Most women wear tampons on a monthly basis, depending on their cycle. And we reach for them because they provide optimum comfort during a pretty uncomfortable time. We assume they’re safe and good for us. But they can present their own set of problems. So, if you wear them every month, you’ll probably want to read this.

The products women wear during menstruation come into contact with vaginal mucosa, which is a very permeable area of the body. That means the vaginal area absorbs the substances present in both pads and tampons alike.

And when there are toxins in tampons, they can make their way to the bloodstream pretty quickly.

Some tampons contain plasticizing chemicals, such as BPA and BPS, both of which can make it easier for yeast and bacterial infections to grow in the area surrounding the vagina.

What’s more, many of these products are bleached to give them a bright, white appearance. A byproduct of this bleaching process is a set of chemicals called dioxins. Dioxins have been referred to  as “highly toxic” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This news can be super frustrating. After all, they help you feel free and comfortable during your period. And you probably don’t want to boycott them all together. Well, the good thing is you don’t have to.

You can still wear them but try to wear organic cotton tampons to cut back on pesticides and toxins. When purchasing your tampons, opt for low-absorbency products so that you won’t wear each one for too long.

Finally, alternate between pads and tampons to give the vaginal area a break from chemical exposure. This will help prevent bacterial and yeast growth, and ensure that you are comfortable and safe during your period.