By: Dr. Sapna Raina is a Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru
For generations, sanitary pads have been a go-to menstrual care product for women everywhere. But in the rush for convenience, have we ever paused to ask: What exactly are we putting against our skin for days every month? If it’s sitting on pharmacy shelves, it must be safe, right? Well, the answer isn’t so simple. Beneath that soft exterior, many mainstream pads harbour plastics, chemicals, and synthetic fragrances that might be doing more harm than good.
With growing awareness, more women are now leaning towards organic and environmentally friendly menstrual products. But here’s the real question: are these alternatives actually better for our bodies and the planet?
What’s Hiding in Your Pad?
Let’s pull back the curtain on what’s inside most conventional sanitary pads. Shockingly, up to 90% of a regular pad is made of plastic—even the part that feels like cotton. It’s a blend of synthetic fibres, absorbent gels, and chemically treated materials—all designed to lock in moisture and prevent leaks. Sounds great—until you realize the cost may go beyond your wallet.
Take dioxins, for instance. These toxic compounds can be created during the bleaching process in pad manufacturing. They’ve been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health concerns. Add artificial fragrances and super-absorbents to the mix, and what you’ve got is a recipe that could irritate the skin, trigger allergies, or cause more serious health effects over time.
Here’s the irony: more and more women are switching to “clean” products for skincare and haircare—paraben-free, sulphate-free, organic—you name it. Yet, when it comes to menstrual products that touch one of the most sensitive parts of our bodies, many still don’t think twice.
What’s the Impact on Women’s Health?
Let’s face it—periods are already uncomfortable enough. Now imagine adding rashes, itching, or recurrent infections into the mix. Unfortunately, that’s what many women silently deal with, often without realizing their sanitary pads might be the culprit.
Pads made from plastic don’t breathe. They trap heat and moisture, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, the risk of irritation or infection is even higher. Even more concerning: recent research has drawn attention to phthalates and dioxins (commonly found in synthetic materials) as possible endocrine disruptors—chemicals that can meddle with hormone function in subtle, long-term ways.
So, are women knowingly putting their health at risk? Most likely not. The real problem is the lack of open discussion and accessible information. Menstruation is still wrapped in silence and shame, making it hard for these crucial issues to come to light.
A Healthier Switch: What Organic Pads Bring to the Table
Now, let’s talk about alternatives. Organic sanitary pads are gaining popularity—and for good reason. Made with biodegradable, natural materials like certified organic cotton or bamboo fiber, these pads ditch the harsh chemicals and plastics altogether.
They’re gentler on the skin, less likely to irritate, and allow airflow that keeps things dry and reduces the risk of infection. More importantly, because they’re free of dioxins, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, they’re also a safer bet for hormonal and reproductive health.
Concerned about effectiveness? Many are. But the idea that organic means “less absorbent” is a myth that’s quickly being debunked. Thanks to innovation in sustainable materials, modern organic pads offer high absorbency without compromising comfort or protection.
Sure, the price tag might be a little higher, for now. But consider it a long-term investment in your health. And as competition grows and more brands jump in, pricing is already becoming more affordable and accessible.
The Bigger Picture: It’s Not Just About You
Making the switch isn’t just about personal wellness. It’s also about what we leave behind. Literally. A single woman may use anywhere between 11,000 to 16,000 pads or tampons in her lifetime. When multiplied across the global menstruating population, that adds up to an overwhelming pile of plastic waste.
Here’s the kicker: a regular pad can take 500 to 800 years to break down. That means the first pad ever used is still sitting in a landfill somewhere. Biodegradable alternatives can dramatically reduce this environmental burden, offering a solution that’s better for our bodies and the Earth.
Breaking the Silence
In many parts of the world—including our communities—menstruation remains a hush-hush subject, clouded by taboos and myths. That silence has created generations of women who accept discomfort, infections, and shame as just “part of being a woman.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We need open, honest conversations about menstrual health. One that puts facts over fear, education over embarrassment, and choice over compromise. Women should feel empowered to ask questions, demand safer options, and make informed decisions that reflect their values—whether it’s comfort, health, sustainability, or all of the above.
The Way Forward
We now know better—and it’s time to do better.
Organic and eco-conscious menstrual products are not just a trend; they’re a necessary evolution. They protect our bodies, support our well-being, and reduce our impact on the planet.
At the end of the day, women deserve more than convenience. They deserve menstrual care that’s thoughtful, transparent, and truly safe. The question isn’t whether organic sanitary pads work, but whether we can afford to ignore their benefits any longer.