At ScreenMe we’re all about empowering you with knowledge about your own body and what you can do to improve your intimate health. This doesn’t have to be a very complex science, and some simple changes or considerations in your lifestyle can truly have a dramatic impact on optimising your vaginal health and wellness!
Today, we’re focusing on something many of us use regularly: sanitary products. They may seem harmless, but the truth is, the sanitary-ware that you use can have a very real and significant impact on your intimate health. Your choices in pads, tampons, or other products could be damaging your intimate health.
Here’s why opting for organic is one of the best choices you can make for your vaginal health.
The Vaginal Microbiome: What Is It?
Your vaginal microbiome is the unique composition of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms present in your vaginal environment. The specific balance of these microorganisms determines a whole range of health outcomes, including: risk of infections, disease, fertility, uncomfortable symptoms, and overall reproductive health and wellness.
Lactobacillus species are the ‘good’ bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. A high percentage of Lactobacillus species (95% or more), help to protect your intimate health from pathogens and maintain a balanced pH.
However, the balance of the microorganisms in your vaginal ecosystem can be influenced by a range of factors including your choice of sanitary ware (other factors include: hormonal changes, sexual partners, age, and diet).
This disruption can lead to an increased risk of infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Risks Associated with Conventional Sanitary Products
Many conventional menstrual products contain synthetic materials, fragrances, traces of pesticides and chemicals that can irritate or disrupt your vaginal microbiome. These substances can be harmful when they come into contact with your most sensitive areas. The tissue lining the vagina, is highly absorbent, which means it can easily absorb these chemicals, potentially leading to irritation or infections.
Here’s a closer look at what you might be exposing yourself to with non-organic sanitary products:
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Conventional cotton, often used in sanitary products, is one of the most pesticide-heavy crops in the world. Traces of these chemicals can linger on your tampons or pads, coming into direct contact with your skin and mucous membranes.
- Dioxins and Bleaching Agents: Many conventional products are bleached with chlorine, which can produce dioxins—chemicals linked to immune system suppression and hormone disruption.
- Synthetic Materials: Most non-organic pads contain plastic, synthetic fibres, and chemical gels designed to absorb moisture. These materials can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow. Synthetic materials may also increase the likelihood of thrush. With thrush being caused by an overgrowth of Candida, yeast infections are often linked to a pH imbalance or excessive moisture trapped by synthetic materials.
- Fragrances and Dyes: Many brands add synthetic fragrances to their products, which can irritate the sensitive skin around your vaginal area and lead to an imbalance in the microbiome.
How Organic Products Support a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome
Switching to organic sanitary products can reduce or eliminate the outlined risks by only using materials that are safe and gentle on your body. Organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring your vaginal health is protected during your period.
Organic menstrual products are made from 100% organic cotton, a natural and breathable material that supports vaginal health by reducing irritation and promoting airflow. This is crucial because the vaginal microbiome thrives in a balanced, slightly acidic environment—something that synthetic, non-breathable materials can disrupt.
Therefore, by making a simple switch to organic products, your vaginal microbiome can truly benefit by both avoiding harmful chemicals and promoting airflow. This not only reduces your risk of infections but can also help alleviate common issues like itchiness, dryness, and discomfort during your period.
Still Have Concerns?
Your choice of sanitary products is just one of the many influences on your intimate health. If you are still experiencing symptoms or concerns this could be due to a variety of other factors, such as hormonal imbalance, pathogen infection or poor diet. We would therefore recommend speaking to a healthcare professional for further advice (be it your GP, or one of ScreenMe’s intimate health practitioners). If you wish to discover the full context of your vaginal microbiome then take a look at our Vaginal Microbiome Test!
Conclusion:
At ScreenMe, we believe that small changes can have a big impact. By choosing organic sanitary products, you’re taking an important step toward supporting your vaginal health and overall well-being. Organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners are widely available, so making the switch is easier than ever.
