2006-08-31 00:29:43 · 16 answers · asked by jenicka_hottie 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Commercial tampons are the most harmful out of over twenty different menstrual options because of the unnecessary manufacturing methods used as well as the general risks from tampons – commercial tampons are also the only option to have caused and contributed to deaths both within the TSS outbreak in the 1980's and Dioxin exposure in the 1990's - in both cases manufacturers knew the health risks but continued to manufacture and promote special offers regardless [the idea that if they were dangerous they wouldn't be on the market is mute if you know the history].
There are far safer options, as well as options that are greener, cheaper, more convenient, body-positive and ethical.
Unfortunately very few people are aware of the risks or willing to educate themselves of the risks due to menstrual taboos, taboos companies take advantage of to strengthen customer base, and menstrual product manufacturers are also largely covered legally in terms of manufacturing methods and what they can tell to the public.
Note - Risks of tampons are there no matter how long they are left within the vagina for; the risks are simply higher the longer you leave them in. TSS cases are rarely a result of misuse of tampons.
Tampon risks;
-Tampons prevent the vaginas self-cleaning process keeping bacteria, yeast and dirt inside the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.
-Tampons absorb discharge that dries out mucus membranes within the vagina leading to vaginal splitting that can contribute to vaginal infections, as well as irritation due to friction and dryness.
-Tampons provide bacteria and yeast with a pores, warm and moist environment filled with menstrual blood that cause bacteria to multiply due to both being nutritious and a different PH to the normal vaginal environment, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.
-Fibres can be left within the vagina allowing excess bacteria to remain within the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.
-Commercial tampons are made from super-absorbent materials that further dry out the vagina and increase bacterial growth, which can contribute to vaginal splitting, irritation, vaginal infections and TSS.
-Commercial tampons contain chemicals and bleach that interfere with vaginal PH, which in turn effects balance of bacteria and yeast, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.
-The vagina is a major orifice of the body and made of mucus membranes that easily allow chemicals to pass through, chemicals in commercial tampons may be toxic and have the potential to be paraben’s (information on chemicals used is restricted by laws protecting manufacturers).
-Manufacturing of commercial tampons adds to environmental problems, including pollution, environmental factors such as these contribute largely to human health.
-Effect on general vaginal health that tampons, particularly commercial tampons, have can cause heavier menstrual flow as well as increased menstrual cramping.
-Tampons expand with fluid they absorb, this can contribute to menstrual cramping and discomfort due to bloating.
-Certain brands are made to expand lengthways as well as widthways expanding into the cervix furthering menstrual discomfort.
-Toxic Shock Syndrome is the better known risk, it can be minimised by using safer options such as pads, menstrual cups, or healthier tampon options such as organic, sponge or homemade options, risk is also minimised by using lower absorbency and changing often – note TSS is rare, however the statistics on TSS are understated, and unnecessary manufacturing processes of commercial tampons significantly increase the risk.
Links on tampon risks and issues:
http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://www.seac.org/tampons
http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro
http://bloodsisters.org/bloodsisters
http://www.life.ca/nl/46/maxi.html
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html
Books on tampon risks and issues:
The Sanitary Protection Scandal: Sanitary towels, tampons and babies' nappies – environmental and health hazards of production use and disposal – Alison Costello, Bernadette Vally, Josa Young.
Whitewash: Exposing the health and environmental dangers of women's sanitary products and disposable diapers – Liz Armstrong, Adrienne Scott.
The Price of a Life: One woman's death from toxic shock – Tom Riley.
Soap Opera: The Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble - Alecia Swasy.
Capitalizing on the Curse: The Business of Menstruation - Elizabeth Arveda Kissling.
The Curse: Confronting the Last Unmentionable Taboo: Menstruation - Karen Houppert.
Everything You Must Know About Tampons - Nancy Friedman.
Women and Tampons: Index of New Information, With Authors and Subjects - Valerie J. Gibson.
The Wise Wound: Menstruation and Everywoman - Penelope Shuttle.
2006-08-31 05:34:29 · answer #1 · answered by Kasha 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tampons must be changed regularly. Women have become ill and some have died from toxic shock syndrome possibly because they left tampons in for a long time. If they are used properly they appear to have no adverse side effects. Instructions and warnings against toxic shock are usually on printed matter inside boxes. FDA web site says vaginal dryness and ulcerations may occur when women use tampons more absorbent than needed for the amount of their menstrual flow.
2006-08-31 08:36:47 · answer #2 · answered by anne a 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they are not dangerous if used properly - change them frequently and if you have bad cramps at the start of your period then it might be best to use a pad the first day or so. Toxic shock Syndrome (which is an infection) is the problem - leaving them in too long and not washing your hands etc. It might be a good idea not to wear them to bed - use a pad instead. But generally they are a good invention and you can swim and play sport with confidence. If you are really concerned then talk to your mum or your Dr
2006-08-31 07:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by PERCY L 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
everything we do has some risk.. in this case, the risk is TSS which you can read about here:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/toxic_shock.html
The risk is low and you can reduce it further by changing tampons frequently and washing your hands before handling them. It's a dangerous bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. If you have a fever of at least 102 with a pronounced rash, head to the doctor or ER immediately
2006-08-31 07:34:39 · answer #4 · answered by maxima 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, but I have heard about some toxic shock syndrome thing in regards to leaving one in for too long. I use the sanitary napkins anyway, because I get real bad cramps sometimes and I really don't feel like shoving anything up there during that time of the month. But you can surely use tampons if you wish just change them often.
2006-08-31 07:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by Bloody Kisses 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not at all but read the box to see if there are recommendations on how many hours to use one. The rule I have been aware of is no longer than 3 hours. There was some talk several years ago about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from wearing the same one for too long. Also you may want to speak with your doctor just to be sure.
2006-08-31 07:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by i have no idea 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
noooo not atall, if they were really dangerous they wouldnt be on the market. you can get toxic shock sydrome but this is from them not being changed enough. u can get natural tampons which are made from sea sponges etc which dont have that risk with them as are natural. but id say they are safe aslong as u use them right and follow the instructions on the packet. change often and keep clean also.
2006-08-31 07:36:03 · answer #7 · answered by alrightyyy_then 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not if you follow the directions. Everything is dangerous if you don't follow the directions.
2006-08-31 07:44:01 · answer #8 · answered by W0LF 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if u don't put them in right they hurt. i only used tampons when i was swimming. i don't like tampons so i would use the pads.
2006-08-31 07:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by koifishlady 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they are if you leave them in for a long time. but other than that, i don't see any danger.
2006-08-31 07:36:16 · answer #10 · answered by lomatar1186 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you just need to be responsible. Read the information and change them regularly. You will be fine, and to be honest they are much easier to use.
2006-08-31 08:53:51 · answer #11 · answered by michtb3 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋