The following information was provided by Emily Dawson at Natracare.
Most proprietary brands of sanitary pads, liners and tampons contain many synthetic materials that many women are unaware of. For instance, in sanitary pads you might expect to find cotton but what you get is polypropylene, polyacrylates, surfactants, plastic and chlorine-bleached wood pulp as well as the occasional fragrance. Tampons are made from chlorine bleached rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton and rayon. In addition, the chlorine bleaching process used produces an unwanted by-product called dioxin – a substance linked to cancer, endometriosis, low sperm counts and immune system suppression. With so many synthetic materials, there is a lot of scope for allergic reactions.
Eight out of ten women have never heard of Allergic Feminine Irritation (AFI) - 79% – yet millions may suffer with it at some time.
Gynaecologists say that up to a third of patients with symptoms of vaginal itching, soreness and/or discharge may be experiencing the symptoms of AFI. One in six gynaecologists say that women notice these symptoms to be at their worst around the time of their monthly period, suggesting that their choice of sanitary protection may be a cause or aggravating factor.
Mr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham City Hospital, says “Allergic Feminine Irritation is a condition that few women are aware of and few doctors even consider it as a cause of irritation in the female genital area. I am keen to raise awareness of the condition so that so many women do not need to pointlessly suffer.”
The effects of AFI
The effects of AFI can be wide-ranging and varying in degree. Itching, soreness, general irritation and discharge are the common physical symptoms.
In addition, these physical symptoms can also drive more emotional and practical side-effects. Seventy four per cent of women said that Allergic Feminine Irritation affected their life in a non-physical way. A third said that they felt down or depressed (32%) and more than half (53%) said it had a detrimental effect on their sex life.
Finding the solution
As with all allergic reactions, the ideal solution is to avoid the allergen. With hayfever or dust mite allergy, this is difficult, if not impossible to achieve. With AFI, however, it is very simple to avoid the allergen as a first step toward relief.
As women are not aware of AFI, few are taking this sensible first step, however. Eighty four per cent of women have tried other ways to relieve their symptoms, with mixed success. Pills, creams, ointments, pessaries, natural yoghurt and wearing cotton underwear were all common remedies that were tried.
Mr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham City Hospital, said “Allergic Feminine Irritation is a very common problem and women commonly mistake it for thrush. I would advise all women who experience this kind of vaginal irritation to try using natural sanitary protection and wearing cotton underwear, avoiding soap, etc as the first course of action. If the symptoms persist, that’s when to turn to your GP for further help and advice.”
Why women need to know
AFI can be quite easily remedied. Sixty three per cent of women think their symptoms are thrush, so treat accordingly, but this is not necessarily the best course of action. One in ten (11%) thought they had contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), creating unnecessary concern and worry.
Simply wearing cotton underwear, avoiding highly perfumed soaps and toiletries and changing their choice of sanitary protection can make the difference between life-altering discomfort and a symptom-free life.
Almost two thirds of women (61%) say that they would be happier to know that their symptoms were AFI and not thrush or a sexually transmitted disease.
Natracare
Natracare produce sanitary and other personal products. Here is what they say about them on their website:
“Natracare products are chemical and additive free, and biodegradable and contain only organic and natural ingredients sourced from sound ecologically managed producers. We will never compromise on quality and reliability and continue to apply modern thinking to the use of natural materials to find intelligent and worthwhile solutions to keep Natracare the trusted and proven name it has become. We are committed to improving personal and environmental health and believe in a balanced ecologically driven lifestyle.”
Check them out at http://www.natracare.com
June 14th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
..or even better – try using a menstrual cup. easy to use, no waste, no medical side effects, and far cheaper than either standard tampons or pads or their organic alternatives. most of them have slightly dodgy, seventies-style names though, like ‘mooncup’..
June 27th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Yeah, but what’s it made of?? I think it’s rubber and that causes irritation for many people, especially in such an intimate area. And, it’s a bit extreme, isn’t it!! Have to be very dedicated to the cause to go that far. Not very convenient either especially when you have to use a public loo – rinsing out your mooncup in front of strangers. Most women are used to using tampons and pads and aren’t prepared to make such a huge change… much better to use a green brand that’s kinder to women and the environment.
June 27th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I think we are missing a big point here. Conventional pads are loaded with plastics, the production of which causes the release of human toxins, climate changing gases and even chemicals that kill trees, the only hope we have of soaking up all this crappy pollution! Then the pads get chucked away in the bin and end up either in landfill sites for hundreds of years, or on my local beach, worse still on my surf board!! If I can have an organic and natural choice then I am happy to take it over the “rubbish” conventional brands we get pushed at us on the store shelves. Come on sisters, lets take this seriously. Mooncups are great, but there are millions and millions of women out there NOT using them and just chucking plastic down the drains. Get over it and give plastic and toxins the big elbow. Natracare does it for me, wish I had known about it sooner so I could have avoided my contribution to the pollution of our planet!
July 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I agree, I wish I knew this info sooner–but now I make it my point to tell people and especially young girls that are just starting their cycles or have not started them yet, so they will understand and be committed to the change that needs to happen.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Greetings,
I am not sure I overstand what these “mooncups” really are? could someone explain to me? Presently, I use pads but wondered what these mooncups are.
Thanks for the response!
Empress Nile
August 7th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Hi Empress Nile, you should be able to find the info you need on their website: http://www.mooncup.co.uk
Hope this helps
May 5th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I found something called: Winalite
it is a sanitary pad that is free of chemicals and synthetic materials. They are made of cotton and thin silk and are really comfortable. They have something called an anion strip embedded in every pad it is antibacterial and has numerous benefits. If you are looking for an alternative and are not ready to dump a cup out in a sink then I recommend taking a look at this site. It is full of great information and has worked great for me.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Menstrual cups are a good alternative, but if you’re like me and prefer to avoid the mess, I think it’s worth forking over the extra few bucks for organic cotton tampons like Seventh Generation’s. They come with a recycled cardboard applicator and work as well as regular tampons, only much safer.