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Women's health

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Original poster

Have you seen this about tampons?

169 replies

natalieplusone · 29/05/2025 20:00

Oh no i use tampons!

www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/28/toxic-pesticide-levels-found-in-tampons-40-times-higher-than-legal-limit-for-water

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/05/2025 09:36

Back in the 80s there were loads of warnings about some brands especially:
scented (no need for scent)
Plastic guide tubes with the rounded ends as these open up with moisture and there were cases of internal damage . Cardboard or non-applicator were safer , not to mention the amount of single use plastic
Super absorbancy - increased risk of TSS ( Toxic Shock Syndrome )

I haven't used them for decades but it is shocking that there are still problems

TakingHavenInTescoExpress · 30/05/2025 09:39

Hwi · 30/05/2025 08:46

Even without the toxicity, shoving a foreign object in and leaving it there, not letting the wound drain blood? Only a man could invent something like that, a semblance of a small penis.

You need to brush up on basic biology. Menstruation does not involve a wound.

rosemarble · 30/05/2025 09:44

pontivex · 30/05/2025 06:55

Do people still use tampons? Madness. Mooncup or period pants surely? I don’t know anyone who still uses disposable period products.
I’ve used a mooncup for about 15 years. Used a tampon once or twice when desperate and god they are vile.

Of course they do. Why is it madness to choose a different product than the one you use?

I don't ask every woman I know what products they use, but I imagine they cover the whole range.

For women who don't get with, or choose not to use a cup, tampons allow them to participate in sports in more comfort.

DoraDont · 30/05/2025 09:45

I mean this thread feels like it was the 'brainchild' of flo's marketing junior tbh.

PhoebeCat23 · 30/05/2025 09:46

I've used a combination of mooncup and period underwear for a while now and whilst they can be a little pricey initially, they more than make up for that after a few months of use compared to purchasing disposable products.

rosemarble · 30/05/2025 09:47

Hercisback1 · 30/05/2025 09:05

I've no idea on the science but mooncup did reduce my period pain too. Overall far more comfortable than tampons and pads.
You do have to get it right up there though!

I think it might be something to do with the cup collecting rather than absorbing.

TinyTear · 30/05/2025 09:50

fairgame84 · 30/05/2025 08:35

Judging by the rate that our free pads and Tampons go at work, I think the majority still use them.
I tried a mooncup and it gave me bv, never had it before or since. It also used to leak because I have a heavy flow so I had to double up with a pad anyway.

Judging by the rate the free pads and tampons go at work I am actually surprised people use tampons - there are usually tons of tampons left and all the pads go fairly quickly.

I am a (late admitedly) convert to period pants but still use pads.
I hate tampons with a passion and HATE when people talk about tampons as if they are the norm. Have only used them for swimming on holiday and changed as soon as back to the room

DontTouchRoach · 30/05/2025 09:52

Hwi · 30/05/2025 08:46

Even without the toxicity, shoving a foreign object in and leaving it there, not letting the wound drain blood? Only a man could invent something like that, a semblance of a small penis.

What a peculiar thing to say.

Imlazyandiknowit99 · 30/05/2025 09:54

natalieplusone · 29/05/2025 20:00

Now have a look at the chemicals in toilet paper. You're wiping one of the most absorbant places with chemicals

WhenYouSayNothingAtAll · 30/05/2025 09:54

Why not say which box it was?
What were the levels in the other boxes?
Is it a tampon issue , a brand issue or a batch issue?

DontTouchRoach · 30/05/2025 09:55

Rainallnight · 30/05/2025 06:35

Hoooolllld on. If you go to the organisation’s own website about this, they say they tested 15 boxes of tampons and highlight particularly high levels of the pesticide in one of them. It doesn’t say what they found in the other 14 boxes.

If they want to protect women’s health, why not say which were the brands with lower levels so people can choose?

This feels like a piece of ‘research’ used selectively to support a particular campaign message, rather than something that should dictate what we put up our fanjos.

Absolutely this.

The scaremongering on this thread is mad.

Riaanna · 30/05/2025 09:55

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/05/2025 09:36

Back in the 80s there were loads of warnings about some brands especially:
scented (no need for scent)
Plastic guide tubes with the rounded ends as these open up with moisture and there were cases of internal damage . Cardboard or non-applicator were safer , not to mention the amount of single use plastic
Super absorbancy - increased risk of TSS ( Toxic Shock Syndrome )

I haven't used them for decades but it is shocking that there are still problems

The article has not identified any actual problems.

Original poster
natalieplusone · 30/05/2025 09:58

There is a petition here that has been started now. Worth a look at this.

www.pan-uk.org/period-products/

OP posts:
silentassassin · 30/05/2025 10:00

bigvig · 30/05/2025 09:03

Anyone who cares about the environment should move to reusable pads or a moon cup. The washable pads are much less messy than you imagine - look online. The other pads are like nappies. They'll take about 1000 years to break down.

So, you gonna stop using toilet paper then?- thats harmful to the environment too: https://time.com/6259819/pfas-found-in-toilet-paper/

You'd stop using it if you really "cared", right?

Now We Need to Worry About Harmful 'Forever Chemicals' in Our Toilet Paper Too

A new global study finds harmful PFAS chemicals in toilet paper and sewage

https://time.com/6259819/pfas-found-in-toilet-paper/

Original poster
natalieplusone · 30/05/2025 10:02

DoraDont · 30/05/2025 09:45

I mean this thread feels like it was the 'brainchild' of flo's marketing junior tbh.

I'm
Nothing to do with Flo I just researched it. Just a bit shocked that's all. Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
natalieplusone · 30/05/2025 10:04

I think all this only came out yesterday so it popped up
On my social
Media as I follow woman's health magazine and it was there as a news bit. I don't work for Flo.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 30/05/2025 10:04

I worry about what goes into tena lady type pads and nappies. What makes them absorbent?

Poobs2022 · 30/05/2025 10:11

I use Dame. They're organic and bleach and toxin free. Even the wrappers are biodegradable and you can get a reusable applicator.

KhakiOrca · 30/05/2025 10:12

I only used them briefly in my early 20s. After that it was pads. I just didn't feel they were good for you and wonder if they contributed to cervical cancer.

Original poster
natalieplusone · 30/05/2025 10:18

@Poobs2022
Thanks for this ! Xxx

OP posts:
EligibleTern · 30/05/2025 10:34

Has anyone tried the disc? I haven't but it looks interesting - like a cup but without the suction aspect.

EggnogNoggin · 30/05/2025 10:39

bluesriff · 30/05/2025 08:45

@EggnogNoggin thanks I'll look into this. I generally prefer tampons because the clots coming out on pads feel disgusting and it feels like wearing a nappy (sorry to be graphic) so for me, tampons are far more comfortable. I am going to look into the Flo ones.

Dont apologise, periods arent gross 🙃

Funnily enough, I don't get any clots on the pads but i still get them in the loo 🤔 I'd never thought about it before.

Good luck in your journey :D

BlotAnExpert · 30/05/2025 10:41

Issues with single use period products have been well known for a good while. I use a (Hey Girls) cup but when recently caught out at work have grabbed an Always sanitary towel and they stink like they are perfumed. Why would anyone want that near their intimate and delicate parts is beyond me.

Same goes for mainstream toiletries, candles, perfumees and washing powder, dishwasher stuff, cleaners and washing up liquid etc... It all stinks and is full of hormone altering and possible carcinogenic crap. We buy eco stuff wherever possible (recommend Smol and Method for cleaning, use Ethique for hair and various eco bits for body). It is a bit more expensive but usually goes a long way and I feel like it is one less risk we are taking with our health

EggnogNoggin · 30/05/2025 10:41

Riaanna · 30/05/2025 08:48

I don’t make a habit of carrying a pull bag when out and about.

Show quote history

Tbh neither doni, I just use the poppers and fold them in on themselves. People promote PUL as a waterproof option but tbh you don't really need one x

TooManyCupsAndMugs · 30/05/2025 10:42

LittleMy77 · 30/05/2025 07:10

There’s also been concerns raised previously about period pants due to high levels of silver and other chemicals. This article is older - I’d be interested to see the latest research on it
www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/13/high-silver-levels-some-period-pants-could-pose-health-risk-study

This made me worried too. I tried period pants but whatever they are coated in made me really itchy and uncomfortable. Can't get away with them at all