Is there really a risk to using tampons?

Yes, there are multiple risks associated with tampon use.

• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
• Vaginal infections.
• Increased cramps.
• Irritation or allergic reaction.
• Cumulative exposure to toxins.

The vagina naturally contains various forms of bacteria, both benificial bacteria and unhealthy bacteria, the vagina keeps itself healthy with a slightly acidic pH to kill harmful bacteria while allowing healthy bacterial to thrive and also by producing discharge that helps to protect vaginal walls and flush out harmful bacteria.

Tampons menstrual blood in contact with the vaginal which effects vaginal pH which effects balance of bacteria, also by plugging-up the vagina tampons prevent the vagina flushing out harmful bacteria. At the same time tampons allow the perfect environment in which the harmful bacteria can thrive; warm, moist, porus, oxygenated, and full of nutritious menstrual blood and uterine tissue.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infections.

Both TSS and vaginal infections occur when harmful bacteria are allowed to multiply to unsafe levels, allowing them to take over from healthy vaginal bacteria. In the case of TSS specific bacteria multiply and start producing toxins, these toxins then enter into the bloodstream via microtears cause by the tampons drying-out vaginal tissues, if a person lacks immunity they go on to attack the immune system.

TSS is rare but if thought to occur in as many as 1 in 700 women over their lifetime, this is according to the worlds leading TSS experts but official figures do not exist as no record has been kept of TSS since the CDC stopped recording in the 1980's. Note that TSS can occur at any time not just as a result of leaving tampons too long, but leaving tampons too long or using too high an absorbency does increase TSS risk. TSS has only been associated with rayon tampons like Tampax or Playtex.

Increased cramps.

Tampons can expand into the cervix - particularly tampons made with rectangular construction that expand lengthways, and if a woman has a shorter vaginal canal - which can add to menstrual cramps. As tampons absorb vaginal moisture they can tug on the vaginal walls which is also believed to add to menstrual cramps.

Many women report their cramps and their flow are reduced when switching from tampons to safer options like menstrual cups or softcups, in theory it's believed that tampons may increase flow too due to the microtears caused by tampons.

Irritation or allergic reaction.

Many tampons are made from a combination of rayon and cotton, this means they can contain pesticides from the cotton used and a mix of various chemicals from production - turning wood into rayon, bleaching, preservatives, increasing absorbency, or adding 'scent'. Rayon is rougher and more agressively absorbent than cotton so can result in more irritation and microtears in the vaginal tissues, chemicals may also cause irritation or allergic reaction.

It is best if using tampons to avoid rayon tampons and instead opt for 100% organic cotton tampons free from bleaching as these are safer and less likely to irritate - brands include Cottons, Natracare, Maxim, Seventh Generation, Emerita.

Cumulative exposure to toxins.

Tampon companies are self-regulate and self-tested so we don't know what chemicals are used or their long-term effect on health, we do however know that part of the bleaching process used on rayon tampons results in dioxin in tampons. Dioxin has been linked to various health problems including infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, infertility, and cancer.

Changes made to the laws in the 1990's when it comes to bleaching or personal hygiene products means that tampons can only contain a small amount of dioxin and this isn't more than what you may experience day-to-day in other products or even your food. However the type of dioxin found in tampons is the most toxic and there is no safe level of dioxin, as the vagina absorbs toxins and dioxin is stored within fatty tissue it means over time the small amount of dioxin in tampons can collect into a large enough quantity in your body to put your health at risk.

Again it is best if using tampons to opt for 100% organic cotton tampons free from bleaching, also options like sponge or cloth tampons can be safer.

Precautions when using tampons;

• Change every 4-6 hours (not 8 hours).
• Always use lowest absorbency for your flow.
• Change absorbency as your flow changes.
• Alternate with pads as often as possible.
• Avoid tampons made from rayon.
• Do not use when not menstruating.
• Do not use with light flow or spotting.
• Do not use overnight while sleeping.
• Do not use with vaginal infections.
• Wash hands before use.
• Store in clean dry place.
• Learn about risks.
• Consider safer options.

Safer options than tampons include

• Menstrual pads.
• Menstrual cups.
• Softcups.