Should I be using Organic Tampons?

What Are Organic Tampons, Anyway?

Okay, so organic tampons are like the eco-friendly superheroes of the period world. They're made from organic cotton, free from additives like dyes, fragrances, and bleach. On the flip side, regular tampons can be a bit of a mix, often including rayon, a synthetic fiber known for its absorbency.
Let’s Time Travel: The Tampon Journey and Safety Check
Back in the 1930s, Earle Cleveland Haas brought tampons into our lives. Fast forward to 1980, and we had a bit of a scare with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) linked to super absorbent tampons. Since then, we’ve learned a lot, and safety concerns have made us question the ingredients.

Spilling the Tea on Safety Claims

Claim: Organic Tampons Prevent TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
Now, here's the real talk. Organic tampons won't save you from TSS. It's a serious deal that can happen when bacteria grow on tampons and enter your bloodstream. Whether it's organic or regular, leaving a tampon in for too long is a risk we want to avoid.

Claim: Regular Tampons Contain Dangerous Toxins

Cue the drama with dioxin, a byproduct in some tampons. But hold up! Modern tampons have stepped up their game. The FDA regulates tampons and the level if any dioxin in tampons is deemed to be far below levels that we need to worry about, making normal tampons perfectly safe.

A Little on Titanium Dioxide and the Environment
Ever heard about titanium dioxide? It's a whitening chemical that might be in some organic tampons. We're not sure about its impact on humans yet, but the amounts are probably tiny. When it comes to the environment, organic tampons with no plastic applicators might be the eco-champs.

Period Tips from Your OBGYN:

Changing Tampons Regularly: We recommended to avoid any ill side effects that you change tampons every 4 to 8 hours.

Signs of TSS: Keep an eye out for fever, low blood pressure, rash, and difficulty breathing. If things feel off, it's time to call in the pros (aka, your healthcare provider).

How to Avoid TSS: Follow the tampon directions like the boss you are, don't snooze with tampons in, and avoid the marathon tampon sessions.

In a Nutshell:

No secrets here – there's no concrete proof that organic tampons are a superior alternative. The potential toxins in regular tampons are too low to be a showstopper. If organic tampons are pricier, feel free to skip it.

Dr. Lichon

Author

Swor Women's Care Dr MIchael Swor is the founder and managing OBGYN physician at Swor Women's Care. Posts and blog updates are provided with the help of his partners, Dr Jenny Lichon and Dr KASH, as well as other healthcare providers and staff in the practice.