Va-Jay-Jay Blues: Why the tampons and pads you're using could be killing you

What's Good?
What's up my ladies!! And gents! Question--(this question is for the Ladies; however, Men, I need you to stay until the end!) Does your va-jay-jay have the blues? Yes-- it is a serious question! Do you suffer from vaginal itching, inflammation, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, etc? This may sound crazy, but the tampons and pads you're using could be a contributing factor. You heard right, your tampons and pads! Let me back track for a second....

"Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore"...
Growing up, I was raised on Always and Tampax maxi pads. I'm talking about those THICK ones without the wings...about five inches thick (HA!). I didn't start using Tampax and Always tampons until college (I know, right?). And I always liked to get the scented ones. Well, do you ever remember reading the back of those tampons? That if you left them in too long, it could potentially cause "toxic shock syndrome?" I'm like, "what the hell is that?" Being the naïve person that I was back then, I would just say "meh, it'll be AYIGHT." Toxic Shock Syndrome can cause high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting, seizures, rash...you could DIE, Yo! It is a very serious condition. I never knew anyone personally who had toxic shock syndrome. But I always wondered why was it so toxic?

Toxic Shock Syndrome Rash

What's Really In Your Maxi Pads and Tampons?
I just recently watched a video on Facebook a few months ago that went viral. The video was titled "Cherish pads," and it talked about what tampons and maxi pads are REALLY made of.  Well after the video, I decided to do my own research and was HORRIFIED. Here are some of the ingredients of what's in those pads and tampons, and the adverse effect it has on your female organs and other parts of the body.

Bleached Cotton, Plastic, and Harmful Chemicals
Whaaaaa? That's right...including added fragrances, pesticides, chlorine and dioxin! Dioxin is a HIGHLY toxic compound that can cause reproductive problems, cancer, and hormonal imbalance. The same ingredients are in the tampons! So, when you insert that tampon into your va-jay-jay, you are also inserting pesticides, chlorine, dioxin, and other harmful carcinogens directly into your bloodstream.  I cringe when I try to imagine what those toxins can do to your female organs over several years! There have been several studies that show prolonged use of these chemical-based pads and tampons have contributed to the growth of fibroids and endometriosis. Come on, Son!! To think that most women get their first period between the ages of 9-12, that's a long time to be exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals! Inserted directly into the va-jay-jay! Now I see why they refer to it as toxic shock syndrome. That's some toxic shit!

"When you know better, you do better..."
There are alternatives out there, y'all! Ever since I watched that video, I only use organic, all-natural maxi pads and tampons (100% cotton and no chlorine beach or pesticides). Seventh Generation is one brand that I use. Click here to for more information.  Seventh Generation also has organic, all-natural tampons here.

Natracare maxi pads are another brand that is really good. They also have organic, all-natural pads as well. Check out their tampons here.

Natracare all natural, chlorine free maxi pads

                               

Another Healthy Alternative: The Diva Cup
The Diva Cup is something that I have not tried yet, but I've heard very good reviews about it from other women. The Diva cup doesn't contain any of the harmful chemicals I mentioned earlier (it is also latex and dye-free, and can last up to 12 hours)! You insert the cup inside the va-jay-jay, and (if inserted properly) it should form a suction. That means you suffer from less leaks. Yay! Click here to check out more information on the diva cup.

This post is NOT just for the ladies to read, it's for the men too! To the men reading this, I need you to spread this information to every woman or girl you love. That includes your sister, daughter, cousin, auntie, or friend! Let's teach our young ladies early on! This could prevent a lot of potential health issues in the future. Well, that's it for me, signing off now! Y'all be easy! I'll holla!






-The Vegan World Traveler