Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, period undies. Conventional, organic, cotton, reusable. When it comes to period products, it can be difficult to cut through the clutter and figure out the best choice for you. And more to the point, you may not even know why thinking outside the (Playtex) box is so important. Maybe you’re wondering, “What’s the big deal?” or, “Can something I only use a few days a month really impact my health?” (Spoiler alert: yes, it can.)
Think Outside the Box
What measures 22 square feet, 8 pounds, and is thinner than a credit card?
Your SKIN! And while it is the largest organ on your body when measured in square feet, it is certainly one of the most delicate. When you think of protecting your skin, you may think of sunscreen, makeup, or lotion. Some scientists believe that putting chemicals on your skin may be worse than ingesting them, since our digestive system works to breaks down and eliminate toxins that we eat. And yet, there’s one patch of skin that doesn’t get a ton of attention, and is quite possibly the most sensitive of all: the vaginal area.
Vaginal canals are designed to be up to ten times more absorbent than regular skin. On top of that, the average woman will use upwards of 15,000 tampons or pads during her years of menstruation. When combined, those two facts mean that it’s super important to take a serious look at the products that come into contact with this area.
Many conventional products don’t list a comprehensive view of their ingredients, which can make it tough to understand the real effects of using them. This is because they are categorized as medical devices by the FDA, and therefore companies are not required to disclose the product makeup.
While the exact ingredients remain unclear, many conventional pads and tampons are thought to include pesticides, GMOs, plastics, hormone disrupters, and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Over time, these chemicals can build up in our organs as our bodies lose the ability to break them down. And since scientific research is limited in this area, little is known about the long term effects this may have on our systems. Can you say, scary?
Let’s Check Out the Alternatives
The good news is, there are healthier alternatives on the market. As more studies have exposed the potentially harmful side effects of the chemicals commonly found in tampons and pads, better products have been developed.
And in case you’re worried about the reliability of these products, you can rest easy. Natural, eco-friendly products are just as reliable and comfortable as the conventional brands. Not only that, but you can find them in many absorbencies and styles, so you don’t have to skip a beat when you make the switch.
For a full rundown on all of the products available, be sure to read our Why Organic article. We break down each product and even outline some of the brands you can trust that are working to create cleaner, healthier period products.
Whether you just started your period, or you’re nearing menopause, it’s never too late (or too early!) to make a change. You have the power to take control of your menstrual health and make a decision that works for your unique body.
Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’d love to hear if you decide to make the switch to more natural products. You can reach us at info@bepreparedperiod.
Here’s to a better period,
Tara and the BPP team
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