Are tampons bad for you?

Recently, period products have raised questions after a study found heavy metals in some brands of tampons.

While very small amounts of some heavy metals are needed to support life, larger amounts can be toxic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) writes. This has left some wondering if it's safe to use tampons and, if not, what to do instead.

As a gynecologist, I’ll share what I know about tampon safety and what to do if you are concerned about toxins in your feminine products.

Should I be concerned about heavy metals in tampons?  

Tampons are feminine health products that are inserted into a woman’s vagina while she is menstruating to absorb menstrual blood. Many tampons are made of compressed cotton.

The recent concern about heavy metals in tampons is based on one study that looked at 24 tampons from 14 unnamed brands. The tampons were heated to 180 degrees Celsius – or 356 Fahrenheit – and nitric acid was used to extract heavy metals. The results showed that each tampon contained small amounts of 12 of the heavy metals they tested for, including lead and cadmium.

The study suggests heavy metals may have ended up in tampons after cotton plants absorbed them from the soil, or that they may have been added when the tampon was made.

The study findings raise many questions that have yet to be answered. For example, it’s unclear if it’s possible for our bodies to absorb these heavy metals. Tampons are designed to absorb and not to let things leach out. We don't know if the cotton fibers can release these heavy metal ions, nor do we know if it is possible for the heavy metal ions to be absorbed through the vagina. Humans don't have nitric acid in our vaginas, nor can we superheat the tampons in our body to 180 degrees, so we really don't know. 

In general, the danger of heavy metals in tampons seems to be minimal compared to heavy metals in the air and water, or plastics in our environment.  

How to use tampons safely

Tampons that come from reputable manufacturers are generally very safe when used properly. This means:

• Washing your hands before inserting a tampon. 
• Changing your tampon regularly. Most brands advise changing tampons every 4 to 6 hours. Tampons that are left in too long may lead to an infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). 
• Cancer patients with a low white blood cell count should avoid using tampons to limit their risk of infection.

What to know about other menstrual products

There is so much information about feminine hygiene products online – and especially on social media – that it can be hard to find reliable information. 

Here are a few tips that can help you decide on menstrual products going forward. 

Tampons aren’t your only option

Rather not use tampons? Some safe alternatives to consider include: 

• Pads
• Menstrual cups 
• Period underwear 

Natural doesn’t always mean better

Remember: just because something is advertised as ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it is better for you. For example, even the organic cotton tampons studied contained heavy metals. 

I would also advise against using moss or vegetables sponges in place of tampons. It’s not always clear what’s in those products, which could lead to infection. 

When in doubt, seek expert advice

My top advice for women who are concerned about the safety of their feminine hygiene products? Talk to your gynecologist. Together, you can decide what product works best for you.

Use the product that works for you

When it comes to feminine hygiene products, use the option you feel most comfortable with. If you are comfortable using a pad, use a pad. If you're comfortable using a tampon, use a tampon.  

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-355-0295.