Fragranced Pads: Are They Safe Or Not?

Are scented sanitary pads a blessing or a curse? While they promise to mask the smell of menstruation, they may be doing more harm than good. Scented pads are known to cause skin irritation, itching, rashes, and even infections. The artificial fragrances used in these pads can contain chemicals that disrupt the natural pH balance of the intimate area, leading to bacterial or yeast infections. The moist and warm environment created by the pads can also result in the growth of bacteria. Additionally, the chemicals in scented pads can be harmful to the body, with potential side effects ranging from organ damage to hormonal disruptions. With the lack of transparency around the ingredients used in fragrances, individuals with allergies or sensitivities may unknowingly expose themselves to potential health risks. So, while the idea of feeling fresh and confident during periods is appealing, it's important to prioritize vaginal health by choosing unscented, organic pads that allow the body to maintain its natural balance.

Fragranced pads can cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and itching

The vagina is self-cleaning, and scented pads can mess with its pH balance. This imbalance of pH levels means there is not enough good bacteria in your system to keep bad bacteria from growing too strongly. Fragranced pads can cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and itching.

When the vagina can't self-clean efficiently, you are more prone to odour than if you were to use unscented pads. Fragranced pads can cause infections. When the vagina's pH balance is disrupted, there is not enough good bacteria in your system. Good bacteria keep bad bacteria from growing too strongly. When bad organisms can grow freely, they are more likely to cause itching and irritation or even a full-blown case of bacterial vaginosis.

Sanitary napkins are made of absorbent material. As a consequence, they block moisture and lock in body temperature. Over long durations, this can result in the growth of bacteria. Like any moist and warm environment, the likelihood of bacterial infections further increases with scents. If the top layer is scented and comes in direct contact with the skin, it can cause yeast infection with irritation, itching, redness and swelling.

Feminine hygiene products are already grossly underrepresented when it comes to product testing, and many times, the people who buy them have no idea what chemicals they could be putting into their bodies. This is even more true for scented products. Fragrances are considered trade secrets. This means that the companies creating them and adding them to pads do not need to provide consumers with any information about the fragrances, including the ingredients used to make them. That means people who have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents or materials could be exposing themselves unknowingly.

They can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina

The pH level of the vagina is crucial to maintaining vaginal health. A healthy vagina has a slightly acidic pH level, typically between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidity is a natural defence mechanism against bacterial growth, as the acidic environment prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing infections.

However, scented sanitary pads can disrupt this delicate pH balance. The artificial fragrances used in these pads often contain chemicals that can increase the pH of the vagina, making it more alkaline. This disruption can lead to bacterial overgrowth and a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

One of the main issues with scented pads is the combination of body fluids and chemical scents, which can result in a foul odour. The top layer of the pad, which is in direct contact with the skin, is often scented. This can lead to skin irritation, itching, rashes, and even yeast infections.

The fragrances used in scented pads are often undisclosed, leaving users unaware of the potential risks. These fragrances may contain chemicals linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. Additionally, scented pads are often made from bleached materials, which can contain toxic substances like dioxins.

The use of scented pads can also increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. BV is characterised by symptoms such as a change in discharge colour and texture, a strong foul odour, and discomfort or itching around the vagina and vulva. Yeast infections can cause similar symptoms, including itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge.

To maintain a healthy vaginal pH, it is recommended to use unscented pads or those designed for sensitive skin. Natural remedies, such as incorporating probiotics into your diet and using boric acid suppositories, can also help restore vaginal pH balance.

They are terrible for the environment

Scented sanitary pads are terrible for the environment. They contribute to non-biodegradable plastic waste, which takes hundreds of years to decompose and remains in the environment for long periods. The burning of these pads releases toxic fumes containing dioxins and furan, which can worsen air pollution and harm the health of those inhaling the fumes.

The production and disposal of scented pads have negative environmental consequences. The manufacturing process requires energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the pads are often packaged in plastic, which adds to the waste problem. When disposed of, the pads end up in landfills, where they can take centuries to break down.

The chemicals used in scented pads can also have detrimental effects on the environment. These chemicals can leach into the soil and water, potentially contaminating ecosystems and harming wildlife. The fragrances used in these pads are often synthetic and derived from petroleum products, contributing to the problem of plastic pollution.

Additionally, the use of scented pads can lead to increased water consumption. The fragrances may cause some people to feel the need to bathe more frequently or use more water for cleaning, leading to higher water usage. This can be especially problematic in areas with water scarcity.

Finally, the marketing and advertising of scented pads contribute to the problem of consumerism and waste. Companies often create a sense of insecurity or stigma around periods, convincing people that they need scented pads to feel clean and confident. This leads to unnecessary purchases and contributes to the growing amount of waste generated by the personal care industry.

In conclusion, scented sanitary pads have significant negative impacts on the environment. From their production and packaging to their disposal and impact on water usage, these pads contribute to waste, pollution, and environmental degradation. It is essential to consider the environmental consequences of using scented pads and explore more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.

They can cause organ damage and are potentially carcinogenic

Scented sanitary pads are linked to a host of health issues, including the risk of organ damage and potential carcinogenicity. The chemicals used in these pads, such as phthalates and hydrocarbons, are the main cause for concern. Phthalates are known to cause hormonal disruptions, while hydrocarbons have been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

The use of scented pads can lead to skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes. This is due to the chemicals in the pads coming into contact with the sensitive skin in the vaginal area. The fragrances and chemicals can also disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, creating an environment conducive to bacterial or yeast infections.

The growth of bacteria is further encouraged by the absorbent nature of sanitary napkins, which blocks moisture and generates heat. This warm and moist environment is ideal for bacterial growth, and the addition of scents exacerbates the problem.

The exact composition of fragrances used in scented pads is often undisclosed, leaving users unaware of the potential risks. The lack of transparency in ingredient lists means that individuals with allergies or sensitivities may unknowingly expose themselves to harmful chemicals.

The potential side effects of scented pads are not limited to organ damage and carcinogenicity. Dioxins, for example, can accumulate in the body and lead to reproductive health issues. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The use of scented pads can also have environmental implications. The non-biodegradable plastic waste contributes to landfill waste, and the burning of chemically-laden pads releases toxic fumes containing dioxins and furan, leading to increased air pollution and negative health effects for those inhaling the fumes.

In conclusion, the potential health and environmental risks associated with scented sanitary pads are significant. The chemicals used in these products can cause organ damage, disrupt the natural pH balance, and lead to infections. The undisclosed nature of fragrances and the lack of ingredient transparency further highlight the dangers of using scented pads. To protect both personal health and the environment, it is advisable to opt for unscented or organic alternatives.

They can trigger allergies and sensitivities

Fragranced sanitary pads can trigger allergies and sensitivities. The artificial fragrances used in these pads can contain a combination of chemicals, such as phthalates, that are linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. Some individuals may be more sensitive to these fragrances, leading to discomfort, itching, or infections.

The exact composition of these fragrances 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 means that people with allergies or sensitivities to certain scents or materials could unknowingly expose themselves to irritants.

The chemicals in scented pads can irritate the sensitive skin in the vaginal area, leading to redness, itching, and rashes. The fragrances and chemicals can also disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, creating an environment conducive to bacterial or yeast infections.

It is worth noting that even products labelled as "unscented" may not be fragrance-free. "Unscented" typically means that the product does not have a noticeable smell, but it may still contain masking ingredients or chemicals that function to make the scent last longer or cover up bad odours.

To avoid potential allergies and sensitivities, it is generally recommended to opt for truly fragrance-free pads, or those specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions