“Tampons = danger”: is this statement actually true?

Are **tampons** dangerous? Myth or reality? Are these little pieces of **cotton** completely harmless? Dangers, risks, illnesses—do the tampons we use during our periods pose any **health risks**?

In recent years, various news articles, investigations and scandals have raised concerns about the **composition** of certain period products. The use of tampons has been called into question.

Are tampons really dangerous for our health? What are the actual **risks** when using **tampons**? Is there a way to use them safely? What other period products can replace them? What **alternatives** are healthier and more appealing for **women** and **teen girls**?

Louloucup is taking a closer look at this big question today and trying to provide some answers.

Tampons: a very common internal period product, not without risks

The tampon is—or rather was—a flagship period and hygiene product, used by many women and girls during their periods. It’s an internal sanitary protection that you insert into the vaginal opening to block menstrual flow so it doesn’t leak out.

The small tampon expands on contact with fluid. Highly absorbent, it soaks up blood and can be removed using the string that remains outside the body.

Very practical, many women use tampons for various reasons:

• because they’re cheap, a box of tampons doesn’t cost much,

• they don’t want to see blood, some can’t stand the sight of blood,

• tampons are ideal for a pool session or an afternoon at the beach, as they let you swim without risk of leaks.

Yet their composition is controversial. Until very recently, brands and manufacturers were simply not required to disclose what tampons were made of. So women were using these products every month without really knowing what they were inserting into their vaginas.

Disposable tampons: a composition that’s increasingly criticized and called into question

For several years now, we’ve known that conventional tampons and pads contain harmful chemicals and toxic substances for women’s bodies and intimate health.

Traces of dioxins, pesticides, halogenated derivatives, phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives have been found in tampons and pads. Chlorine dioxide is also used to bleach tampons.

These harmful substances, even in tiny amounts, are worrying and can build up cycle after cycle in the vagina. The dangers are therefore very real for the vaginal flora and a woman’s intimate health. These concerning chemical compounds can have carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic effects. They are also considered endocrine disruptors. The raw materials used in tampons are thought to be the main cause. The cotton and cotton derivatives used to make tampons may be contaminated with pesticides. On top of that come the chlorine agents used to bleach the tampon. The presence of PAHs (hydrocarbons), which are usually found in diesel engines or cigarette smoke, is thought to be linked to manufacturing and processing methods. 

Tampons: what are the health risks?

The composition of tampons is worrying. What are the real health risks? What are you risking by using a tampon?

Irritation, allergies, dryness

The chemicals found in tampons can disrupt the vaginal flora. For the most sensitive women, this can cause irritation and burning sensations.

Wearing tampons can also cause dryness and intimate or vaginal irritation.

Tampons and toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

TSS, or toxic shock syndrome, is a rare but serious infection that can occur in women during their period. This syndrome can only develop if the woman carries the S. aureus bacteria. Not all women have this bacterium in their bodies.

This bacterium, part of the Staphylococcus aureus family, can “wake up” in a very specific environment: blood that has stagnated too long in the vagina. This is the perfect environment for the bacteria to release TSST‑1 toxins. These toxins then attack the organs and can have very serious consequences: damage to vital organs, limb amputations, death.

As you’ve understood, the bacteria develop if the blood is not evacuated regularly. A tampon left in the vagina for too long can therefore cause toxic shock. That’s why it’s essential to change tampons very regularly, ideally every 4 hours.

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are similar to those of the flu or gastroenteritis, so you need to be careful: headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting, high fever, muscle pain.

What should you remember about toxic shock?

Tampons: usage tips

Some tips for using a tampon safely:

• read the instructions for use carefully;
• wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting and removing a tampon;
• change them regularly and respect the recommended wear time : no more than 4 to 6 hours ;
• do not sleep with a tampon in;
• do not wear a tampon “just in case.” Wait until your period actually starts. 

Effective, economical and practical alternatives to tampons

Although the tampon seems, despite scandals, irreplaceable, equally practical alternatives exist! Washable sanitary pads, menstrual panties, or menstrual cups, durable, responsible, healthy, and eco-friendly sanitary protections exist and are increasingly accessible. These greener alternatives are especially more reliable and healthier for health while being truly effective and very absorbent. With their completely transparent compositions, their biological, labeled, and certified raw materials, you make a more conscious, more responsible, and more respectful choice for your body. To choose the right protection, you must first know yourself well and know your menstrual flow. This allows you to opt for the protections that suit you best and the adequate absorption capacity. To help you choose the best menstrual panty according to your profile, your flow, your habits, you can refer to our articles:

• How do you choose your menstrual panties?
• How do you know what your menstrual flow is like?
• Our comparison of the best Louloucup period underwear

You like internal protection and want to know more about our Loulou menstrual cup made in France, super soft and really easy to wear? You can find lots of information in our articles:

• Menstrual cup sizes: how to choose?
• What’s the story behind our Made in France menstrual cup?
• How do you use a menstrual cup?

To avoid any risk of TSS, to say no to controversial substances and to finally respect your vaginal flora, say a big yes to sustainable, responsible protections.