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Growing up no one really tells you about pads or tampons, it is basically a trial and error process. Some women eventually settle on a favorite (you soon learn that not all wings are created equal), but apart from fit and price most of us don’t give them much thought. In fact, talking about feminine hygiene products is almost taboo, so unfortunately there are not a lot of places to turn for information.
One little know fact is that menstrual pads can be the cause of chronic vulvar itching and irritation. For some women this only happens around their period, but for others this can become a daily problem that is pretty exasperating
Skin problems from pads can happen in two ways:
1) Chemicals – chlorine, petroleum products, and other chemical residue from the manufacturing process. Our dependence on foreign oil is everywhere!
2) Mechanical abrasion – chaffing from the pad can cause microscopic abrasions in the skin, which are painful and increase the risk of irritation from chemical residue
What about the blood itself on the pad, is that irritating? Actually no, and this has been studied (I know, I’m glad someone did, but really, imagine pitching the idea to your fellow scientists?). Menstrual blood applied and left on the skin elsewhere on the body is irritating, but not on the vulva, not even if it is left on the skin for 48 hours. Clearly, everything below is designed correctly.
What should you do if you have a problem with recurrent genital irritation or itching? See your doctor and consider changing your pads or panty liners if you wear them. All organic pads (like Natracare) do not contain chemical residues, are made without petroleum, and are biodegradable. The other option is all cotton reusable pads (such as GladRags); they are the gentlest for the skin and the greenest option. Women with chronic vulvar irritation almost always find the switch to one of these products helpful.
As an aside, feminine hygiene products have a huge environmental impact. Not only do many of the big brands use petroleum, but also in North America we throw away 20 billion or so disposable pads and tampons every year. That’s a lot of landfill.
What are some others things to consider? Some women with this kind of irritation find tampons or a menstrual cup preferable, avoiding any unnecessary products touching the skin. And don’t use baby wipes. A lot of people mistakenly think wipes are gentle for the skin, but they contain alcohol and other chemicals, which are drying and strip away natural oils (the skins first line of defense).
If you are not having any symptoms then don’t worry about what you are using, but remember there are greener options to consider. If you are having some irritation in the genital area give a thought to your feminine hygiene products. A simple switch could save you a lot of problems down the road.
For more info: www.natracare.com www.gladrags.com
Remember, this column does not constitute individual medical advice
Comments
Thanks for discussing this sensitive topic and the great tip about Natracare.
We found a great website on feminine hygiene problems and solutions: www.FeminineHygiene.com
Jenn
Thanks for telling women there are options and including GladRags in that list. We often get calls from women with vulvadynia and other dermatitis issues who tell us that cloth has really helped them. We'll post a link to your informative article on our website.
Thanks for this article - I've used Glad Rags for five years now and highly recommend them. It's great to see mention of alternative menstrual products... if only more women knew how much money they could save, how much good it can do for the environment (and their health), to switch to more natural products.
Another thank you for mentioning GladRags! I made the switch 10 years ago, buying about a dozen liners and pads. I take good care of them, and so still have and use the originals! Talk about a great investment. Also, a couple of years ago I invested in a DivaCup. I am very happy with both products -- it made such a huge difference. Cotton pads are much more comfortable, and the menstrual cup is a dream compared to tampons. All together it's so much more practical, which was a surprise to me at first, but it's now become natural. I also feel great no longer having to spend on disposables and tampons only to throw them away.
Thank you for mentioning alternatives to chemical-laden disposables. Before there were disposables, everyone had their own cloth pads or sponge tampons. They would wash and reuse. Over and over. It was sanitary and safe, and it still is. Sometimes the best is what came before something else was invented.
Some natracare pads do cause a little bit of irritation (especially if you wear tight pants) but it quickly goes away. They're much better than Always and Kotex pads though.
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