American researchers have concluded that using tampons can lead to exposure to toxic metals.
In this study from the University of California, Berkeley, it is reported that 16 metalloids were detected in tampons of different brands.
This is another fear to add to the long list of fears that come with having a female reproductive organ between your legs.
A reality we want to forget
Having a vulva and periods is scary.
People who have one are often very good at pretending nothing is wrong, but there are some real, troubling issues associated with having this reproductive organ.
I’m talking about this fear of getting pregnant, this fear of the side effects of the contraceptive pill, this fear of having toxic shock or now of being poisoned by heavy metals when you put in a tampon simply to be productive and act as if nothing is happening at the office, even if you want to lie in a ball because your stomach hurts so much.
I’m talking about the fear that many people have of not having enough money this month to buy sanitary towels or the fear of being misunderstood by the doctor because certain pathologies like endometriosis are not yet well enough known.
Stop acting as if nothing is happening
I think it’s important to talk about it, even if I risk being called a whiner or having to explain all the fears related to the penis, even if it’s not the subject of my column.
By opening up the subject, we encourage discussions on what should be quickly put in place to alleviate these fears, such as making safe sanitary products free or offering additional leave reserved for menstruating people.