Woman to Woman . . . Let's Talk! Woman to Woman . . . Let's Talk!| Plain, open and honest talk about menstrual care products can be dificult for many women. The subject is taboo in "mixed" company, and many women find it difficult to talk about with anyone but health professionals, close friends or family members. We want to talk with you about menstrual products . . . Woman to Woman. The women of terra femme have carefully gathered and listened to information and comments about the use of tampons and other menstrual products for over four years. We know that many women aren't satisfied with the products that they've been using. |
After reading through our web pages, women tell us that they feel uninformed about menstrual products. We get lots of questions like, "Aren't all tampons made of cotton?" and "I had no idea that some companies use chlorine in tampons, why do they do this?" "You mean it's not normal to feel sick when I have my period?" "Why is it so hard to get honest answers?" We know that trying to find out more about menstruation and menstrual products can be difficult. That's why we're opening this conversation to women. |
It is not required that tampons be sterilized by manufacturers.
Both paper and plastic tampon applicators can create tiny lacerations, or cuts in the vaginal tissue. These tiny cuts create places where bacteria, toxins and tampon fibers can enter or become imbedded in the body.
Studies show that tampons containing rayon have been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), while tampons made of medical-grade cotton can reduce the risk of TSS.
Not all tampons are made the same. Tampons can be made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of both cotton and rayon. Withdrawal cords can be made of pure, unbleached cotton, polyester, rayon or other fibers.
Absorbency enhancers are often added to the synthetic fibers in tampons. This is because synthetic fibers are not naturally as absorbent as pure cotton. (Think about how much longer it takes to dry clothing made from cotton compared to rayon or polyester rayon.)
Cotton tampons can be made from long-fiber, medical-grade cotton "staples", or short-fiber, low-grade cotton "linters." Tightly compressed, long-fibre cotton tampons have demonstrated less fiber loss than others. Tampons made of short-fiber cotton or rayon are often made with a synthetic "overwrap" to help to keep them from coming apart while in use. (Think about how cheap cotton t-shirts wear away after you've washed them a few times.)
Some tampons stay together very well, while others tend to disintegrate when exposed to fluid. Many women have noticed that their tampons have a tendency to "come apart." Dare to Compare - Try the Water Test!
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