Are period products safe for your health?

A woman may have almost 500 periods in her lifetime, according to the National Health Services (NHS). With that being said, it’s important to choose menstrual products that are safe and effective.

“There are many kinds of menstrual products available that can be tailored to each individual’s needs, especially keeping in mind affordability and effectiveness,” says Dr. Mary McKenna, an OB/GYN physician at Advocate Health Care. “When choosing a product, you should consider cost, accessibility, ease of use, safety and health concerns, method of disposal, access to sanitation facilities for changing and washing, and its resulting environmental impacts.”

Available menstrual products include:

• Single-use sanitary pads
• Tampons
• Reusable menstrual cups
• Reusable sanitary pads, period pants or underwear

Dr. McKenna suggests watching out for these concerns when using certain products:

• Local irritation, such as vaginal/vulvar chaffing, irritation or burning. This is especially pertinent if using a reusable sanitary pad or period underwear and you’re unable to properly wash and dry them thoroughly between uses.
• Improper fit. If a menstrual cup is not the correct size, you can experience discomfort or irritation in the vagina. Also, make sure you empty the cup at regular intervals, so it’s not overflowing or overfilled.

Some may be aware of – and worry about – the possible connection between tampon use and toxic shock syndrome. However, don’t throw away your tampons just yet. “The exact role of tampons in the development of toxic shock syndrome remains unclear,” Dr. McKenna explains. “It is thought that continuous use of tampons may be a risk factor, not necessarily the duration of use per tampon.”

Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is an infection caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. “TSS is extremely rare, but it’s a life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality,” Dr. McKenna says.

Symptoms and complications of TSS include:

• Rapid onset of fever
• Rash
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Septic shock
• Multiorgan system failure

TSS is treated in a variety of ways, depending on the severity. “The first treatment is removing any potential intravaginal devices that may have contributed to its development,” Dr. McKenna states. “Patients may be admitted to the intensive care unit due to hypotension as well as other organ failures, such as kidney or lung failure. IV antibiotic therapy should be started immediately upon diagnosis and hospital admission.”

Dr. McKenna advises taking a break from using tampons or alternating its use with another menstrual product. “It also has been shown that oral contraceptive use may potentially lower your risk for developing toxic shock syndrome, although it’s unknown exactly why,” she adds.

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