This is the post I have been thinking about and haven't been sure how to approach. But it needs to happen so here it goes!
Let's talk tampons.
I know right? But honestly how often do you think about them? Do you know what it is that you are putting into a very important part of your body?
If the answer is no, than you need to seriously think about it.
The average big name tampon consists of bleached cotton, that is grown with pesticides, and many other chemicals. And you are putting that where?
Got your attention now?
Here is some info on regular tampons:
COTTON
Cotton farmers use one quarter of the world’s supply of pesticides. Five of the nine most commonly used insecticides are recognized to be carcinogens. Your vaginal mucosa is extremely absorbent; it doesn’t make sense to inject yourself with these chemicals, so why slide them into one of the body’s more precious cavities?
It should also be noted that a lot of tampon manufacturers use genetically modified cotton; this type of cotton is resistant to antibiotics. Many people in the United States suffer from STDs. People using tampons made of genetically modified cotton may not respond as well to antibiotic treatment. Yikes!
RAYON
Rayon is a highly absorbent cellulose fiber made from wood pulp. Before it is added to a typical tampon, it is whitened with chlorinated bleach; dioxin is released as a byproduct of the bleaching process. Dioxin is recognized to be one of the most dangerous chemicals in existence (it was used as a contaminant in Agent Orange). In fact, the EPA doesn’t believe that there is any “acceptable” level of dioxin exposure for humans. It is therefore disturbing, that in 2005, the FDA Office of Women’s Health found “detectable levels of dioxin in seven brands of tampons” (to see the study, click here).
Every time you remove a tampon, fibers are left behind. The fibers left behind by a cotton/rayon tampon linger longer and, because of their increased absorbency, hold the dioxin against your vaginal wall for an increased period of time. The EPA has determined that people exposed to high levels of dioxins may be at risk for damage to the immune system, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, and reduced fertility; research on monkeys has linked dioxin exposure with an increased likelihood of endometriosis. You may not be getting a huge dose with each tampon, but you are getting dosed repeatedly with low levels. According to Dr. Ilya Sandra Perlingieri, author of The Uterine Crisis, those doses can spell trouble. “In the last 25 years, millions of women- teens through women in elder years- have had uterine related troubles,” she said. “Part of the trouble we know from research is directly related to the bleaching of tampons.”
FRAGRANCE
If you use a tampon with deodorant, you are using one with added fragrance. Fragrance manufacturers aren’t required to disclose their ingredients to the tampon companies. So, basically, you have no way of finding out which synthetic chemicals make up your tampon’s scent.
HUH? Reduced fertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. Gee, is there any wonder why there is such a high infertility rate in our country?
All that because you probably didn't know there was an option.
Well, let's talk tampon options!
I use and love Natracare Organic Tampons. I buy the ones without applicators to save the extra trash.
Why natracare tampons??
Natracare certified organic 100% cotton tampons are appreciated by women for their comfortable and reliable protection and care and responsibility for our environment.
Natracare tampons are exclusively made from only fully certified organic 100% cotton. They are available in a range of absorbencies in both applicator and non-applicator styles to suit your menstrual flow and personal preference. The dispensing applicators for Natracare tampons are made from only chlorine-free card and not from plastic. If you are currently using a tampon that dispenses with a plastic applicator, then you may be concerned to know that apart from being made from petroleum products, they will also contain plasticisers, an additive which makes the plastic pliable and which contains phthalates.
All products are totally-chlorine free and women can be reassured by the fact that Natracare tampons do not contain any synthetic materials, such as rayon or polypropylene, or any chemical additives such as surfactants, fragrances, dyes, or lubricants. Choosing only fully certified organic cotton removes the risk of direct exposure to residues from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly used on conventionally grown cotton. Natracare tampons are made from 100% organic cotton which has been fully certified organic to the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) at the farm, where the cotton is grown, at the processor where the cotton is cleaned through to manufacture. In this way, there is a complete trail of custody for the organic process to guarantee that the Natracare tampons you buy are truly certified organic.
Independent research, conducted at New York University Medical School, suggests that the use of 100% cotton tampons may reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome compared with tampons that contain rayon. Natracare 100% cotton tampons were included in this research together with all other available brands on the market which are made exclusively from either 100% rayon fibres or a blend of rayon and cotton fibres.
The Natracare tampon without applicator is made from a rolled wadding of 100% organic cotton. As the cotton gently absorbs the menstrual flow, the tampon expands widthways. Unlike the applicator style, this tampon is inserted using your longest finger which tucks into the flared end of the tampon to enable the tampon to be pushed into place. Deciding between an applicator and non applicator tampon is generally a matter of personal preference.
About 20% of women naturally have a retroverted uterus (the uterus tilts backwards towards the spine instead of forwards) and using an inflexible applicator can cause pain during insertion. The Natracare non-applicator tampon, gently eased into the correct position using the longer index finger makes inserting the tampon more comfortable. The organic cotton withdrawal cord allows you to easily remove the tampon after use. The tampons are fully biodegradable.
I buy them from my local Nutrition Smart, but they are also available online.
There is another option that I was investigating. The Softcup menstrual cup. I have not tried it so I really cannot comment on it. Some of the reviews I read love it, some don't. I will have to investigate the ingredients a little more as I am anti-plastic of any sort!
Well there it is, hope this gives you alot to consider. If you are going to put something "there", make sure you know what is in it!!!!
Till next Blog..........
