What are the risks of using disposable menstrual products?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is the most commonly associated health risk for disposable tampons. TSS is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness or death. Despite the fact that all states are required to report cases of TSS, experts beleive that it is underreported. Tampons are not sterile and the superdrying effect they can have on the vaginal tissues can make it easier for small sores or tears to develop in the tissue. These small tears can allow bacteria to enter the body.

You can read more about TSS here.

• Overdrying and lack of breathability in the area can cause bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
• Unknown risks of exposure to dioxins and other chemicals used in processing bleached paper products. There are few studies to document the amount of these chemicals in disposable menstrual products. We do know that even very small amounts of these chemicals have been linked to infertility and cancer, among other health problems. Because manufacturer's are not required to list the ingredients on the label, you don't really know what you are putting in contact with your most sensitive tissues.While the FDA says that new tampon production methods reduce the exposure to dioxins in rayon fiber, there is much we do not know about the chemicals in tampons.  Click here to read more about we are NOT told regarding these known cancer causing chemicals.
• Disposable products are white and pretty and overpackaged, but they are not sterile. 

While many people think it is "gross" to handle used pads, consider that the disposable products do not simply disappear when you throw them away. If you throw them away in a public restroom, someone has to handle that waste. Billions of these used products are tossed into our landfills or sewer systems every year.

In hospitals blood contaminated waste is handled as a biohazard (as it should be) due to the potential for transfer of blood borne illnesses. In our home and business waste disposal these products are not handled any differently from household waste. How is it not gross for these products to be sitting in a landfill for hundreds of years? Why is it ok for these products to be handled normally with your family's everyday trash?

This information is provided for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is important to make your own informed decisions about anything involving your health..