Fact Sheet about Daily Pads

Most of us have been brainwashed by advertising to believe that using daily pads is more hygienic, healthy and sanitary.  While you may feel “safe” wearing daily pads, you might want to know about the down-sides of using them on a daily basis, especially when you are learning Fertility Awareness. 

Overview

• The chemicals used in disposable sanitary pads (tampons and diapers too) raise concerns about bodily health and safety.
• Manufacturers of these products are not required to disclose the ingredients used in their products. Last year, the State of New York passed legislation mandating this disclosure.
• One conventional sanitary pad contains the equivalent of about four plastic bags.
• A number of plasticizing chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption.  These products may contain dioxins, synthetic fibers and petrochemical additives.  Dioxin- is a byproduct of chlorine-beaching processes used in the manufacture of paper products, including tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners and diapers.  The effects of dioxin are cumulative and many researchers believe that the chemical may stay in the body for many years after exposure. The World Health Organization lists dioxin as one of the “dirty dozen — a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants.” Dioxin is a known human carcinogen. The Environmental Protection Agency has studied dioxin, however, and indicates that the bigger problem with dioxin is from food, not tampons or pads. There is certainly a difference between ingesting dioxin in the body and having it rubbed up against your skin.
• When you wear daily, disposable pads, your vulva and vagina don’t get to breath.  As a result, the area sweats, you can develop discomfort, rashes and unpleasant smells which are created by the chemical ingredients in the pad. It is like covering your lips/mouth with masking tape all day- does that sound smart or healthy?
• Daily pads contribute to polluting the environment as these materials do not decompose easily.
• The costs you incur over decades of use are significant. You can calculate how much you spend each month, per year, multiplied by 10 or 20 or 30 years and that’s a hefty amount…  

For women learning FAM

Your natural secretions are a direct indicator of your fertility status; they tell you when you are fertile and when pregnancy can occur.  Pads hide and mask your natural secretions, making it difficult to see and discern their quality or characteristics. This in turn can prevent you from learning your individual pattern of fertility during the menstrual cycle, and in implementing FAM as a method of contraception or conception.

Alternatives to daily pads

Because of the reasons listed above, many FAM charters/users show interest in organic or reusable pads. 

If you feel more comfortable and safe using a pad, then it is recommended to use a natural, reusable pad made of cotton or organic cotton.  An array of products can be found and purchased online. Your FAM instructor can give you more information.

For more healthy alternatives, visit our recommended products page.