Why You Should Never Use This Type of Tampon
Off in the "feminine care" aisle, somewhere by the pregnancy tests and menstrual pads, is one product that you really need to avoid: scented tampons.
In a piece about these funny floral menstrual-collecting methods, Glamour Magazine discussed the potential risks using this popular type of tampon - and the dangers are very scary. Swelling, rashes, and irritation? No thank you, especially not in your vagina.
"When you put scented things in your vagina, you kill the good bacteria that's in there and then the bad bacteria overgrows," warns OBGYN Draion Burch, DO, a.k.a. Dr. Drai. "These tampons can cause bacterial vaginosis, so your vagina can actually smell like fish." This product that's supposedly designed to make you smell "better" (i.e. unnatural and floral) can actually give you an infection and do exactly the opposite of what it's intended to do.
If you're wondering why these tampons would even exist in the first place, Dr. Drai has an answer. "Companies market them because of women's insecurities," he explains. "If something smells whatsoever, some women will get something that smells really good to get rid of it." Unfortunately, this is the same reasoning behind why vaginal douches exist - but rather than giving you the fresh scent you're marketed, Dr. Drai warns that your pH balance can get thrown off and a foul smell will take the place of your healthy, natural scent.
If you try one of these products and have a negative reaction, discontinue use and see if the irritation dies down after 24 hours. If not, Dr. Drai recommends heading to the doctor.
So, what should you use to clean your vagina? "Nothing!" says Dr. Drai. "The period is how the vagina cleans itself." That's right: leave your nether region alone and let it do its natural thing. And if you're feeling inclined to switch from tampons all together, he recommends using the Diva Cup, as it's "hypoallergenic, easy to use, and there's no risk of toxic shock syndrome like there is with tampons."
[h/t Glamour]
