Menstrual pads can be harmful
Because more people are conscious of feminine hygiene, the market for sanitary napkins is growing. The majority of the materials used in modern commercial napkins are petroleum-based and non-biodegradable. Sanitary napkins, however, aren’t as safe as people believe, per a recent study released by Research Gate.Tampons and pads are examples of female hygiene products that are used to keep women clean and manage their periods. Even while these items are necessary for personal hygiene, some of them could contain dangerous ingredients.The majority of sanitary napkins distributed in India are tainted with chemicals that cause cancer, per a National Institutes of Health report. According to the study, using sanitary napkins can cause infertility and even cancer in certain women. Considering that only 36% of Indian women use sanitary pads when they are menstruating.
Are sanitary pads really that bad for you?
Sanitary napkins are normally safe, but using them incorrectly or using the wrong kind of napkin can raise your risk of developing the following illnesses:
Infrequent pad changes can result in a wet environment that promotes the growth of bacteria, which can cause bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection that causes irritation, odor, and abnormal vaginal discharge.Similar to BV, a warm, humid atmosphere can encourage the overgrowth of yeast, resulting in yeast infections, which can cause symptoms including burning, itching, and a thick, white discharge.Poor hygiene habits associated to pad use may raise the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), even if they are not as closely related. This is particularly true if bacteria from the vaginal area enter the urinary tract.
Skin Irritation and Contact Dermatitis: In sensitive people, some pad ingredients, including scents, colors, or adhesives, can result in skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions. Contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation, may result from this.
Long-term usage of super-absorbent pads can result in toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but dangerous bacterial illness that is more frequently linked to tampon use. Low blood pressure, organ failure, rash, and a high temperature are some of the symptoms.Infertility: In certain situations, persistent infection from using these sanitary pads may potentially result in infertility.
Are sanitary pads carcinogenic?
Many individuals may be shocked to learn that sanitary pads contain bacteria that might cause cancer. A National Institutes of Health study claims that sanitary pads contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
What other options are there besides sanitary napkins?
Alternative menstrual products are becoming more and more popular as worries about the effects of throwaway sanitary napkins on the environment and possible health hazards increase. These substitutes, which range from period underwear and biodegradable disposables to reusable pads and menstrual cups, provide more environmentally friendly and frequently healthier solutions for managing menstruation.
UNICEF claims that although sanitary napkins are widely available worldwide, there are still safe substitutes for them.
