Endometriosis Support Group
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.
Has anyone else read about this? Thoughts/opinions? I know I had to stop using tampons about 2 years ago due to extreme pain but I used to use them all the time.
I guess the theory is that tampons prevent the natural flow of blood so it backs up causing retrograde menstruation (which itself has never been proven to be a cause).
I guess the theory is that tampons prevent the natural flow of blood so it backs up causing retrograde menstruation (which itself has never been proven to be a cause).
*warning* has some graphic lap photos*
http://www.gyndr.com/endometriosis.php
Has some interesting info on the theories (and that 90%/15% stat). I don't know if it's the best site for that sort of info, but interesting nonetheless.
The only link ive ever heard with tampons and endo is that dioxin (a chemical) that found in tampons may cause endo. But, dioxin's are also found elsewhere, and the theory is not proven.
But that theory, that the blood has nowhere to go, and prevents the natural flow, hence, "back up" is ridiculous. Theres no back up, the blood goes into the tampon. And you're right, retrograde menstruation has no been proven either.
I hate misinformation about endo...I hear it all the time. And it gives women the wrong idea, and the general public.
They arent sure what causes endo yet. There are a few theories, but like you said, nothing proven.
This isn't what I originally read, but this talks more about dioxin. I'm just posting this link as kind of an FYI for the thread.
Just for the record, I personally think that endo is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and exposure to chemicals...so I think that tampons can trigger it in certain people who are already at risk for developing it.
Dioxin is in a lot of stuff, even pads. Basically anything bleached white (pads, tampons, diapers, paper, etc...). You can buy unbleached tampons, but they only come with a cardboard applicator or no applicator.
Anyway, a lot of healthfood stores have dioxin free pads/tampons.
I've wanted to try the cups but I can't quite figure them out. Does anyone know if they make dioxin-free pads in the overnight size? Those are the only ones I can use without having to change every thirty minutes.
The menstrual cups are easy to insert, it's the taking out part that takes practice lol There are a couple of different kinds. I use the one that looks like a diaphragm. They're great, but if they leak... oh man... it's a mess!
Center of Health. Manage your own Health. Are women's feminine hygiene products hazardous? http://www.centerofhealth.com/Articles/Feminine-Hygiene-Hazards.html. 1998. Web. 10. Dec. 2012
Citrinbaum, Joanna. Subtle Energy Sollutions.TOXIC TAMPONS. The question's absorbing: Are tampons little white lies? http://www.subtleenergysolutions.com/toxic-tampons.html. 2012. Web. Dec. 10.2012
Endometriosis Association International Headquarters. E N D O M E T R I O S I S & D I O X I N S. Information for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals . http://www.endometriosisassn.org/pdfs/Endo-and-Dioxins.pdf.1998, 2004, 2007, 2009. Web. 10. Dec.2012
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Science and Research.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Protecting and Promoting Your Health. http://www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/SpecialTopics/WomensHealthResearch/ucm134825.htm. 15. April 2009. Web. 10. Dec. 2012
I never used tampons till after I was already showing the severe symptoms. Even then, I can count the Few times I ever used them on one hand. I am ocd and was worse when I was younger. Could not stand the thought of sticking something in me and leaving it there, especially when stuff was trying to get out.
There is no correlation between tampons and Endometriosis. However, I can believe that tampons probably should not be used by women who have Endo as it can cause more pain or irritation to already inflamed areas. Some tampons are laced with products, such as bleach. Others are not. Still, they are a foreign body being placed into an already agitated environment. Please note that if you do use tampons I am not making any judgements. This is just my opinion on trying to prevent further pain and discomfort.
The only theory that has made sense to me is that we are born with Endometriosis. The cells grow in places they should not be and reveal themselves when we begin our periods. It's like a cancer that one is born with but doesn't show itself until years later. Sadly, the medical community doesn't take our "cancer" as seriously as others. Perhaps because it usually isn't life threatening? Whatever the case may be, Endo is something we could not have prevented. There are outside factors that can make Endo worse, but we could never have prevented it. Don't let anyone say its ever your fault. No amount of avoiding toxins in food and cleaning agents can prevent what we are genetically prone to.
I hope the medical community wakes up soon and takes our suffering seriously. May you all have a good day. :)
I also not really inclined to blame tampons, as I said. I think our immune systems play a large role with endo. Obviously, there is a genetic component too.