How Tampons Affect Fertility- MUST READ!!

[JellyBean]

Hi All,

I wanted to bring attention to an issue I think is very concerning - particularly for women trying to conceive.
I'm talking about Toxins in Tampons. Cheifly- Dioxins.
Many people are unaware that cotton plants are one of the most heavily sprayed crops- sprayed with chemical herbicides and pesticides, that is. Both of these substances contain known carcinogens (cancer causing substances like dioxin) as well as hormone disruptors. The effect of pesticides on the unborn child and its link with miscarriage has also been well documented.
Tampons derived from these 'conventional' cotton fields are then bleached with chlorine gas to change the cotton from its natural cream colour to make them white - which we apparently find more 'aesthetically pleasing' as consumers. Some companies have also sneakily started using the sythetic fibres rayon and polyester in tampons as they are cheaper to manufacture than natural cotton.
When inserted into the most delicate part of our bodies- the birth canal, not only do these chemicals significantly increase our risk of cervical cancer, but they also change the natural Ph balance of our cervical mucous (a primary factor for natural conception) as well as effectively kill sperm. One only has to consider the size of the insects and plants that these herbicides and pesticides effectively kill to understand how easily microscopic sperm are killed off by the presence of these substances in the vagina.

The good news?
We now have (well, we have had for some years now) CERTIFIED ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS!!! What does this mean?
Organic Tampons are free from;

? Toxic pesticides or herbicides
? Chlorine
? Dioxins
? Rayon or polyester
? Irritating additives or preservatives

Organic tampons are made from high quality, natural material that is environmentally friendly. The pollution impact on the environment is reduced by not using synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, and the cotton is bleached with oxygen, NOT chlorine. By choosing an organic cotton tampon you are making a positive choice for your own health and the environment.

What brands? In Australia the brands are Jolie and Natracare available from health food stores and selected pharmacies. Natracare is also sold in the UK, Europe and Asia.

So ladies- do NOT accept toxic chemicals in your tampons!!!! As informed consumers we have to put our money where our hearts are and put these companies who are risking our health, fertility and the environment out of business!!! (Either that or they will have to jump on the organic bandwagon). Together we CAN make a difference.....

Yours in health and happiness,

Jellybean X

Changing the world - one healthy step at a time

[JellyBean]

Ok ladies, so who's with me on this one?

[echidna]

I wish they were sold in supermarkets and not hugely expensive. Considering we need a box every month! I'd just stick with the odd few tampons and cloth pads.

[jackrose]

Go Jellybean!

Thanks so much for bring this to my attention!!!!!!

I have always/only used tampons and have not had any problems with fertility (to date) however, I am converted. You have made me realise, why use non-organic when you don't have to. I had no idea that there was a potential problem.

I actually have big suspicions about a lot of chemicals in products but don't know where to start to find out what I need to know, so keep the info coming in little bite sized pieces!!

Thanks

[Curly]

Can you tell us which brands do contain the synthetic fibres or, if you don't want to post this, where we can find out for ourselves?

[Kitt3n]

Jellybean - what a woman you are

Thats one thing i have never looked into - have never really used tampons so never worried about it.

Makes my new cloth pad stash more and more inviting!!

[Shanti]

Once I've had bub and can start to wear tampons again, I think I'll look into the organic ones at health food stores. I've always known those 'regular' tampons can't be very good for us but never bothered to look into it..... it's scary hey?? Thank you for posting this article and bringing it to my attention. I've got a huge stash of tampons in the cupboard that will have to be thrown out too!
I suppose paying extra money for the product once a month is worth our health & fertility that's for sure.

Where do I buy cloth pads from girls?? I'm interested....... Kitten?

[echidna]

I think there are unbleached tampons in supermarkets, but I don't think they are organic. I might get them when I next need to buy tampons.

[JellyBean]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the interest - and, no worries, its a pleasure!

The organic cotton tampons are not as expensive as say organic veggies are compared with non-organic veggies- if that makes sense. It is definitely worth paying a couple of dollars extra per month to prevent yourself from being exposed to toxic chemicals. The potential health problems that can occur due to repeated exposure to these substances may end up costing you far more down the track, afterall. Prevention is the best medicine!!!
Jackrose - a great place to start if you want to find out more about chemicals is to purchase the book Additive Alert by Julie Eady (avail online or from regular bookstores) and the pocket-size shopping companion book The Chemical Maze by Bill Statham. Additive Alert is $20 and The Chemical Maze about $16. Both contain a WEALTH of info and will change your life for the better.
Curly- I'm afraid I can't recommend against specific brands re: sythetic fibres, but I will look into that for you. I would think it illegal not to state on a tampon pack what the exact content of the tampons are- but then again, it would not suprise me if this were not the case. Keep in mind- that even if the tampon is 100% cotton- it is likely to still contain pesticide residues and chlorine from the bleaching process. Not worth it in my opinion!!! Buying certified organic cotton is the only way to be sure that the tampon is chemical free. (Certified organic cotton farms have to undergo rigorous testing criteria on an anual basis. Even the soil that the cotton plants grow in has to be 100% chemical free to ensure that the plant does not grow with chemical residue in it).

Hope this helps somewhat. Both Jolie and Natracare have their own websites if you wish to google them. You may even be able to buy/order them in bulk online to cut costs.....

[Curly]

I must say Jellybean your posts are having quite an effect on me...I wish there was a way I could subscribe to your posts so I don't miss the next one you put out .

Well I checked my box of tampons and sure enough they have polyester and rayon in them so that's that for them! (Tampax if anyone is interested). I really had no idea there would be anything other than cotton in them.

I'm really getting into the idea of less chemicals, being healthier, treading more lightly on the planet etc. I just have to use up all the stuff that I've got lying around here first. I would prefer to chuck it out but DH and budget contraints won't let me. DH has no problem with being more environmentally friendly but he won't let me chuck out "perfectly good" products...so as everything gets used up I just replace it with something else. Baby steps.

[Celsie]

I've been aware of this for some time now. I've seen organic tampons for sale at our organic fruit and veg co-op for under $5. As soon as AF comes back, I'll be going organic too! That and cloth pads.

Great thread by the way. Very informative.