Do you go out of your way to avoid GMOs? Maybe you avoid processed foods at all costs to stay away from genetically modified organisms or more specifically glyphosate, the chemical that’s found in Monsanto’s weed killer, Roundup. Glyphosate, which is commonly used in the grain production in the United States, has been linked to autoimmune diseases and is considered to be “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization.
You may have recently heard that there are GMOs in tampons. Is it possible that you could actually be inserting a potentially cancerous chemical found in weed killer in your vagina? Let’s take a look at the facts.
What Does the Research Say?
A study out of the University of La Plata in Argentina found that at least 85 percent of tampons and sanitary pads contain glyphosate. The researchers claim that the reasoning behind these results has to do with cotton production. Since cotton is sprayed with Roundup, tampons and pads made with this cotton contain glyphosate.
Can We Trust These Findings?
It’s important to note that this is only just one study’s findings. Some critics are skeptical of the results of this study, stating that more information needs to be disclosed about the methods that were used to achieve these results. Therefore, more research is needed in order to determine if GMOs are really found in a significant portion of tampons and if women really should be avoiding them.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
If you want to avoid the risk of inserting Monsanto in your vagina, you might be wondering what alternatives are available to you. Fortunately, there are a number of other great options that you may want to consider using in place of your regular tampons or pads. Some of these include:
Organic Tampons and Pads
For starters, you might want to consider switching over to organic tampons or pads. These products are made from 100% organic cotton and do not contain glyphosate. They also don’t contain other potentially harmful or undesirable chemicals that may be found in tampons or pads, such as chlorine, rayon, plastics, and dyes. (Come to think of it, we can’t really think of a reason not to switch).
The DivaCup
The DivaCup is a type of menstrual cup. You’ll wear it for 10 to 12 hours at a time before emptying the reusable cup. According to the DivaCup website, it is made from natural silicone and doesn’t even come in colors because the manufacturers don’t believe the skin or vaginal walls should be exposed to chemicals or dyes (thanks for putting our va-jay-jays first, Diva International!)
Thinx Period Panties
Thinx period panties, which act almost like a blood-absorbing sponge panty, are another option that you may want to consider. The company recommends using them in combination with a tampon or DivaCup, but you may be able to get through your lighter days with Thinx alone. Although Thinx are still made of cotton, at least you wouldn’t be inserting them in your vagina?
The verdict is still out on whether or not tampons really contain GMOs, but there are plenty of other options for women who don’t want to take the risk!
This is the first time I’ve heard about this, but it’s so important! Of course issues that affect women aren’t of any concern to anyone else, even though 50% of the population needs pads and tampons. Hopefully more research and action are done about this! Thank you for this article.