Tampon Truth

Disposable tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a mixture of the two. This type of material helps to absorb the menstrual flow entirely so that the woman does not experience the tragedy of ruining her favorite pair of panties during her period. This absorbency can be so strong that it actually decreases the amount of normal, natural vaginal secretions and mucus and causes severe dryness. The drying effect it has on the vagina can lead to the removal of healthy cells from the vaginal walls, decreasing the sensation within the vagina itself over time.
A tampon should be changed every 4 hours, 6 hours maximum, to decrease the chances of a serious illnesses called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Toxic Shock Syndrome can be fatal in many cases, especially if not treated immediately. TSS actually occurs when harmful bacteria begin to grow onto the tampon material and may enter the woman's bloodstream. Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome include: high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe muscle aches, a feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, and a painful rash that looks like a sunburn.

The cotton and rayon that is typical for mass produced tampons may actually contain pesticides and chlorine. Pesticides are used on the products while still in the fields to reduce the risk of bug infestations within the crops. These pesticides kill living insects so that they do not damage the crop. Chlorine is used purely as a whitener to bleach the finished products. This chlorine may actually cause a form of dioxin to be created within the product.

Dioxin is associated with environmental pollution and is highly toxic to the human body. Dioxin is one of the most harmful and toxic chemicals known to science today and has been deemed a serious health threat. Dioxin has been linked to cancer, severe reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, interference with normal hormonal function and production, birth defects, infertility, increase chances of miscarriages, reduced sperm counts, endometriosis, diabetes, mental impairment, skin disorders, and even lung problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported no safe or acceptable level of exposure to dioxin.

Although there are organic tampons that are whitened without chlorine they may still pose a problem in regards to the drying effect and painful insertion and removal of the product. Remember, no tampon should be worn for an extended period of time since bacteria can (and do) grow on the materials. Women should try to use safer alternatives to lower the associated risks of using tampons by purchasing organic or reusable menstrual pads, also referred to as sanitary napkins, or switching to a reusable menstrual cup