Fragrance Pads: Are They Safe To Use?

Are fragrance pads safe? This is a question that has been on many people's minds, especially those who are conscious about their health and the environment. Fragranced pads are marketed as a way to mask period odours and provide a more enjoyable period experience. However, the use of scented pads could be doing more harm than good.

Fragranced pads can cause infections

The growth of bacteria is facilitated by the moist and warm environment created by sanitary napkins, which are made of absorbent material that blocks moisture and locks in body temperature. This can result in bacterial infections, and the risk of these infections increases with added scents. The top layer of fragranced pads, which contains chemicals, can come into direct contact with the skin and cause yeast infections with swelling, rashes, and irritation.

The exact composition of fragrances in fragranced pads is often undisclosed, leaving users unaware of the potential risks. Fragrances are considered trade secrets, and companies are not required to disclose the ingredients used to create them. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to know the full extent of the health risks associated with fragranced pads.

It is recommended to opt for unscented pads or those specifically designed for sensitive skin to minimize the potential health risks associated with fragranced pads. By choosing fragrance-free pads, individuals can prioritize their vaginal health and allow their bodies to maintain their natural balance.

They can disrupt the body's pH balance

The use of fragrance pads has been a topic of debate in the feminine hygiene space. One of the main concerns surrounding these products is their potential impact on the body's pH balance. The vaginal area maintains a delicate balance of good bacteria, which is crucial for preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. However, when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a range of issues.

Fragranced pads are designed to mask any potential odour during menstruation. However, the chemicals used to create these pleasant scents can interfere with the natural pH balance of the vagina. This disruption can create an environment conducive to the growth of unwanted bacteria and yeast, leading to infections and other health issues. The fragrances used in these pads often contain undisclosed chemicals, leaving users unaware of the potential risks.

The vaginal area is sensitive, and direct contact with these chemicals can have adverse effects. Some individuals may experience discomfort, itching, or infections due to their sensitivity to the fragrances or chemicals in fragranced pads. It is important to note that the vaginal area is self-cleaning, and scented products can interfere with this natural process, increasing the risk of odour and infections.

To maintain optimal vaginal health, it is generally recommended to opt for unscented pads or those specifically designed for sensitive skin. By choosing fragrance-free options, individuals can minimise the potential health risks associated with scented pads and allow their bodies to maintain their natural pH balance. Making conscious decisions about the products used during menstruation is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

They may contain undisclosed harmful chemicals

Fragrance pads may contain undisclosed harmful chemicals. Fragrances are considered trade secrets, meaning companies are not required to disclose the ingredients used to create them. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know what they are exposing themselves to.

One such undisclosed chemical is phthalates, which are linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. Another is dioxin, which can accumulate in the body and has been associated with reproductive health issues and an increased risk of certain cancers. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are also present in some fragrance pads and can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Chloromethane, a reproductive toxicant, and chloroethane and chloroform, which are carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, have also been found in fragrance pads.

The use of these products can increase the risk of various health issues, including skin irritation, disruption of vaginal pH balance, and allergic reactions. The chemicals in fragrance pads can irritate the sensitive skin in the vaginal area, leading to redness, itching, and rashes. The fragrance and chemicals can also disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, creating an environment conducive to bacterial or yeast infections.

Given the potential risks associated with fragrance pads, it is essential to prioritize vaginal health by choosing unscented organic pads free from harmful chemicals.

They can worsen odour rather than mask it

While fragrance pads are advertised as a way to mask period odours, they can actually worsen the smell. According to Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar Pillai, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, "when your menstrual blood mixes with chemical perfumes on sanitary pads, it can lead to a foul smell". Instead of masking the odour, fragrance pads can therefore intensify it.

This is supported by the fact that the vagina is self-cleaning. When you wear scented products to mask period odours, you are preventing the vagina from self-cleaning efficiently, which can actually increase the risk of odour. By using fragrance pads, you are allowing the chemicals in the scent to rest against your vagina, which can disrupt the pH balance. This imbalance of pH levels means there is not enough good bacteria in your system to prevent bad bacteria from growing.

The combination of blood and fragrance can therefore create an even more unpleasant smell than the natural odour of a period. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your pad every 4 to 8 hours, regardless of your period flow, rather than using a scented pad.

The use of scented sanitary products can also be counterproductive in other ways. The chemicals in the fragrance can cause skin irritation and even infections. The moist and warm environment created by sanitary napkins can also result in the growth of bacteria, which is only encouraged by the addition of fragrance.

They are bad for the environment

Scented sanitary pads are terrible for the environment. Not only do they add to the non-biodegradable plastic waste, but the fumes produced by burning these chemically-laden pads can also worsen air pollution.

The scented pads are made from non-biodegradable materials, which means they will sit in landfills for years, contributing to environmental waste. The pads are constructed with three layers: a topsheet, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. The topsheet is usually made from perforated, non-woven polypropylene/polyethylene fibres, which are not biodegradable. The absorbent core stores the menstrual fluid and is often made from superabsorbent materials that can change the vagina from an anaerobic to an aerobic environment, promoting bacterial growth. The backsheet is the final layer that prevents fluid leakage and has adhesive to fasten the pad to underwear.

When these pads are burned, they release toxic fumes containing dioxins and furan, which can worsen air pollution and harm the health of those inhaling the fumes. The scented layer of the pad contains artificial fragrances, which are made up of a combination of chemicals, including phthalates, linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. These chemicals can also cause organ damage, and the hydrocarbons may be carcinogenic.

The use of scented sanitary pads can have detrimental effects on both personal health and the environment. With the rise of fragrance-free alternatives, it is essential to prioritize intimate health and well-being, as well as environmental sustainability, by opting for organic and biodegradable options.

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