It is always frustrating when something that is really convenient and time-saving ends up being really unhealthy… like plastic water bottles or antibacterial hand sanitizer.
One glaring example of this I’ve been researching lately is conventional tampons and pads. I know, I know… everything is toxic these days and it sometimes seems like we have to be afraid of everything, but there are some really compelling reasons to avoid conventional feminine hygiene products.
Luckily, there are some great time- and money-saving alternatives.
The Problem With Pads
Modern sanitary napkins or “pads” and tampons have definitely made feminine hygiene easier and more convenient, but everything comes with a price.
Environmental Concerns
From an environmental perspective, a tremendous amount of these products end up in landfills and water treatment facilities. An average woman will use over 16,000 tampons or pads (up to 300 pounds!) in the course of her lifetime, sometimes more.
Most of these products contain plastics, which are problematic in their own right and take a long time to break down. They also contain special chemicals and ingredients that make them able to absorb 10x their weight in liquid. These chemicals have not been comprehensively studied for their effect on the environment, however.
Plastic Problems
I’ve written before about the dangers of plastic exposure, and we often don’t think about how things like pads can be a major source of plastic exposure.
The labia and vaginal area is highly vascular, meaning that a lot of small blood vessels run to this area. The skin is also especially thin down there, making it easier for plastic chemicals to enter the body that way. Many pads and some tampons contain plastic chemicals and can even contain BPA and other plastic chemicals. From this article:
For example, plasticizing chemicals like BPA and BPS disrupt embryonic development and are linked to heart disease and cancer. Phthalates — which give paper tampon applicators that smooth feel and finish — are known to dysregulate gene expression, and DEHP may lead to multiple organ damage. Besides crude oil plastics, conventional sanitary pads can also contain a myriad of other potentially hazardous ingredients, such as odor neutralizers and fragrances. Synthetics and plastic also restrict the free flow of air and can trap heat and dampness, potentially promoting the growth of yeast and bacteria in your vaginal area.
Cotton or Not: Both Can Be a Problem
From watching commercials, you’d think that all tampons and pads are made up of entirely soft pillowy cotton from pristine white fields. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case.
Some tampons and pads do contain cotton, but most contain rayon, a synthetic material. There is some evidence that synthetic fibers can pull too much moisture from the vaginal walls and stick to the soft skin there, leaving tiny synthetic fibers that may increase the risk of TSS, Toxic Shock Syndrome.
The tampons and pads that are actually made of cotton are usually bleached with chlorine (problematic on its own) or other chemicals.
Additionally, cotton is one of the world’s dirtiest crops and is often sprayed with a variety of pesticides. The Rodale Institute reports:
- Cotton is considered the world’s dirtiest crop due to its heavy use of pesticides. Aldicarb, cotton’s second best-selling insecticide and most acutely poisonous to humans and wildlife, is still used in 25 countries, including the U.S., where 16 states reported it in their groundwater. Worldwide, cotton covers 2.5% of the cultivated land and cotton growers use 16% of the world’s pesticides.
- Eight of the top 10 pesticides most commonly used on U.S. conventionally produced cotton were classified as moderately to highly hazardous by the World Health Organization. The Environmental Justice Foundation elaborates more on the world wide negative effects of pesticide use in cotton.
- Cotton (83%) is one of the top four GMO crops produced in the world which includes soy (89%), canola (75%) and corn (61%). GMO cotton production ranks ninth in global crop production.
- On an average, 90 percent of U.S. cotton in 2010 was genetically engineered, according to a USDA survey. However 95 to 98% of all cotton is now genetically engineered in nine of the eleven cotton producing states surveyed.
On top of that, a 2015 study found that 85% of tampons were contaminated with glyphosate (an herbicide linked to cancer) and that number was 100% when cotton gauze products were tested!
Not really what you want being absorbed into your bloodstream from one of your body’s most sensitive areas (that also happens to be part of your reproductive system!).
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
When I was a teenager, I read the warning labels in my tampon box one time and was scared to use tampons for months. Though rare, Toxic Shock Syndrome (or TSS) is a life-threatening infection that can occur, especially with tampon use.
Current theories suggest that the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria cause the TSS infection and that wearing a tampon (with its rough surface) in the dark, warm, and moist environment of the vagina can increase the chances of this infection.
Of course, this isn’t a risk with sanitary napkins, but they have their own risks and problems (plastics, chemicals, synthetic fibers, etc).
If you do use tampons of any type, make sure that you are aware of the symptoms of TSS and act quickly if you ever suspect you may have it.
Natural Solutions
I suspect we will continue to find out more and more about the importance of avoiding chemicals in feminine hygiene products, but there are some great options already available.
These options are a win-win. They are made with natural materials so they are safer for use, and they reduce or eliminate waste and environmental chemicals as well.
Organic/Natural Pads and Tampons
If you want to stick with the convenience of traditional tampons and pads, at least opt for natural and/or organic ones. These have become much more widely available lately and are about the same price as regular options in many cases. My favorite is Rael brand, which are made with 100% organic cotton cover.
Menstrual Cups
I’ll admit, it took me a long time to work up to this option and now I feel silly for taking so long to make the switch. To be fair, I was so busy having babies that I didn’t have many opportunities to try them, but now that I have… I’m a convert!
A menstrual cup is exactly what it sounds like — a reusable soft-sided cup that fits inside the vagina to collect menstrual flow. It is reusable, leak-proof (in my experience), and much more comfortable than regular tampons. They don’t carry the risk of TSS that tampons do and can be safely worn for up to 24 hours.
Yes, it takes some experimenting to get used to using a menstrual cup, but once you get used to it, it is so much easier. I get into all the details (yes, all of them) in this post.
Where to get them:
I used the Diva Cup for years. It comes with two options: Size 1 for pre-childbirth and Size 2 for post-childbirth (vaginal or c-section) or for women over 30. Last year, I had to buy another menstrual cup when I forgot to bring the Diva cup while traveling and ended up with the Luna Cup, which I actually prefer to the Diva Cup now. Both of these options are medical-grade silicone and considered completely safe.
Cloth Pads
If you’re unsure about the menstrual cup idea, reusable pads are another great option. They are more comfortable than plastic-based pads and have a waterproof liner so they don’t leak through onto clothing.
Many work even better than disposable options. The only downside is that you do have to wash them, but I’ve found that this is a minimal inconvenience to avoid chemicals and keep plastics out of the landfill.
Where to get them:
My favorites are these handmade cloth menstrual pads from a local family-owned business (they can ship them worldwide!)
Sea Sponges
I usually just use the Diva cup, but another great option is a sea sponge. I don’t think I’ve totally gotten the hang of them, but they do work well and are easy to use like the Diva Cup. If the menstrual cup is uncomfortable for you, they might be worth a shot. I got mine from here.
Do They Work?
I knew I felt better and loved the convenience of the natural options (especially the Luna cup and cloth pads) but I was amazed by some of the things people said on Facebook when I posted this:
- “I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my periods have always been unpredictable. I decided to make the switch to cloth pads and I’m so happy that I did. Within just a few months I began to have regular cycles. I used to have heavy bleeding and severe cramps/horrible stabbing pains. I’ve been pain-free and regular for 8 months now. I’ll never go back to chemical-ridden disposable products again.”
- “I switched to natural care products and also use glad rags as liners. Made the switch 2 yrs ago when I was diagnosed with reproductive issues and have never looked back. I feel better too. Firm believer that this affects women more than we realize.”
- “I use the Diva cup, and I suffer from ovarian cysts that rupture every month. Before switching to Diva, I could be using the worlds largest diaper pad and STILL feel the “gush” while sitting in the middle of the restaurant and have to figure out how to save my dignity. The Diva cup has been a lifesaver!! I can go out in public without worry, AND I can sleep through the night without worry.”
- “I don’t have an extremely heavy flow like it sounds you do but my first starting day is my worst day. I’ve been using the diva cup going on two years and I will never go back to pads or tampons. I do have a history or extremely bad cramps (puking, cold sweats, pass out from exhaustion) and ovarian cysts but since using the diva cup my period has cut down from 7-8 days to 3-5 days and my cramps are half of what they used to be. I still get the cramps but I use a heating pad and I can at least function that day…. It took me about 3-4 times using it to feel 100% confident that when I put it in it wasn’t going to leak. I’m sure I’m not the only one that was constantly running to the bathroom to check!”
- “Love, love, love my diva cup! Switched about 3 years ago & only wish I’d known sooner. Went from bleeding through a super plus tampon in 20 mins on my heavy day to just having to empty my diva cup morning and night and only once a day the rest of my cycle.”
- “Flow went from heavy down to probably less than normal? Cycle went from a full 7 days to 3 or 4 days with only 2 being at all heavy. And all but stopped at night. (don’t even need the cup at night) Much less cramps and discomfort in general. I had done a LOT of hormone work the year or so prior to starting to use it, so I’m sure that was part of things, but deff saw some big changes after using it for several months. It takes some getting used to and some trial and error.”
- “Menstrual cups have changed my period! My horrible cramps are a thing of the past!!”
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
What do you think? Do you use natural alternatives to tampons and pads? What has worked best for you? Please share with a friend to help spread this important info!
Last time I used the natural tampons they hurt me a lot, but the first time they were totally fine. I’m going to try the smaller or regular ones instead next time.
Katie, have you tried jade and pearl sea sponges? I’ve heard they are a natural alternative, but I’ve been waiting for a reputable review of them. Thanks
I agree. I have been using the Diva cup along with cloth pads/pantiliners since I had my last baby. The Diva cup did take some getting used to and it can be messy when changing/emptying it but it is much more comfortable and clean feeling. Another thing I might add is that it’s very important to make absolutely sure that all the soap Getz rinsed off after cleaning it. I learned the hard way and got a yeast infection. As far as the cloth pads, those are great too because I have plenty of time to wash them and put them back in my drawer before I’ll need them again the next month. Also much more comfortable and they don’t bunch up like disposable pads.
Do you have any pointers on inserting the diva cup? I used it once before having kids and the suction was so strong that on removal it caused a vaginal laceration that was extremely painful. I have been afraid to try it since. I have had a baby now but still curious how to use it and not have the same thing happen.
One way to insert is to press the sides together, fold it in half lengthwise, and then insert. When ready to remove, you have to hook a finger beneath the lip to break the suction.
If you search on youtube you can find a lot of videos that show different folding and insertion techniques. I had to try a couple until I found the one that worked best and was most comfortable for me.
If you search on youtube you can find a lot of videos with folding and insertion techniques. It took me a couple different tries until I found the way that worked best and was most comfortable for me.
I always fold mine in half before I take it out. Just push one side of it in and you can usually hear the seal break, then pull.
For anyone trying menstrual cups for the first time, I highly recommend the livejournal menstrual cups community! Those folks know their stuff, and can help you figure out how to choose a cup (hint: cervix height, mostly), insert it, get it out again, and troubleshoot leakage. Good stuff!
https://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/
Yes, Scooter! That’s where I did my research and learned to use it. It took me 3 cycles to get it right and now I love it! I forget I’m on my period! I bought the one called Lunette. I think it was recommended for women who have had a few kids (or maybe it was a tilted cervix).
I wonder if there is any link to the use of pads and tampons to PCOS? There’s thousands of women suffering from it, myself included, and there’s still no known cause of PCOS. Pads and tampons are the one thing I know all of us use, from the very beginning of our menstrual. Girls as young as 15 and 16 are already being diagnosed with PCOS. I’d love to see a study on that.
I way diagnosed with PCOS a little over 5 years ago but I believe I’ve had it since I was 16. I switched to cloth pads about 9 months ago and it has changed my life. I used to have severe pain, horrible cramps, many blood clots, and a very heavy flow. I also went months without a period and when I finally started it would last for weeks. Since I made the switch to cloth pads I have been almost completely pain free and I’ve had a regular period for 8 months. As you probably know PCOS and fertility don’t always go hand and hand. Just 2 months after I switched to cloth I ovulated for the first time with no medical or other intervention. I’ve since ovulated 4 additional times. I believe, 100%, that cloth pads are the reason my body was able to self regulate and to heal.
That’s amazing, thanks for sharing this, Tabitha! Your testimony is very encouraging.
Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. I have never known or thought about alternatives to pads and tampons and after hearing your examples, i am for sure willing to give them a try. I too have been diagnosed with PCOS this past summer and I have issues with ovulation. Hoping the gradual change of lifestyle and natural processes will help with that.
I don’t know if pads are tampons are linked to PCOS but hair dyes are, I was thinking of dying my hair but my physician told me not to because of PCOS. There is a family history with PCOS, almost every woman in my family has PCOS, some of they have lost they ovaries because of this desease.
The dioxins found in disposable menstrual pads are linked to the development of hormonally related imbalances in women (such as Endometriosis). I would feel pretty certain that would be the case for PCOS as well.
Read “Iodine, Why You Need It and Why You Can’t Live Without It”, by Dr. David Brownstein. The ovaries react similarly to the thyroid (develop cysts) when deprived of iodine. Our whole bodies need iodine; the reproductive organs, including the breasts, the thyroid, the prostate store iodine and are pretty much entirely deficient. We’ve been lied to and told nonsense regarding our bodies and what they need.
Katie,
I’m so glad you decided to post this! After making the switch to cloth diapers for my two little ones, I started thinking more and more about all the other unnecessary waste in my life. After some research, I found the Diva Cup and wish that I had switched sooner! The few people I have told about it think that I’m crazy, but I will never go back to the yuckiness that I dealt with before!
I’ve also quit using napkins and paper towels and I love knowing that I’m not contributing more waste to the world!
Love your blog and all the tips you give me!
I was wondering. .. isn’t there a danger with keeping all the blood inside of you for hours? Isn’t the blood meant to leave your body and not stay in it ? I’m pretty sure there must be consequences to this. What do you think?
I’d like to see an answer to this myself. I’d read in a book written by a doctor (Sex, Time and Power by Leonard Shlain, for those who are curious) that human menstrual blood, upon being shed, almost immediately begins degrading, becoming toxic to our bodies, which have no means of breaking down and re-absorbing any of the nutrients which are lost along with the blood. This, I understood, was part of the cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome, whether in partnership with or independent of the chemicals present in the products we use.
Interesting. I’d love information on this too. I wonder if the degrading starts upon contact with oxygen? Or maybe it can’t be reabsorbed because it’s held in the silicon? Can you tell I really want this to be a safe option??
Urine is sterile whilst in the bladder and doesn’t smell till passed. So it may well be that menstrual blood is the same and only changes with access to air. Just a thought from an ex nurse!
The blood in my menstral cup doesn’t smell, but the blood on my tampons and plastic liners always smelled. (However, I switched to organic cotton pads and there is no smell from these either.) I think the smell partly comes from the blood being exposed to air and beginning to break down, but traditional plastic-based pads and tampons exacerbated the problem. However, I did once accidentally leave my cup in for over 24 hours and by then it had begun to smell, though this was extreme and definitely not recommended!
Let’s think about this…when you use a tampon, the blood is still in contact with your body while in the tampon. When you use a cup,, the blood is now in a cup and no longer in contact with your body. I think there is no concern here. It’s much healthier using a sterilized cup than putting processed chemicals into contact with parts of your body where things are so easily and readily absorbed!
There are no dangers of menstrual blood collecting in a medical grade silicone cup. The alternatives with tampons and pads are to literally have that blood up against your skin in one way or another. I researched this extensively before getting my first cup and repeatedly read that no cases of toxic shock syndrome have occurred from using a menstrual cup. I have used a cup for about seven years and would never go back to tampons or the dreaded diaper feeling pads. I have had better success with period underwear (like Thinx) than cloth pads but primarily use my cup for my 4-5 day cycle. Imagine only dealing with that twice a day at the most. I work 10-12 hour days and I can put it in at home in the morning and remove, empty, and clean it at home after work. On a light/last day I have gone 24 hours and had no leaks or problems. I also have experienced less cramps as others have stated. As for maintenance I usually clean mine in the shower most days with my natural, non toxic, non antibacterial body wash. These cups last an average of 10 years as well. Next time you’re in a big box store look at the marketing on the disposables readily available. They are flashy and fancy and I feel trying to distract from any possibility of an alternative. Only recently have I seen organic products and cups in mainstream stores and it’s still not common. As a young girl I also was someone who used pads for awhile at first and when I found out about tampons it was a revelation. Well finding the cup has been even more amazing and I am only wishing I had found about them sooner.
It took me a while to work up the nerve to try alternative options, but I would never go back! I generally alternate between a menstrual cup and a sea sponge.
Sea sponge??
Here is another alternative.
https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Tampons-Poseidon-Sponge-Starter/dp/B00PWAMH04/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=d2ab8dfad0d56c6aadcd2a2d0c3f5c54&language=en_US
The Sea Clouds sea sponge tampons in this link Linda shared are Mediterranean Silk, whereas the ones linked to in this post are Atlantic Silk. Mediterranean Silk are much softer and denser than the Atlantic Silk, so for someone who’s tried them and thought they were scratchy, they should definitely give Sea Clouds a try!
I use Puristics, available on Amazon
YES! And anyone curious about the cup, give it 3 cycles before you make up your mind! The first one is weird, the 2nd a bit better and by the 3rd month, I’ll bet you’ll never go back to tampons. I personally use Lunette and have never had any leaks and you only have to change it once a day! MAYBE twice in the beginning of your first day is heavy. I can’t praise these things enough!
If you are worried about any leaks with the diva cup, this is the perfect solution. I have been using these cloth pads for years now. They have adorable seasonal designs and even allow you to try the first one for free. (You just pay shipping cost.)
http://www.partypantspads.com
How do you clean the diva cup? What products do you use?
There’s a soap that you can buy if you want, otherwise regular unscented soap (not antibacterial). In the information packet on how to use it gives out all of the information on how to use, how not to use, how to clean, etc. I just got my first one a few weeks ago and have been practicing with it before my flow starts and I don’t panic trying to get used to everything.
I wash mine with dish soap and water at the end of my cycle, and then store it in a small jar with a hydrogen peroxide and water solution (about 1:3). I found that just washing it with soap and water left a residual funky smell, and I started to get yeast infections during my period. Once I started storing it in the hydrogen peroxide solution, it’s like a brand new cup every month and I haven’t had any more yeast infections during my period.
Thanks Makena for that tip! I’ve been using one for the last 6 months and have been looking for a good way to store it that will get rid of the smell. I’ve been nervous about yeast infections too but haven’t had one yet. Thanks again!
Won’t the hydrogen peroxide break down the materials of the cup?
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for the vagina? I don’t know much about it so I want to be sure!
Idk for long term storage but for letting it soak in hydrogen peroxide for a short period of time or just rinsing it in hydrogen peroxide shouldn’t harm it. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down blood (dried or fresh) and makes it easier to get it off of stuff. I use it regularly for my reusable pads when the washer doesn’t do the trick and it doesn’t take out any color. I’ve also used it on underwear, pants, white shorts and other articles of clothing that I’ve leaked upon and it’s come out completely (my white shorts look as good as new!). However, be careful using it on jeans as it will take some of the color out. If you have light jeans, use sparingly and rinse after pouring some on the affected area after letting it soak for not more than a few minutes. As for dark jeans, attack with soap and water until you can’t really notice the stain (and if anyone does, ask them why they are looking in that area!).
I have never tried a menstrual cup (being quite petite) but I recently bought the Diva Cup and am excited to try. I used Party in My Pants reusable pads and am very satisfied with how they work. My only issue is that they have to be positioned just right and a major change in seating (horseback riding, biking, etc) can move them and cause a leak so you really need to pay attention to how they feel and if you feel a change, go and check in the bathroom. They have really changed my period and eliminated almost all of my cramps!
However, be careful if you switch back to disposables as my body had a rather violent reaction when I ran out of reusables and had to use disposables. I had killer cramps (on a day when cramps are rare) and extreme nausea. I have had these symptoms before (throwing up at 2am and then getting my period that day like an odd alarm clock) and it seems the disposables magnified my usual symptoms when I switched back. So beware! If you switch back your body may have an allergic reaction and magnify whatever symptoms you usually have on your period.
Hydrogen peroxide is completely safe and should not damage the cup. H2O2 is a weak acid (very weak, and even so, the drug store stuff is only 3%, then you are diluting even further by adding water) and it breaks down into O2 and H2O (oxygen and water). It’s a BRILLIANT natural disinfectant, and people have been using it for centuries for everything from water purification to topical disinfection. Honestly, I can’t say enough good about the stuff. If you are curious, read Dr. Douglas’s book ‘Medical Miracle’. All about how great H2O2 is. It’s an easy read aimed at the layperson, so don’t be daunted if you don’t have a science background!
Completely agree! I have been using a Diva cup for 1.5 years now, and would never go back. The $$ savings alone are enough reason, if environmental concerns aren’t sway enough!
Giving it 3 cycles is what I needed, too. Was frustratingly difficult the first couple tries, but then I got it and it’s so easy now.