Tampon and Menstrual Pad
Are the tampon and menstrual pad safe enough for you?
These are the two most common and convenient sanitary menstrual products available. However, if you are trying to conceive, there are health concerns in using these products that you should be aware of, especially if you are physically weak and susceptible.
This page touches on the following topics:
Health concerns in using disposable menstrual products
The various sanitary menstrual products available in the market:
Tampons
Menstrual pads
Sea sponges
Menstrual cups
Padded panties
Health Concerns in Using Disposable Menstrual Products
There are inherent health hazards in using disposable menstrual products because they are simply bleached white and though individually wrapped in plastic, are not sterile
Traces of dioxin can be found on the products after they are bleached. Dioxin is a toxic impurity, often created as by-products in many industrial processes. Dioxin accumulation in your body can harm your metabolism.
Many of these products also come with scents and deodorizers. If you have sensitive skin, they can cause rashes, irritation, allergic reaction and even yeast infections.
Moreover, as these products are not sterile, you can be infected if you use them wrongly. For example,tampons have been linked to the toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal disease caused by bacterial infection.
TSS symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, low blood pressure and a sunburnlike rash.
It is treated with antibiotics and with fluids given through a vein. If you have TSS and you are not treated with antibiotics, you may become ill again at your next menstrual period.
Most patients recover with no complications. However, some may lose thier fingernails, toenails and hair a few months after developing this illness. About 4 percent of TSS cases are fatal.
Tampons
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The too-frequent use of tampons can cause TSS. Symptoms influde fever, vomiting, fainting, rashes and even death in some susceptible women!
To decrease the risk of getting TSS, always follow the package directions for insertion. Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow and change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Don't wear it the whole day or sleep overnight with it. It is best for you to alternate using the menstrual pads with tampons.
Menstrual Pads
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Disposable pads are made of wood pulp or synthetic products, usually with a plastic lining and bleached.
If you are environmentally conscious and prefer using reusable cloth menstrual pads, you can make your own handsewn pads from cotton, terrycloth, or flannel. Some of these pads can be bought from online stores. You can still secure them to your panty because some come with velcro or wings that snap. Some are available in belted styles too.
The drawback on using reusable cloth pads is that it can be pretty messy. You have to wash and dry them after usage. If you travels a lot, you may find it inconvenient to have to wash your pad in a public washroom.
The solution to this is to use your reusable pads at home, but switch to disposable pads when you travel.
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