Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You?

Have you ever heard the phrase “The vagina is a self-cleaning oven”? It’s true.

Your vagina, with its complex balance of bacteria, is constantly washing away its own naturally renewing cells and microorganisms, even during menstruation.

So, you don’t need to use scented tampons or pads to keep it clean or hide smells. In fact, scented menstrual products can cause health problems.

What are scented pads and tampons?

Scented tampons and pads are menstrual products that are infused with fragrances. They’re marketed as being able to manage menstrual bleeding — and cover up any odors associated with it.

But wait a sec: Menstrual blood is a normal bodily function, not a sign of an unclean vagina. And as you go about your everyday life, no one can smell that you’re on your period!

“The idea that the vagina is dirty and needs to be cleaned is simply not true,” states women’s health specialist Sara Youngblood, CNP.

So, why do scented tampons and pads even exist? Youngblood says these products (and others, like douches) play on women’s insecurities that something is wrong with our bodies — namely, the idea that vaginas are smelly.

“Women have been told this for centuries,” she says, “and it’s not only causing unnecessary distress. It’s also a dangerous message to send.”

Potential side effects of scented menstrual products

Introducing chemicals and fragrance to one of the most sensitive areas of your body can upset its balance of bacteria and disrupt its pH levels.

“Scented feminine products aren’t just unnecessary,” Youngblood cautions. “In fact, they actually interfere with your body’s natural cleaning processes.”

Let’s take a deeper look at the risks of using scented period products.

Disrupts ‘good’ bacteria

Scented tampons and pads can upset the bacterial environment in your vagina, giving bad bacteria the upper hand.

Lactobacillus is a type of good bacteria that lives in your vagina. It helps protect you from infection and disease-causing organisms, like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Putting a disruptive foreign body — like a scented tampon — into your vagina can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria that may cause:

• Irritation
• Itching
• Infection
• An allergic reaction

Alters pH balance

The lactobacilli in your vagina produce lactic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps your vagina stay slightly acidic. This is known as your pH level. But the chemicals in scented menstrual products can change your pH level.

Why does that matter? Because the acidity level of your vagina is key to keeping it healthy. Having a slightly acidic vagina helps keep the balance of bacteria and yeast in check. But when your pH level changes, it throws off that delicate balance — and raises your risk of infection.

Can mask signs of a problem

We can’t emphasize this strongly enough: All vaginas have a little bit of an odor, which is normal and healthy. But a strong, unpleasant smell (like fishiness or mustiness) can be a sign of a health concern like vaginitis — a condition that’s causing your vagina to become irritated or inflamed.

“Covering up vaginal odor with a scented product can be dangerous,” Youngblood warns. “It’s always better to see a physician and have an evaluation to determine the most likely culprit, rather than covering it up with fragrance.”

Are herbal-infused pads safe?

Don’t be fooled: So-called “herbal-infused” pads are just scented pads, marketed differently. And they come with all the same risks as other scented menstrual products, including allergic reactions and infections like bacterial vaginosis.

Such products typically include essential oils like:

• Aloe vera
• Lavender
• Mint
• Rose

Herbal-infused pads are marketed as creating a cooling sensation that makes your period more comfortable. That could be true — but the ingredients just aren’t ones you should use near such sensitive body parts.

“Organic fragrances are still fragrances,” Youngblood stresses. “Using essential oils near the vagina can cause all the same problems as other types of fragrances.”

Choosing the right menstrual products for you

Scented tampons and pads aren’t as common as they used to be, but they are still available on shelves.

“It’s alarming that products designed to be placed in or near the vagina aren’t required to have more comprehensive labeling,” Youngblood reflects.

So, what should you look for instead? When you’re shopping for menstrual products:

• Avoid added chemicals. Always be sure to read the label and steer clear of ingredients like fragrance, chlorine and titanium dioxide.
• Buy tampons in a variety of absorbency levels. “Choose the lowest-absorbency tampon to control your flow,” Youngblood advises. “This means picking the smallest tampon that will do the job, like regular instead of super-plus.” This is an important precaution for avoiding toxic shock syndrome.
• Consider other menstrual products. Options like menstrual cups and period underwear can be great alternatives to tampons and pads. While they may cost more up-front, you can use them again and again — which can save you money over time.

A final word about scented menstrual products

If you’ve tried a scented pad or tampon and are experiencing itchiness or irritation, stop using scented products ASAP and wait for your symptoms to clear up.

“Your vagina will typically revert to its natural state in a day or two,” Youngblood says. “If it doesn’t, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to get things checked out.”

And whatever menstrual product you choose to manage your flow going forward, remember: You don’t need scented products to keep your vagina clean. It does that all by itself!