These days, unfortunately, using conventional sanitary protection is not without danger. Today tampons and sanitary napkins are among the few products on which the list of ingredients does not appear. However, studies and research were carried out, in order to know a little more about the components of our sanitary protections. As a result, toxic substances with carcinogenic effects and endocrine disruptors have been found in the majority of standard sanitary protection.

• dioxins, classified carcinogens (chemical compounds, resulting from industrial processes). Dioxins are very toxic. They are endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with the hormonal system and cause cancer, according to the WHO
  
  

• Chlorine derivatives (Brome, iodine, chlorine) their toxicity has not yet been established. However, their presence remains undesirable. chlorine and bromine, used in swimming pools, can in particular be irritating. In addition, the WHO recommends putting "a very clear curb on the use of chlorine and bromine derivatives" that it links to the destruction of the ozone layer
  
  

• Insecticides in sanitary napkins: presence of "organochlorine pesticides" in a brand of sanitary napkins. The health effects of exposure to organochlorine pesticides on the general population at current levels of exposure are poorly known, but they are considered reproductive endocrine disruptors
  

As women, it is our duty to care about the sanitary protection we use every month. This article will provide you with information about sanitary protection. Among other things, you will find everything you need to know about toxic shock syndrome and the dangers associated with sanitary protection.

Toxic shock syndrome: what is it?

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome or also known as tampon disease is a rather rare but very serious infectious disease.

To be more specific, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is responsible for producing a toxin, which enters the bloodstream until it reaches one or more vital organs. Moreover, this bacterium naturally present in the environment is not without danger for humans, as long as it remains only on the skin. On the other hand, when it manages to get into the bloodstream, it can then be dangerous and harmful to health.

In France, 4% of women are likely to suffer from toxic shock syndrome. Indeed, only women carrying Staphylococcus aureus are affected by STC. However, it is not because a woman is a carrier of this bacterium that she will be systematically affected by a toxic shock.

Tampons and menstrual cups: beware danger!

A study published on January 20, 2020 by ANSES revealed the presence of chemicals in tampons and menstrual cups.However, according to this research, no direct link can be established between the physico-chemical properties of the materials of these intimate protections and an increased risk of toxic shock syndrome

For most scientists, menstrual toxic shock is partly caused by improper use of tampons or other internal sanitary protection that are left in the body for too long. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the presence of harmful products in sanitary protection does not help the situation. It is therefore preferable to turn to natural protections, without substances harmful to women's bodies.

Symptoms felt during a toxic shock

Initially, the symptoms experienced by the victim of toxic shock are flu-like and digestive. Generally, the person has dizziness, headaches and may even feel faint. Digestive disorders, such as nausea or diarrhea may then appear. Sometimes fever can be noticed. The person in toxic shock is also often seized with muscle and joint pain. Finally, a reddish skin rash similar to sunburn may be noted.

If toxic shock is not identified within hours of onset, symptoms may worsen. The victim of the toxic shock will then have a low blood pressure and an abnormal acceleration of his heart rate. In addition, a certain confusion may invade the person.

What actions should be taken in the event of toxic shock syndrome?

If you notice these symptoms in yourself, first, you should immediately remove your tampon or cup. As this syndrome is not to be taken lightly, after removing your sanitary protection, go to the hospital as soon as possible. There, specialists can take the necessary measures. Antibiotic treatment may be considered to prevent the spread of the toxin to vital organs.

Menstrual panties: a real revolution in the world of sanitary protection

To avoid the inconvenience caused by hygienic protections and reduce the risk of toxic shock, the ideal is to turn to natural and external protections. However, it is not an easy task to find sanitary protection that meets these two criteria.

However, know that it does exist. Indeed, the My Louisette boutique offers menstrual panties in organic cotton, which are both beneficial for women's health and for the planet. Unlike tampons or cups, period panties do not obstruct blood flow. Consequently, they favor the development of staphylococci much less.

In addition to limiting the risk of toxic shock, period panties have other advantages. Ecological and economical, menstrual panties are reusable dozens or even hundreds of times. For years, you will therefore no longer need to buy sanitary protection, and your wallet will thank you for it! By the way, to give you a better idea, in her lifetime, a woman uses between 5 and 15,000 pads and tampons, the vast majority of which will end up as plastic waste.We can then easily imagine the impact this can have on the environment!

The menstrual panties My Louisette are however one step ahead of the other menstrual panties sold on the market Indeed, in addition to all the advantages already listed, the menstrual panties offered by My Louisette are made of organic cotton. Moreover, all their panties containing cotton are GOTS certified. Among other things, the GOTS certification guarantees consumers a production process that respects the environment, in compliance with working conditions and with the use of organic fibers.

And as if that weren't enough, My Louisette period panties are both lovely and affordable. Very comfortable to wear and almost undetectable, their period panties are a real innovation for women. So why not try the My Louisette experience?