Sanitary Pads
One of the most commonly used feminine hygiene product is sanitary pads. Everyone loves these pads, they are so convenient and affordable and probably the very first feminine hygiene product you used. Where you may think that you know everything about these products, here’s a heads up. Sanitary pads are a serious health hazard and every women should aware of this, how and when your sanitary pad becomes toxic.
During menstruation, a woman mostly depends on sanitary pads. Without causing any discomfort, they have the capability to absorb the heaviest of flows and hence, have literally been a blessing for women.
The risk with scented pads is that they can attack your fertility and may even put the baby’s life in danger. The chemicals in scents are linked to causing birth defects and negative impact on the embryonic development. This is why experts advise avoiding scented feminine hygiene products.
Most affordable sanitary pads are made of synthetic material that encourages bacterial growth. If you experience itching, irritation and infections after using pads, it might be because of bacterial overgrowth. Never ignore this as it can lead to severe consequences in the future.
How sanitary pads becomes toxic?
Sanitary pads contain some ingredients that may be harmful to the body. Some of them are:
• Dioxin: Dioxin is a chemical that is used to bleach sanitary pads. Dioxin can be very harmful to the body and may poses many health dangers.
• Pesticides: The cotton used for making sanitary pads often contains some pesticides which would have been sprayed on it by the farmers during cultivation.
• Artificial Perfumes: Artificial Perfumes are chemicals that are not safe.
Sanitary pads have fibers that are chlorine bleached to give them a clean and sterile appearance. This bleaching process creates dioxin, a highly toxic pollutant that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, hormone dysfunction, endometriosis, and even cancer.
Health hazards due to sanitary pads –
Sanitary pads can cause the following Health hazards:
• Cancer in the ovaries
• Infertility
• Hormonal dysfunction
• Rashes
• Vaginal allergies
• Inflammation in the pelvic region
• Damaged immune system
• Malfunctioning of the thyroid
• Ailments related to the endometrium
Precautions need to be taken while using sanitary pads during menstruation –
• Change your pad frequently. It would be better to change them at least every 5-6 hours.
• Maintain proper perineal hygiene and use organic intimate hygiene products to keep the area clean.
• You must drink enough water during your periods to prevent urinary tract infections. Most women avoid water consumption in order to avoid frequent trips to the loo.
• Clean your underclothes regularly and dry them(preferably in sunlight) properly so that no moisture remains.
Safer Options –
• Menstrual Cups
While sanitary pads are made of unsafe products, a menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone, which is extremely safe. It’s inserted into the vagina and the blood is collected in the cup. Once you put it in, you can be tension-free for up to 12 hours! It’s reusable and lasts for years.
• Organic Sanitary Napkins
Pads that are organic don’t contain any artificial chemicals and pesticides, which makes them a safer alternative. But they aren’t reusable and you still have to be careful about how you dispose them.
• Organic Cloth Pads
As the name suggests, organic cloth pads are made of cotton, bamboo or hemp and are covered with an organic cloth. You can wash them and reuse. They can last for a year or more, depending on how well you take care of them.
For more informative articles on Female health and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@santripty and feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.