1- Which menstrual hygiene products are considered invasive?
"With the onset of menstruation, the time for common monthly hygiene products inevitably comes. In women's hygiene products, a distinction is made between externally worn (non-invasive) and internally worn (invasive) hygiene items. Internally worn or invasive products are products that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood:"
- The tampon: It is easy to use and carry, which is why it is one of the best-selling and most commonly used feminine hygiene products. It is available with or without an applicator, and once inserted into the vagina, it absorbs menstrual blood before it can reach the vulva. Unlike other hygiene products, it is not reusable; once it is saturated with blood, it must be removed and disposed of.
- The menstrual cup: Also called - this relatively new menstrual hygiene product has the advantage of being washable and reusable . It is a small silicone cup that collects menstrual blood. Once it is full, you can simply empty it and clean it with soap before reinserting it into the vagina. Additionally, it must be sterilized after each cycle. The menstrual cup is offered at retail prices ranging from 10 to 30 € and has a dual benefit: it avoids waste, reduces environmental impact, and helps save money.
- Themenstrual sponge : It is used less frequently than the previously mentioned menstrual hygiene products, but it is a interesting alternative to tampons. This washable sponge workssimilarly to a menstrual cup. It is easier to insert into the vagina when it is moistened beforehand. Once it is properly positioned, it absorbs menstrual blood. Before reuse, it must be washed with water and soap.
In contrast to invasive menstrual hygiene products, external feminine hygiene products only come into contact with the vulva . This is the case with panty liners, menstrual panties, and sanitary pads.
2- What are the risks of invasive / internally worn menstrual hygiene products?
Invasive menstrual hygiene products have the advantage of being very discreet, like externally worn feminine hygiene products, but their use is less straightforward. With a menstrual cup, it is indeed important to ensure that it is inserted and sterilized correctly to avoid complications or irritations. Handling the cup or tampon requires some know-how and experience in use; for this reason, externally worn hygiene products are preferred by less experienced young girls, also due to their easy and quick application. However, the use of such menstrual hygiene products carries a number of risks for the user's health and for the environment.
(a) Health risks from invasive menstrual hygiene products
All invasive menstrual hygiene products increase the risk of experiencing a toxic shock syndrome or TSS. This is a toxin spread by Staphylococcus aureus, leading to this pathology of infectious origin. If the toxin is produced in excessive amounts, it can cause severe consequences such as permanent paralysis of the limbs or even lead to death. Toxic shock syndrome can occur if the internally worn menstrual hygiene product is worn for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time.
As for tampons, their composition was very opaque for consumers until 2015. The law did not require manufacturers to disclose the ingredients of this menstrual hygiene product on the packaging. Since a change in the law, we now know that tampons are made from cotton cleaned with chlorine derivatives. Furthermore, they usually contain plastic fibers (polyester, polypropylene, etc.). A study by ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recently revealed the presence of pesticides and environmental hormones in tampons. Organic tampons, on the other hand, contain no harmful substances, and their fibers are purely plant-based.
Internally worn menstrual hygiene products can also increase the risk of skin irritations and vaginal dryness. Additionally, they can also cause various infections. When inserting or removing the product, bacteria present on the fingers can enter the vagina.
b) Environmental risks from invasive single-use-menstrual hygiene products
Tampons are a real danger to the environment. It is indeed estimated that a woman produces between 100 and 150 kg of waste from feminine hygiene products over the course of her life. Therefore, tampons, like other disposable items such as sanitary pads, are a problem due to their significant environmental impact. They often take several hundred years to decompose, especially if they contain plastic applicators.
3- Prevention and Solutions
the) Tips and good practices for the use of invasive feminine hygiene products
To eliminate the risks associated with invasive menstrual hygiene products, you should proceed with caution. Perfect hygiene during the application and removal of the menstrual hygiene product is essential. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling.
"If you have been swimming or bathing, change the tampon immediately afterwards to avoid the entry of bacteria into the vagina."
To avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome you should change an internally worn feminine hygiene product at least every 4 to 6 hours. For the night, it is recommended to wear a pad or menstrual underwear. Vaginal irritation can also be reduced if you use organic products. Choose a tampon that is suitable for your flow: a tampon with too high absorbency can lead to a dry, irritated vagina.
"To contribute to the protection of our planet, you should choose reusable menstrual hygiene products whenever possible, such as menstrual cups, sponges, and absorbent menstrual underwear."
b) Prefer externally worn women's hygiene products
By using externally worn menstrual hygiene products, you protect yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome , but also from other potential infections. If you like the "Zero Waste" approach and want to save money,reusable feminine hygiene products like menstrual underwear are the right choice. They are definitely a better alternative to invasive products. They are not only very reliable and comfortable, but also safe for your health, especially if you choose Oeko-Tex certified fabric products or organic fabric products. Unlike reusable pads, with menstrual underwear you are protected all day and night!
Toxic shock syndrome, infections, irritations... internally worn menstrual hygiene products pose numerous risks. If you are looking for practical, ecological, affordable, comfortable, and health-safe products for women's hygiene, then menstrual panties are just the right thing for you!
