The Ugly Truth About Pads and Tampons
Let’s have a real conversation about something many of us grew up thinking was normal—pads and tampons.
For years, we’ve been sold the idea that these mainstream menstrual products are safe, hygienic, and the most convenient way to “deal with” our periods. But behind the colorful packaging and the discreet marketing lies a harsh truth: most conventional pads and tampons are loaded with harmful chemicals that can negatively affect our reproductive health, hormonal balance, and overall well-being.
What’s Really Inside Your Pad or Tampon?
Most commercial pads and tampons are made from cotton, rayon, and plastic—but it’s not the materials themselves that are the biggest issue. It’s what they’re treated with.
Here’s a closer look at some of the toxic ingredients often found in store-bought pads and tampons:
- Dioxins: Created during the bleaching process, these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors. They’ve been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, immune system suppression, and endometriosis.
- Pesticides: Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. Traces of these pesticides can linger in tampons and pads, and are then absorbed through the delicate tissues of the vulva and vaginal canal.
- Fragrance & Deodorizers: Many brands use synthetic fragrances to mask menstrual odor—but these chemicals can irritate sensitive skin, disrupt the vaginal microbiome, and even cause allergic reactions.
- Polyethylene, Polypropylene & Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs): Common in pads, these plastics trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. They also don’t allow your womb space to breathe.
The truth is, our yoni is one of the most absorbent parts of our body—what we put there matters. It’s not just a surface-level issue; it’s an energetic one too.
Health Risks of Using Conventional Pads and Tampons
Over time, continued use of chemically-laden products can lead to:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Increased cramping and heavier bleeding
- Yeast infections and UTIs
- Vaginal irritation and dryness
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)—a rare but life-threatening condition associated with tampon use
Beyond physical health, these products can also interfere with our energetic womb space. The womb is a sacred portal of creation, intuition, and feminine power. When we block or suppress it with unnatural materials, we disrupt its natural rhythm.
So What’s the Alternative?
Thankfully, more and more women are awakening to healthier, more sustainable ways to care for their womb during menstruation. Two of my favorite alternatives are reusable (washable) cloth pads and the diva cup (or other menstrual cups).
🌿 Reusable Cloth Pads
These pads are made from breathable, soft fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo. They’re free of harmful chemicals and fragrances, and they allow your womb to breathe and bleed naturally.
Benefits:
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Reduce odor and irritation
- Washable and eco-friendly
- Save money in the long run
To care for them, simply rinse after use and wash in hot water using a non-chemical, all-natural laundry detergent. This keeps your pads clean without exposing them (or your body) to more toxins. Avoid synthetic scents, bleach, or fabric softeners—your womb deserves better. All-natural laundry soap is truly the best way to go.
Washing them becomes a beautiful ritual of honoring your blood and reconnecting with your body. It becomes less of a burden and more of a sacred practice.
🌊 Menstrual Cups (like the Diva Cup)
Made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are inserted into the vaginal canal and can be worn for up to 12 hours. They collect rather than absorb blood, preserving your vaginal flora and reducing dryness.
Benefits:
- No risk of toxic chemicals
- Can last up to 10 years
- More freedom during movement and sleep
- Less waste in landfills
If you’re ready to deepen your connection with your body and your cycle, these alternatives are powerful tools to help you do just that
Reclaiming Your Cycle is Reclaiming Your Power
Choosing what you use during your period isn't just about comfort or convenience—it's about taking your health, your choices, and your womb wisdom back into your own hands.
Our blood is sacred. Our womb is sacred. We deserve to treat ourselves with the care, love, and reverence that we so freely give to others.
If this topic resonates with you and you’re ready to start healing your relationship with your womb, I invite you to connect with me for a womb healing session. It’s time to detox not just our products—but our patterns, our trauma, and the ways we’ve been taught to disconnect from our feminine essence.
Let’s start with one small choice—and from there, everything changes.
With love and womb wisdom,
Candice
Energetic Womb Practitioner
Sudbury Reiki Clinic
