When it comes to sanitary pads, along with comfort the hygiene should be the top most priority. Hygiene should be seriously considered since we tend to use them from the start period of menstrual till the menopause. Even though it's 3 to 5 days in a month, for a year it would be approximately 250 - 300 sanitary pads per month.

Also while using conventional sanitary pads, there are a lot of chemicals indulged in them like di-oxins, synthetic fragrances, and even plastic coating, which questions the health hygiene. And the one fearful question arises, which is “Can Sanitary Pads Cause Cancer?”. Even though the question is not proved, choosing the right sanitary napkin will make you choose the safer choice for your body.

Can Sanitary Pads Cause Cancer?

It's still a question. There is no direct evidence that using disposable sanitary pads causes cancer. There is even no link between using menstrual products and increasing risk of cancer. There is currently research going on, which found chemical traces in products when used for a prolonged period of time. 

As per studies, some of them experience irritation or allergies in skin, which may be because of friction, lack of moisture, and even because of fragrances, but that is not cancer.

What Science Says Right Now

• Cancer causation: Some of the major health organizations like FDA does not indicate sanitary pads as a cause of cancer. They take “Tampons” as medical devices, where only certain materials should be used. In terms of sanitary pads, they don't see them and are at risk of cancer.

• Detectable Chemicals: Some of the chemical ingredients like Phthalates have been detected in pads and tampons. They are considered dangerous and detection, but not completely a disease.

• Di-oxins & Bleaching: Dioxins, which is nothing but TCDD is a chemical which triggers cancer, when people use them for a longer time period. Initially dioxins were found in older bleaching methods. But now regulations are strict, so only safe bleaching products are being used. According to the World Health Organization, the amount of dioxins in sanitary pads is considered minimal and is not a major health risk.

• PFAS Headlines: One of the recent research has detected PFAS in some of the reusable period products. Even though they don’t directly be in all products but have a link. 

Chemicals You’ve Heard About 

Dioxins - Dioxins is a chemical by-product and TCDD is known to cause cancer which is used consistently in larger doses. Modern pad manufacturers tend to keep their dioxin level low. The FDA tends to check the safety standards are met; And there is no to zero evidence that these tiny traces might cause cancer while using sanitary pads.While chemical exposure is a concern, environmental responsibility matters too - always follow proper disposal methods for sanitary pads to minimize ecological impact.

VOCs  - These Volatile Organic Compounds are from materials, fragrances, and even adhesives. They are generally available in some pads and compounds, which is based on the brand or products which are used. Even though there is no direct link that these may cause cancer, but it is better if they are transparent.

PFAS - PFAS is generally used in products which should be water-resistant or strain resistant. Recent studies in PFAS have found that they are used in some reusable pads and underwear, prompting new regulations. Disposable pads may contain PFAS too, but it depends on the brand.

Pads, Irritation, and Allergies (common—but manageable)

Usage of pads may lead to chafing, allergies, and even irritation, which may be because of too much fragrance, dyes and adhesives, when worn for a longer period.  If you are experiencing rashes due to pads, it's often a sign of this irritation rather than a more serious health concern.

According to studies research, switch to un-scented pads and softer pads which will be safe and gentle on the skin. Choosing the best sanitary pads that are specifically designed for sensitive skin can significantly reduce these issues.

How to Reduce Exposure and Stay Comfortable

• Switch to unscented pads and sanitary pads which have zero  to no fragrance.

• Change them once every 4 to 5hrs based on your period flow.

• Go with brands which are free from chemicals, and have completely safe and skin-friendly ingredients. If you have a heavier flow, ensure you choose a pad that is best for heavy flow to prevent leaks and discomfort.

• Wash them properly if you are using reusable pads or underwears.

• Wash them well, and dry under sunlight if you are using cloth pads or underwears.

• Ensure to wash the area properly and dry them when changing pads.

• If you get rashes or irritation even after trying different pads, make sure to consult your doctor.
  
  

Myth vs Fact: Pads, “Toxins,” and Cancer

Myth 1 - “Chemicals in pads means they cause cancer.”

Fact 1 - When pads are lab-tested, they detect substances like di-oxins, VOC's, and more. These detection is not directly involved in causing cancer, but they also depend on how consistently we use them and how long we use them.

Mostly these may cause irritation, but not cancer. To make an informed choice, it's helpful to research which sanitary pads are safe to use based on their ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Myth 2: “Chlorine bleached will make pads dangerous.”

Fact 2 : The modern bleaching pads are designed in a way where they minimise dioxins. It’s better to go with TCF/ECF and also chlorine-free labels.

Myth 3 : “Organic = zero risk.”

Fact 3: Even though “Organic cotton” pads are safe, they may have less absorbing capacity which is risky and uncomfortable too. If you have sensitive skin, go with unscented pads and soft pads.

When to Seek Medical Care

Pads major role is to absorb the flow, and avoid leaks. They are not medicine and are not a sole reason for excess or less low. 

Conclusion:

As per latest studies, there is no such evidence that using sanitary pads may cause cancer. Even though there are chemicals like di-oxins, VOC’s, etc which have been found in many sanitary pads, they may cause skin irritation and allergies, but do not lead to cancer.

Always make sure that your pads are free from fragrance, PFAS, dyes,and chlorine. Go for brands which give safe pads and skin-friendly ingredients in your sanitary pads.

FAQs:

Do sanitary pads cause cancer?

No. There is no direct evidence between disposable pads and cancer. The chemical will lead to skin irritation or allergies and not cancer.

Are dioxins from bleaching a cancer risk in pads?

Modern processes keep dioxin residues very low; This does not lead to cancer-like disease, but depends on skin infections and allergies.

What about “toxins” like PFAS/VOCs—should I be worried?

Some conventional sanitary pads may have products which lead to the presence of toxins like PFAS, VOC’s, and more. You must be worried when the dosage and exposure is exceeded than usual.

Can pads harm skin or cause infections?

Yes, they may cause irritation/rashes when your sanitary pads are filled with fragrances, dyes, adhesives, etc.

When should I see a doctor (it’s not a product issue)?

If you soak a pad every couple of hours, bleed more than7 days, or pass large clots, seek medical care immediately.