampons to see her through her menses. But have you ever spared a thought to how safe these products are? Are tampons or pads healthier? Find out how they can be dangerous and get introduced to safer alternatives.

Blessed are the people who came up with the idea of sanitary napkins. Isn’t this a thought that comes to your mind every month? Sanitary napkins can see you through the heaviest of flows without making you feel uncomfortable. But are they safe? Studies have shown that they aren’t as innocuous as they seem to be!

Are Sanitary Pads Safe?

Time and again, environmentalists have stressed on the fact that used sanitary pads and tampons pose a big threat to the environment. This is mainly due to the chemicals that are present in them. If they’re harmful to the environment, how can they be good for you? Let’s take a look at the harmful ingredients used in these feminine hygiene products.

1. Dioxin

If you thought that sanitary napkins look white because the cotton used is white, think again. Cotton has a creamy shade and isn’t white. Manufacturers use a chemical called dioxin to bleach pads and make them white.

2. Pesticides

No, they’re not sprayed onto pads directly. Pesticides find their way into sanitary pads as they’re sprayed on by cultivators of cotton.

3. Artificial Perfume

Thanks to fragrant sanitary napkins, you feel fresh all through your periods. The fact is, perfume is added by manufacturers to allure buyers. Just like other chemicals, they aren’t safe.

Possible Health Hazards of Sanitary Napkins

The chemicals used in the making of sanitary napkins can enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc on your health. Here are some potential health hazards of sanitary pads

Inflammation in the pelvic region
Cancer in the ovaries
Damaged immune system
Hormonal dysfunction
Infertility
Malfunctioning of the thyroid
Vaginal allergies
Rashes
Ailments related to the endometrium

Safer Options For Your Period

1. Menstrual Cups

While sanitary pads are made of unsafe products, a menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone, which is extremely safe. It’s inserted into the vagina and the blood is collected in the cup. Once you put it in, you can be tension-free for up to 12 hours! It’s reusable and lasts for years.

2. Organic Sanitary Napkins

Pads that are organic don’t contain any artificial chemicals and pesticides, which makes them a safer alternative. But they aren’t reusable and you still have to be careful about how you dispose them.

4. Organic Cloth Pads

As the name suggests, organic cloth pads are made of cotton, bamboo or hemp and are covered with an organic cloth. You can wash them and reuse. They can last for a year or more, depending on how well you take care of them.

It’s a good idea to seek the help of a gynaecologist if you need more help choosing hygiene products that are healthier than tampons or pads. Spread the word and protect your loved ones from falling prey to the dangers of chemical-infested sanitary pads and tampons.

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