All articles tagged with #menstrual products
A study reveals that many reusable menstrual products contain toxic PFAS chemicals, which are linked to health risks and environmental contamination, but some products can be manufactured without these chemicals, highlighting the importance of informed consumer choices and better manufacturing practices.
A mother from Indiana shared her terrifying experience when both of her daughters fell seriously ill after using 'super plus' tampons, resulting in septic shock caused by toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The girls had symptoms of a viral infection, including high fevers and nausea, which were initially mistaken for heatstroke. Doctors attributed the infections to the higher potency chemicals in super plus-absorbency tampons. The mother is now urging others to be cautious about the different sizes of tampons and advises against using super plus tampons unless necessary, or avoiding tampons altogether.
Clemson University students organized a protest after sanitary products were removed from men's bathrooms on campus. The removal came after the Clemson College Republicans criticized their presence on social media, leading to vandalism and criticism. The protesters demanded the reinstatement of the menstrual products, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and safety on campus. The university spokesperson stated that there are no plans to reinstall the dispensers. This incident adds to the ongoing debates surrounding bathroom policies and gender identity issues in schools.
A coalition of eight menstrual product makers, including brands like August, Cora, and Lola, has formed "The Tampon Tax Back Coalition" to reimburse consumers for the sales tax on feminine hygiene products. Shoppers can submit their receipts to the coalition's website and be reimbursed for the tax paid. While 19 states have removed the sales tax on period products, advocates argue that more needs to be done to raise awareness and eliminate the tax in all states. The coalition aims to highlight the issue and promote menstrual products as essential medical necessities.
A study conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University found that many period products may be less absorbent than advertised due to inadequate testing methods. Most testing is done using saline, which does not accurately mimic the experience of real periods. The lack of industry testing standards makes it difficult for doctors to identify patients with heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to health issues. The researchers conducted their own study using human blood and found that a majority of the tested products underperformed compared to their absorbency claims. The findings highlight the need for improved testing methods and awareness among consumers.
The FDA has approved a new "spiral" tampon design created by startup Sequel, marking a significant change in the appearance of tampons that have remained largely unchanged for decades. The helical shape of the tampon is believed to provide better fluid absorption, reducing leakage and offering a more reliable experience. The approval comes after increased FDA acceptance of tampons made with new materials and innovations. The creators of the spiral tampon, Greta Meyer and Amanda Calabrese, aim to challenge the resistance to innovation in the period care industry and plan to start selling their product online by the end of 2023.
A new study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health compared the capacity of different menstrual products and found that menstrual discs held the most blood with an average of 61 ml, while period underwear held only 1 ml. The study highlights the lack of reliable information about menstrual product capacity and the need for an updated metric to quantify menstrual blood loss and diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding. Researchers hope this research will lead to standardized labeling of menstrual products and encourage further study in the field of menstrual science.