Some health risks of using tampons

Many women can agree that ‘that time of the month’ can be the worst time of the month. From puberty all the way till menopause, most women menstruate on a monthly basis and, on top of that, battle through mood swings, food cravings, cramps, bloating, and so much more.

Good menstrual hygiene is vital and every woman has their personal preference when it comes to what sanitary products they use be it pads, tampons and menstrual cups. Tampons have been around for close to a century and some women prefer the convenience and freedom that they offer.

Women who use tampons are able to swim, confidently engage in physical activities, such as exercise, and wear any outfit, and especially any cut of underwear. However, here are three health risks that accompany the freedom and comfort of a tampon. 

Did you know that Ms V is like a sponge? The inside of our lady parts is very absorbent and it soaks up whatever is put inside. Leaving a tampon in for too long is unhygienic and it can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a condition caused by a bacterial infection.

High absorbent tampons are notorious for making some women experience TSS.  Although TSS is not life-threatening, it can cause high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, confusion and headaches.

As mentioned above, Ms V is very absorbent so it's very important to be careful with what’s put inside that area. Most inorganic tampons are made with materials that are farmed using chemicals and pesticides which are harsh and harmful to your feminine health.

Other chemicals found in most store-bought tampons include chloride, chlorine, plastic, and rayon among other harmful toxins. These same chemicals are inserted into a very sponge-like and delicate area. Although there is little research on the risks that these chemicals may pose to women, it's best to avoid them altogether.

The female intimate area has its own ecosystem that cleans itself and stops the growth of bad bacteria. This is the reason why women are discouraged from douching and putting fragranced products inside that area.

The harmful chemicals found in most tampons can throw off Ms V’s acidity levels which may result in the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, irritation and infection. Therefore, tampons are simply foreign objects to a part of the body that already has a balanced and functioning ecosystem.