Saturday, June 1, 2013

Are Tampons Poisoning Your Poontang with Pesticides?!


OMG. This is crazy. We've been shoving God knows what up our lady parts.

When I read an article stating that tampons have "extremely or highly hazardous" amounts of pesticides I began to seriously worry about my baby box. Men are the stereotype for prizing their privates, but I kind of like mine, too.

If I'm putting poison where I plan on housing a growing fetus for 9 months…. what will happen to the baby?!

Research says it's unlikely to cause serious harm, but there are synthetic and chemical items in tampons and maxi-pads that can cause problems for a growing fetus or even making a baby. The pesticides that are used commonly by cotton growers have been linked to infertility, developmental defects and neurological problems. Seven of the most common pesticides used in cotton are linked to various kinds of cancers.

So even if I don't end up with Frankenstein baby there is a chance that my vajayjay is going to look like something that came out of a horror movie. Yeah, no thanks!!

Did you know that if a product claims to have a fragrance or cover up an odor, then it is considered a "trade secret" and the ingredients do not need to be disclosed?

So they can put whatever they want in my feminine products and not tell me about it? Greeaaatttt... What else could be living in my vagina?

There is a chemical (dioxin) that is often found in cotton, which is something the FDA monitors. However, they do not require cotton to be dioxin free. They simply require the dioxin to be at a low level. That sounds okay, right? But our lady parts are extremely sensitive! They are lined with a mucous membrane which absorb pretty much whatever we put up there.
This is a problem because we don't really know what dioxin can do! It's been linked to developmental problems, neurological problems, damage to the immune system, reproductive issues, hormone imbalances, and is linked to cancer. Scary? I think so.

Another great thing about the FDA is that they RECOMMEND that tampons be free of pesticides and chemicals (like bleach and chlorine), but they don't enforce that recommendation or make those recommendations into a rule. So, all of the brands we find on target, walmart, walgreen's shelves…they are not free of pesticides or harmful chemicals.

The only way you can know is if you buy ORGANIC cotton feminine hygiene products or use something like a diva cup.

So where can we find healthy, natural products? For me-- Whole Foods.

That's sad. In a HUGE city, I only really have one option! SO I used Amazon to purchase my lady part products.

I have read good things about Seventh Generation, Natracare, Organyc, and DivaCup and Luna Cup so I ordered a few products online.

I just felt like this is important information to pass! It blows my mind that I've never, ever in my life thought about tampon and pad and what could be in them. To me, this is something that ladies should be standing up on a rooftop yelling about and helping their friends protect their baby boxes. Girls, we need to look after each other.

So please, ladies, make yourself informed and protect your poons! It's a delicate place so pamper it a bit with some 100% organic cotton. Ohh lala! 

So this is what I bought (I'm too scared to try the diva cup yet!)

Seventh Generation Pads, Ultra-Thin, Regular, with Wings, 18 pads (Pack of 6)

Definitely a win! I would recommend this brand if you are looking for something with wings for overnight protection or on a light day. I wouldn't recommend this for heavy flow days though. 


I would also recommend these for that last day of your period or in conjunction with a tampon... they work just as well as the Always brand! 


I haven't tried these yet because when I got the delivery I was almost done with my period. I'll post soon on how they perform! 
Sherri Griffin
Sherri Griffin

Thanks for checking out my blog. I get serious about a few things in life: animals, chemicals, and food. For the rest I can't promise anything so keep the bar low. For more about me check out my "About Me" page! Happy DIYing!

15 comments:

  1. I've been using a Diva Cup since March. I love it and will never go back to using disposable products. Incredibly happy.

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    1. I have to admit that I didn't even know what the Diva Cup was until I looked it up! What a concept! It sounds like a great solution and I love that it's reusable! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. :)

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  2. I started using a Diva Cup about two years ago and I will never go back to tampons!! When I first heard about it, I liked the idea of it (environmentally friendly, non-toxic, etc.), but I wasn't sure what it would be like to use it. Turns out, it's so much easier and more convenient than tampons - I love it!

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    1. Thanks for sharing! I've been hearing a lot of good things about the Diva Cup. It's such a cool concept and with all the good reviews I should probably get some! Thanks again!

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    2. It's definitely worth a try - and it's relatively inexpensive too - you only need one and I think they're about $30. Maybe we'll see a Diva Cup review here one day! I did quite a bit of reading online before I got mine and I'm very thankful for the women who shared their stories and tips.

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    3. Wow! That really isn't bad at all. $30 would actually end up being a big savings in the long run. I'm definitely going to look into it and if I end up trying it out I will write a review. I feel the same way about other bloggers who have recommended products-- it's great to know things actually work before you spend the money and time to try something out! In fact, I'm going to go check out some blogs tomorrow for more information on them! :) Thanks for the advice-- it's really appreciated.

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  3. Yep, I use Lunette cup. I feel so much cleaner and normal during my periods, too! And you can wear it longer...risk of TSS basically nonexistent bc menstrual cups do not absorb, just hold. I was getting headaches from tampons. Finally, no yucky trash to leave at friend's house or for your dog to dig out overnight....

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    1. That's amazing, Kristin! I really need to get one! I keep putting it off, but I think you've finally convinced me. I'm going to go check out Amazon right now!

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  4. I've used the mooncup for over 3 years now. I will not use anything else, as tampons now seem as disgusting as pads used to seem when I was using tampons. I actually left a long review on Amazon about the mooncup, which I updated every year or so because I was so happy to have finally bought it. It does get stained (a little gross), but hydrogen peroxide makes it look like new. Seriously. Get it. My roommates all know when they're "on the rag" because they're complaining about cost/ garbage overflowing.... Guess who doesn't have that problem?

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    1. Ohhhh! The mooncup! I haven't heard so much about that one. I think I'm just about brave enough to actually try it, but I need to figure out which one to get! I'll add the moon cup to my list to research! Would you mind sending me the link to your amazon review? I'd love to read it! Thanks so much!

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  5. Oh, and don't cut the stem down. A lot of the negative reviews were because of them cutting down the stem and then they couldn't grab it/ the *now* ragged edge hurts. Think of it as the string on the tampon. Just leave it there. You'll get used to it. And if you have crazy long Jersey fingernails with sparkles and bling.... just use pads.

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    1. Haha.. you are HILARIOUS!! I definitely want to read your review.

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  6. These aren't for everyone, but you might want to check it out: www.jadeandpearl.com I've heard really good things about them.

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    1. OMG! I never even knew these even existed!! Amazing! I won't lie-- I'm a little stunned, but I'm definitely going to have to check this out! Thanks for sending me the link. :)

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  7. http://jadeandpearl.com/sea-pearls-sea-sponge-tampons/

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