Tampons became popular in the '70s as a convenient alternative to pads. That convenience came with a few things every user deserves to be aware of.
Tampons are made from cotton, rayon and synthetic fibers. Some are bleached with chlorine, which can leave trace amounts of dioxins — chemicals linked to hormone disruption, immune suppression and even long-term cancer risk.
A 2024 study found that all tampons tested contained harmful toxins, whether organic or not. Your vagina is highly permeable — anything placed there can absorb into the bloodstream.
Tampons are highly absorbent and can disrupt your vaginal canal's pH balance. They absorb menstrual blood — but also the natural moisture that keeps that balance healthy.
Overuse, especially of high-absorbency ones, can cause dryness, irritation and a higher risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. And the dreaded wet string? Just another breeding ground for pathogens.
The most well-known tampon risk is Toxic Shock Syndrome — rare but life-threatening, caused by bacterial toxins and often linked to leaving a tampon in too long.
Super-absorbent tampons can create an environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. Symptoms include high fever, rash, low blood pressure and vomiting.
From a first period to menopause, the average woman has around 450 periods — translating to 10,500–17,500 pads or tampons over a lifetime.
Applicators, synthetic fibers and packaging take centuries to decompose. One person can generate up to 250–300 pounds of waste.
At as little as R1.50 per tampon, using 3–6 a day, that's roughly R15,000 – R32,000 over a lifetime — before inflation.
Tampons are a recurring expense that quietly stacks up. Reusable options are far more affordable long-term.
Some tampons are scented or contain chemical additives that cause irritation or allergic reactions — especially for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
It's easy to blame the symptoms on your period and never realise a tampon is the cause. These sensitivities can even lead to more cramping.
Pads have come a long way since hand-stitched napkins. We've all used one — but like tampons, they come with a few things that are "not so nice."
No matter how many wings you add, a pad isn't comfy to wear — like having a slice of bread between your legs all day.
Pads need changing often, and on a humid, hot day that "slice of bread" can develop an odour of its own — especially with no bin in sight.
A pad can be up to 90% plastic. One non-organic pad can take 500–800 years to decompose — accumulating serious landfill waste over a lifetime.
Some moments just aren't pad-friendly. You can't exactly take that slice of bread with wings into the swimming pool. Not so nice.
Like tampons, pads can carry various toxins and pesticides, plus added perfumes — all of which can trigger rashes, inflammation and allergies.
Reusable, body-safe and built to last — there's an option that's kinder to you and the planet. (Spoiler: it's a cup.)
