Article author: Andy, Femvie ambassador
Did you know that regular tampons or pads can contain chemicals that affect not only your health but also the planet? Many women have no idea what's hidden in the menstrual products they use every month. As a lab technician and student of cosmetics and hygiene products, I wanted to find out what actually comes into contact with our bodies and why it's better to choose an organic alternative.
I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how it is affected by the substances that surround us every day. I am a trained laboratory technician and am currently continuing my studies in pharmacy with a focus on cosmetic and hygiene products. I am particularly interested in chemistry that comes into direct contact with our body – and that is what today's article will be about.
What are common menstrual pads made of?
Let's start from the beginning. If you use pads or tampons, it's worth knowing what they're actually made of. Most of these items are made from cotton, viscose, and various synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers , so they require a relatively large number of plants to produce. However, these plants can be treated with pesticides during cultivation or come into contact with them from the environment. At the same time, they grow in soil that commonly contains heavy metals . So, it can be said that during growth, they come into contact with substances that can be potentially harmful to the human body.
We are talking about three groups of substances in particular:
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Heavy metals – such as arsenic, barium or cobalt. They can be found in water, air or soil and pose serious health risks to our health if exposed for a long time (for example, increased risk of diabetes, organ damage or fertility problems).
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Pesticides – the most common of these is glyphosate , which is used in crop cultivation. However, in recent years it has come under increasing scrutiny due to its possible carcinogenic effects , and its use is therefore gradually being restricted.
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Chlorine – used to bleach menstrual products. This process can produce dioxin , a substance that can accumulate in the body. Dioxins are considered carcinogenic and can contribute to other health complications.
So, in short, we have summarized what substances can appear in menstrual products and where they come from. During a person's life, they use approximately 11,000 pads or tampons , which means that our body comes into contact with these materials very often.
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Both the vulvar (outer) and vaginal (inner) mucous membranes are made up of a thin layer of cells called epithelium, under which lies connective tissue and a dense network of tiny veins. A protective mucus is produced on their surface. Although these parts of the body are not primarily designed to absorb substances, research shows that a certain amount of chemicals can be absorbed through the mucous membranes into the bloodstream – and thus into the entire body. |
Unfortunately, the female body is still not sufficiently studied, so research that would show exactly in what quantities and how these potentially harmful substances can be absorbed through the mucous membrane is only just beginning. Nevertheless, we should talk about this topic - it is about our health, after all.
This article is definitely not intended to scare anyone. But it is important to talk about these things and spread awareness so that each of us can choose how to deal with this information. You don't have to immediately run out and throw away all the tampons you have at home - the important thing is to know what your options are .
You can try combining regular products with organic ones that are not bleached with chlorine and come from cotton grown without pesticides. Or you can try menstrual panties. It's up to you what you feel most comfortable with and what you want to do for your body.
This article is based on the author's personal experience and does not serve as medical advice.
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What else can you read on Femspace?
- The menstrual cycle from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine
- Hormonal contraception through the eyes of a woman with endometriosis
- How safe are Femvie organic cotton tampons?
- 8 myths and stereotypes about menstruation
- 7 tips for women's intimate hygiene
- Pad Rash: What Causes It and How to Avoid It
- 5 tips on how to prevent blood loss and how to best manage the situation
- Spotting and bleeding outside of menstruation
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