Periods, Blood and Poison Tampons, OH MY!
Nadijah Robinson
So what’s the issue?!
The fact is that we use tampons and pads in our most intimate of parts, at their most vulnerable time. We use them to cover and control this natural event that we really can’t control. Tampon ads encourage a sort of confidence in tampons and pads that dissuades us from asking questions like “How does this magical leak-lock system work?” and “What are the effects on my body, but most directly, on my reproductive system?” On top of that, tampon ads encourage shame and embarrassment toward bleeding with ‘discrete’ designs. Do women really need more feelings of shame toward our bodies, really?
Luckily, there are alternatives. Here’s what you can do.
First, read this awesome article. http://www.themanitoban.com/features/menstruation-myths
Second, if you’ve lost confidence or you just get that unnerving sketchy feeling when thinking about mainstream period products, there are others you can use which are made of 100% organic unbleached cotton, or reusable or washable materials. Check out your local health food store for alternative options!
Sources:
- http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101000529-46562,00.html
- http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tamponsabs.html
- http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/tampons-eng.php
Nadijah Robinson
Most people have heard the many rumours and e-mails circulating about the dangers of tampon and pad use. They claim that tampons contain asbestos which causes excess bleeding, dioxin which is a known carcinogen and rayon which may be linked to Toxic-Shock Syndrome. The truth? There seems to be no evidence whatsoever behind the asbestos claim. Both Health Canada and the US FDA have stated that tampons sold in both countries are produced using dioxin-free methods. And while some tampons do contain rayon, TSS is actually linked to the unnecessary use of high-absorbency tampons.
So what’s the issue?!
The fact is that we use tampons and pads in our most intimate of parts, at their most vulnerable time. We use them to cover and control this natural event that we really can’t control. Tampon ads encourage a sort of confidence in tampons and pads that dissuades us from asking questions like “How does this magical leak-lock system work?” and “What are the effects on my body, but most directly, on my reproductive system?” On top of that, tampon ads encourage shame and embarrassment toward bleeding with ‘discrete’ designs. Do women really need more feelings of shame toward our bodies, really?
Luckily, there are alternatives. Here’s what you can do.
First, read this awesome article. http://www.themanitoban.com/features/menstruation-myths
Second, if you’ve lost confidence or you just get that unnerving sketchy feeling when thinking about mainstream period products, there are others you can use which are made of 100% organic unbleached cotton, or reusable or washable materials. Check out your local health food store for alternative options!
Sources:
- http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101000529-46562,00.html
- http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tamponsabs.html
- http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/tampons-eng.php
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