No, You Shouldn’t Use Reusable or Crocheted Tampons

We all want to do our part to help the environment. And seeing the pile-up of used tampons and their wrappers in your trash each month may be leaving you feeling guilty about the waste. That may be why reusable tampons have become such a hot topic in recent years, with an increasing number of people making their own and selling them online.

But are reusable tampons a safe bet for both you and the planet? Unfortunately not, says Ob/Gyn Erica Newlin, MD. She explains why reusable tampons are a trend you should skip, and what you can try instead.

What are reusable tampons?

If you search “reusable tampons” on the popular crafting site Etsy, you’ll get an overflow (pun intended) of handmade tampon listings — often with smiling faces or fun patterns.

Currently, there are two popular types of reusable tampons: cloth tampons — which are often rolled pieces of cotton or flannel fabrics — and crocheted tampons, which are made from yarn. The point of these products is to provide alternatives to tampons you get at the drug store and throw out after one use. In theory, you should be able to wash these after every use and then reuse them. This means you should only need to own a couple that you can repurpose for years.

“I respect that people want to be sustainable and I understand they’re worried about certain chemicals that drug store products are treated with, but I think that there’s a lot of risk and a lot of issues with hygiene and cleanliness,” states Dr. Newlin.

Are reusable tampons safe?

Short answer: no. There hasn’t yet been any research conducted on crocheted and cloth tampons to see how they impact your health over the long term.

“When you think about tampons, it’s something that’s in the vagina next to the cervix, which is pretty much the gateway to the uterus,” says Dr. Newlin. “And when something’s sitting in the vagina, it’s certainly helping soak up the period blood, but also soaking up all the bacteria — both good and bad — that lives in the vagina.”

It’s exactly for this reason that tampons and period products are considered a medical device and need to be developed with care. Any manufacturer that wants to sell their tampons on store shelves has to go through a review. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the products’ absorbency and effectiveness, along with checking if they might promote growth of certain harmful bacteria.

Reusable tampons of any kind, however, do not go through a rigorous process like this. So, you quite literally don’t know what you’re putting inside of your body. In 2020, the FDA even discouraged the use of reusable tampons for this very reason.

“Just because something is homemade, that doesn’t mean it’s better and it doesn’t mean that it can’t be exposed to certain chemicals in someone’s home,” says Dr. Newlin.

Are reusable tampons hygienic?

Another question you may be asking: How the heck would you even clean these things?

Reusable tampons would need to be washed after each use, but there’s no guarantee that this would thoroughly clean and sanitize them, says Dr. Newlin.

“Bacteria love nice, warm, moist places where they can live,” she continues. “Especially when we’re talking about crocheted tampons, there’s so many nooks and crannies in something that’s crocheted, it’s just going to be impossible to keep clean. It’s almost kind of a ladder that bacteria can walk up or get trapped in.”

What to know about toxic shock (TSS)

That bacteria can pose a serious issue to your health. If you’re exposed to a buildup of harmful bacteria, it can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Concern over TSS is why you should never leave your tampon in for longer than eight hours.

Using reusable tampons may put you at higher risk for TSS. “Most over-the-counter tampons that you’d buy in a drugstore are treated with certain things that help prevent that bacterial growth,” Dr. Newlin explains. “The risk is never zero for TSS, but it’s much, much lower.”

Eco-friendly, safe alternatives

Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to save the environment while also having a healthy period routine.

Dr. Newlin recommends eco-friendly alternatives like:

• Menstrual cups. You’ve probably heard of the trusty menstrual cup, a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative.Dr. Newlin suggests trying a menstrual cup made with medical-grade silicone, which makes it easier to clean as well. “It takes a little bit of a learning curve as you get used to it, but it’s something that’s reusable that you can wash and that you just buy one and can use it for years.”
• Reusable pads or period underwear. If reusable tampons are a no-go, are reusable pads risky as well? According to Dr. Newlin, these are a much safer choice if you want a reusable option. This is because these products don’t come into contact with the more vulnerable part of your vagina. “When you think about reusable pads, or period underwear, they stay on the outside of your body,” she says. “It’s something that’s much easier to clean as well. And it’s not something that you use inside the vagina, right next to the cervix.”
• Tampons made with sustainable materials. You could even be a bit more environmentally friendly with your menstrual routine without opting for reusable period products. Organic tampons are an option that are now readily available at most stores. “You can find 100% cotton tampons that aren’t reusable, but are more sustainably sourced and made,” notes Dr. Newlin. These are also a good option if you have a sensitivity to synthetics like rayon that are often present in regular store-bought tampons.

You have plenty of options when considering the right menstrual products for you. And if a product that’s kind to the environment is essential, then opt for a reusable cup or underwear. Reusable tampons come with too much risk to your health. But if you want to switch menstrual products and aren’t sure what’s best for you, talk to a healthcare provider or gynecologist about your options.