Tampons

Choosing Tampons

From Islamic and Chinese Medicine perspective, tampons should be avoided due to health complications. From Islamic perspective, moon cups should also be avoided but I do advise my non Muslim patients not to use it either.

We clean with organic cleansers, we buy clean foods, drink healing teas, we all are doing our best to try and live our healthiest lives. However, have you ever stopped to think about what else you’re putting inside of you and what might be inside of it? When it comes time for your period, it is just as important to know just what it is that you are putting inside as well.

First things first which may be a ”duh” moment for some of you, it is important to just forget about needing a “scented” tampon. I say scented tampons are unnecessary because the vagina is self cleaning. External scent or cleansing can disrupt your natural pH and eliminate the good bacteria. Because of this, a lot of doctors recommend unscented tampons. It’s always best to do your research before buying.

Putting scent aside, some research detected carbon disulfide, a known reproductive toxin. Carbon disulfide is a chemical that is predominantly used in the manufacture of rayon, it was not detected in the all-cotton tampons that were tested. Additionally, some brands of tampons contained other volatile organic compounds including reproductive toxins, toluene and xylene, as well as carcinogen, methylene chloride. Methylene chloride, commonly found in paint strippers.

Previous testing of tampons and menstrual pads have found pesticide residue, parabens and phthalates linked to hormone disruption, antibacterial chemicals like triclosan, and various carcinogens including styrene and chloroform.

But there’s more beyond just making sure to check for additives. Your flow might change throughout your period. You might find your flow is heavier the first day or two of your period and lighter toward the end or vice versa. This means you definitely need to change the tampon size and absorbency. No need to be using a super tampon when your flow is light. It is unhealthy for your lady part’s pH.

I am not here to advise anyone on what to use unless you are my patient. Read the box to check for harsh chemicals and if possible, look for brands with kinder packaging.