Warning: The wrong choice in feminine hygiene products may pose health risks
Have you noticed all of the different options when you go to the store to buy feminine hygiene products?
There are different brands and sizes of tampons and pads, but why are some of those options scented? Are these scented feminine products really safe to use?
If you decide to use any scented products while on your period, there could be risks to your health.
“The vagina is self-cleaning,” says Dr. Bridgette Blazek, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. “It needs to be maintained at a certain pH so that normal vaginal bacteria can grow. These “good” bacteria then prevent organisms from growing that can cause vaginitis or irritation. Using chemicals (i.e. fragrances) can put women at risk for throwing off this pH balance and causing more problems.”
One of the reasons scented tampons and pads are on the market is due to the stigma women often face while on their periods. Some women believe they ‘aren’t clean’ while on their periods, but that’s just a myth.
“For many years, our society has made women think their period is ‘dirty’ or that they have to hide it,” says Dr. Blazek. “It is natural and normal and does not need to be scented. I always recommend that women, particularly those with sensitive skin, use products (pads, tampons, soaps, etc.) that are fragrance and dye free.”
So, next time you’re walking down an aisle and are considering what feminine hygiene products to buy, keep in mind that you don’t need scented products and there are risks that could come along with using them. These products can do more harm than good and aren’t necessary to be using when it’s your time of the month.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
I’ve always looked for scented products because my blood flow has a terrible odor to it. I can’t even stand it. So I use the scented products when I’m going to be around other people. If I don’t have any, I use a deodorant spray to cover it. Just like I would use a deodorant under my arms, I find I need one for my ‘personal space’ too.
I agree with Allison, and I know we’re not alone in shopping for scented products for this reason. I am also aware of other women when they are experiencing their periods. My nose notices it right away.
I find that I smell awful down there when working out and I wear a spanx like girdle daily, so I use Vagisil ph odor blocker daily and in the summer, I spray FDS or Vagisil spray on the inside of my thighs and wear a large pad and spray outside of my panties and not the vaginal area. I had pre cancer cells in the lining of my uterus and that makes me very careful.