Around 70% of menstruators in the United States use tampons as their period product of choice. Although it’s been around for over 100 years, it rose in popularity during the 80s with the massive growth of television and magazine marketing. Tampons revolutionized what women could do during their cycles and the advertisements brought a very natural process out into the light.
As revolutionary as the tampon has been for the modern woman, there are some drawbacks. Many questions have been raised in the last few years about the possibility of chemicals found in mainstream menstrual products, namely dioxin, parabens, and PFAS, as well as toxic heavy metals.
Independent studies are sparse, and any testing or research funded by the mega-corporations may not exactly have the best intentions at heart (just look at how hard the tobacco companies used research for decades to say that cigarettes do not cause cancer). Some organizations are fighting to pass legislation that makes it mandatory to declare all chemicals in menstrual products, but for now, it’s a bit muddy. Use your best judgment and do your own research to make the best choice for you.
The Pros and Cons of Tampon Use
Here are some quick pros and cons of using tampons. I'll go into more details about these below!
The Pros:
Great for swimming and activities
Less contact with blood
Disposable, single-use product
Fits discreetly in a purse or pocket
Widely available in stores
Wear up to 8 hours
The Cons:
Non-biodegradable
Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
May contain toxins and hormone-interrupting chemicals
Can irritate internal vaginal tissue
Can increase cramping and other symptoms
Kori's Tampon Story
I was a dedicated tampon user for almost 20 years. Honestly, it gave me the flexibility to get shit done while I was in the military. I lived in a world of dudes, and tampons helped me fit right in. I started using tampons because I had swimming my Freshman year in high school, and THAT was a rough class! I totally put the thing in wrong, and there was NO WAY I was going to ask for help (who would I have asked anyway?). I loved the freedom it gave me, but it wasn't without suckage. They always dried me out really bad, and they actually made my cramping worse (which I didn't know until after I started using other products). Now, I use period underwear for my menstrual blood management, or I free bleed when I can in the summer on my farm.
I understand that I have privilege in my menstrual product choice as a middle-class woman living in the U.S. Many women and girls don't have access to any products, causing them to miss school or work, or increasing their risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome from prolonged use. Period products are considered a luxury item in the U.S. and are taxed and not purchasable with food stamps or WIC benefits.
Globally, in many places such as India, Africa, and Nepal, access to tampons and pads can be life-changing for women and girls, allowing them to continue their education and participate in a society that still demonizes menstruation. My perspective on tampons comes through this privileged lens, and I am aware of that point. I certainly do not want to get rid of tampons when so many women and girls need them. I do want to raise awareness, for those that have options, to look at their values and see if using tampons is right for them.
Spilling the Tea on Tampon Use
One of the issues with tampons (and what's in them) is the location it's used in the body. The tissue inside our vagina is very vascularized and permeable, meaning that if a tampon has toxins in them, they have a pretty direct access to your bloodstream.
A first-of-its-kind study released in July 2024 caused an international stir concerning the presence of heavy metals in tampons, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead. This causes concern because of the nature of the vaginal wall, as I just mentioned.
Another concern is the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which although rare, can be fatal.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare, serious, and potentially fatal condition that is caused by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is found on skin surfaces and doesn’t usually cause problems until it gets into the bloodstream. Some studies suggest that about 10% of women have S. aureus naturally occurring on their labia majora/minora. The condition is pretty rare… between 3-6 people in 100,000 are diagnosed with TSS each year, and about a third of those cases are caused by tampon use.
Basically, the bacteria can be introduced into the vagina via tampon insertion. If the tampon (especially super absorbency tampons) is kept inside for an extended period (longer than 4 hours, but more like 8+ hours), the bacteria have a nice warm place to grow. S. aureus makes toxins as a byproduct, and these toxins are what cause the major problems. The toxins seep into the bloodstream through the capillaries in the vaginal wall… making the person very VERY sick. Symptoms include sudden high fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit), flu-like symptoms, low blood pressure, a rash that looks like a sunburn, and peeling hands and feet about 1-2 weeks after the onset of the illness. To learn more about TSS, click HERE.
Sustainability and Disposable Menstrual Products
Let's face it, what we do in everyday life affects the world around us. It's important to decide what your values are in relation to our planet and take actions that support those values. Here are 5 ways that tampon use impacts our environment.
Environmental impact: Tampons contribute to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic applicators and synthetic fibers. According to a study by the Women's Environmental Network, an estimated 2.5 million tampons are flushed down toilets in the UK every day, leading to sewage blockages and marine pollution.
Plastic waste: Tampon applicators and packaging are often made from plastic, which adds to the global plastic waste problem. The Marine Conservation Society estimates that over 4.8 billion plastic tampon applicators are disposed of annually in the United States alone, contributing to ocean pollution and harming marine life.
Chemical exposure: Conventional tampons may contain harmful chemicals, such as dioxins and pesticides, which can pose health risks and contaminate the environment when disposed of in landfills or incinerated.
Water usage: The production of tampons requires significant amounts of water, particularly in the cultivation of cotton, which is a water-intensive crop. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes approximately 5,283 gallons of water to produce one kilogram of cotton.
Landfill waste: Tampons contribute to landfill waste when disposed of improperly. The average woman may use up to 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, resulting in a significant amount of waste that takes hundreds of years to decompose.
Registered Nurse Tips when Using Tampons
Want to know the best ways to prevent TSS? Wash your hands before inserting a tampon, change tampons at least every 4 hours, avoid super-absorbency tampons, and use pads when sleeping.
If you choose tampons as your product and are concerned about exposure to these chemicals,or if the heavy metals are a concern, then it might be time to start looking at other product alternatives, such as cups, period underwear, or discs.
If you choose to use tampons for menstrual management, choose products that are certified organic cotton and contain no PFAS or parabens. Choose unscented products, as scents and fragrances can be irritating to your delicate skin. Use them for no longer than 8 hours (preferably 4 hours or less) to reduce your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, and use pads or period underwear for the night.
Parting Thoughts
Tampons are still the go-to menstrual product for most girls and women in the United States, but they certainly aren't the only option, and may not be the best option for you to manage your monthly flow. Take a few moments and ask yourself some questions to explore whether using tampons is right for you: Why am I using this product? Does its use line up with my values? Are the other options out there that could work better for me? Am I using this product because I always have, or was taught to?
If you're interested in learning more about other menstrual management products, like cups, period underwear, or even free bleeding, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss a post!
Much love,
Kori Rae 💋
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