Many women have little or no access to menstrual products and rely on reusable cloth pads, which can increase their risk of infection. Meanwhile, beyond the basics like pads, tampons and menstrual cups, some women opt for scented products. While they’re certainly a luxury, we asked experts whether scented menstrual products are really necessary and whether they’re safe to use.
Scented menstrual products: are they effective at reducing odor?
The purpose of scented pads and tampons is to eliminate the unpleasant odors that are common during menstruation.
However, Dr Dipali Patel, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrics specialist at Manipal Hospital in Kharadi, Pune, said that while these products can mask the menstrual odour, they cannot eliminate the bad smell.
Read more: How menstrual symptoms change in your 20s, 30s, and 40s
She further noted that reducing menstrual odour doesn’t necessarily require the use of scented products, but can be achieved through good hygiene.
It is important to understand that the vagina is self-cleaning and does not require any additional products to clean it. In fact, frequent use of scented products can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and lead to infection.
Are scented products safe to use?
Dr Patel says the vaginal area is especially sensitive during menstruation, and some women may experience irritation or allergic reactions to scented pads or tampons.
“Fragrances contain compounds that can upset the pH balance in the body, causing pain and illness,” she says.
A 2023 study published in the journal Frontiers of Reproductive Health found that scented menstrual products may contain ingredients that could cause cancer, endocrine disruption and other health problems. Those problems include discomfort, allergic reactions and even infections like bacterial vaginosis with long-term use, said Dr. Patel, who was not involved in the study.
She adds that when your vaginal flora is disrupted by odor-causing compounds, your overall vaginal health can be compromised.
How does it differ in terms of efficiency and comfort?
Dr Patel says scented and unscented pads are equally effective at absorbing menstrual blood, but unscented products are said to be safer and more comfortable as they don’t contain any potentially irritating ingredients, making them particularly effective for women with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.
Menstrual cups are reusable, contain no chemicals or fragrances and are recommended as an alternative to scented organic pads and tampons, the doctor added.
Read more: Menstrual health: Experts uncover 5 menstrual disorders
Why is menstrual health education important?
Menstrual health education is essential to promote gender equality and enable women to make informed decisions about their future. It provides them with the knowledge they need to adopt good hygiene habits, increase their confidence in managing their periods and reduce their risk of infectious diseases such as urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many women and girls around the world still lack access to sanitary products, amenities and privacy, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize menstrual hygiene education.
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