Are sanitary pads unsafe? VIRAL video sparks major health debate

CLAIM: 

Sanitary pads are unsafe as they contain chemicals like phthalates, VOCs, and PFAS, which may disrupt hormones and reproductive health. They also reduce airflow, keeping the vaginal area damp and increasing the risk of infections and UTIs.

 

 

FACT: 

Using sanitary pads, especially those with fragrances, chemicals, or poor airflow, can increase the risk of vaginal infections, UTIs, and skin irritation. However, it is mainly when soiled pads are sued for far too long without changing. Experts recommend hygienic practices and alternatives like menstrual cups, which help reduce irritation and infection risk.

 

In a viral Instagram reel, fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has reignited the debate around the safety of commercial sanitary pads and their possible effects on women’s reproductive health.

“Dear girls, it’s time to throw away your pads because they’re messing with your hormones and fertility," he mentions in the video. Mehta goes on to explain that most commercial pads contain a synthetic plastic layer, bleaching agents, and fragrances, which can cause skin irritation and rashes. He further claims that pads are made with chemicals such as phthalates, VOCs, and PFAS — substances known to disrupt the endocrine system and potentially affect reproductive health. 

According to Mehta, the lack of airflow due to the plastic layer can leave the vaginal area damp, disturbing its natural pH balance and leading to infections, itching, and UTIs if pads aren’t changed frequently. As the conversation continues, he recommends switching to “safer, sustainable alternatives” like period panties, tampons, or menstrual cups, which are also “environmentally friendly.” 

Do pads lead to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

Concerns about the safety of sanitary pads have grown over the years, with multiple studies and reports highlighting potential health risks ranging from skin irritation to exposure to toxic chemicals. A closer look at scientific research and investigative reports reveals both dermatological and chemical safety issues linked to commercial menstrual products. 

On whether sanitary pads can increase UTI risks, the medical community seems to be divided.

Some doctors recommend menstrual hygiene products like tampons over sanitary pads to avoid UTI risks, "as they maintain the bladder opening area in a drier state compared to pads, thereby limiting bacterial overgrowth."  

Others, in fact, advise using these sanitary pads and believe tampons make UTIs more likely. However, they underline that you must "change your pad each time you use the bathroom." 

There have been some studies that show that sanitary pads are associated with a higher risk of UTIs; however, it is usually when hygienic practices, such as changing the pads often, are ignored. A 2009 study from Telangana's Karimnagar district found a "strong association between UTI and improper perineal washing technique, use of unsanitary pads during menses, malnutrition, vaginal discharge and pinworm infestation." They recommend regular briefings on period hygiene to reduce the risk of UTIs. 

A study from 2007 had found that "a series of 13 randomised prospective trials of panty liners or ultra-thin pads demonstrated no clinically significant adverse effects either on the skin or on isolation frequencies or cell densities of representative genital microflora."

This microflora is a factor in genital and urinary tract infections. "Taken together, the scientific evidence supports the conclusion that panty liners are safe when used as intended and do not promote... urinary tract infections," it adds. 

In fact, experts highlight how the availability of disposable sanitary pads revolutionised women's health, "by providing a convenient and hygienic alternative" to reusable products like rags, and how they "offer absorbency, leak protection, and odour control, enhancing women’s comfort and confidence during menstruation." 

This is of particular significance for countries like India, as "poor menstrual hygiene practices of using old cloth and disposal in open are significant risk factors of cervical cancer. Menstrual hygiene practices of using the sanitary pad and proper disposal may significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer." 

Do sanitary pads contain harmful chemicals?

However, concerns have been raised about "the use of phthalates and other harmful chemicals found in these products, which are considered harmful to the female reproductive system." 

"The use of synthetic fibres in pads and tampons has been correlated with the increase of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (MTSS) cases," according to one study.  

Further chemical analysis of menstrual hygiene products was highlighted in a 2020 study conducted in China, which examined eight types of phthalates in 120 feminine hygiene products (56 feminine care items and 64 sanitary napkins). The researchers reported that “phthalates were found in 86% and 98% of feminine care products and sanitary napkins, respectively,” even though their concentrations varied.  

The findings further noted that “the plastic materials used on the top and bottom layers and the hot melt adhesive used during the manufacturing process are the potential sources of phthalates in sanitary napkins.” The researchers concluded that “sanitary napkins contributed to 8.2 per cent of the total exposure, and the levels of exposure to several phthalates from sanitary napkins were much higher than those reported from indoor dust ingestion but were lower than those of dietary intakes.” 

Adding to this evidence, a 2024 review examined 15 studies published over the past decade and found that “menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women's reproductive health.” The review highlighted the need for greater regulation and safety transparency in menstrual product manufacturing. 

In India, the Toxics Link report titled “Wrapped in Secrecy: Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products” analysed 10 menstrual products purchased from markets in New Delhi and online platforms, including both organic and inorganic brands. The report found that “all products included in the study tested positive for the presence of phthalates.” And these chemicals can have detrimental effects on women's reproductive health.

"Sanitary products contain polyethylene and polypropylene, which contain plasticizers, such as phthalates, to improve pliability. Phthalates may damage fertility, foetuses, and are toxic to aquatic life. Phthalate exposure has also been associated with premature puberty, preterm births, and ovulation disorders," according to this review.  

It also noted that the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the sanitary products is also a matter of concern, "as most of them are irritants, carcinogens, and can cause damage to organs with prolonged exposure." Pads, which are chlorine bleached, also contain chemicals that "have been associated with causing endometriosis, cancer in female reproductive organs, and abnormal growth of cells around the uterus muscle."  

 

However, many of the studies also call for more research on the extent of exposure during each cycle, and what it could mean.  

Do pads also lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions?

When it comes to skin irritation and allergic reactions, a case report titled ‘Sanitary Pad Dermatitis’ described a 38-year-old woman who experienced “itching and burning sensation over her perineal area at the contact site with a sanitary pad. The skin lesion presented as red, edematous skin with some clear fluid-filled vesicles.”

The report noted that her symptoms appeared every month during menstruation and even when pads were used during non-menstruating days, regardless of the brand. The case was diagnosed as contact dermatitis caused by materials used in sanitary pads, leading the author to conclude that “the material used for the manufacture of sanitary pads is expected to be the main allergen.” 

Most recently, a 2025 review reiterated these dermatological concerns, stating that “disposable sanitary pads can also cause rashes in the genital area. These rashes are caused by friction, allergic reactions to materials in a pad, and irritation from moisture and heat. Movement of the sanitary pad in a woman’s undergarments can contribute to a friction rash on the vulva. An allergic skin reaction caused by the materials and chemicals used in disposable sanitary pads is termed ‘contact dermatitis’ by healthcare professionals. Several materials, such as fragrances, adhesives, and superabsorbent polymers, can cause contact dermatitis.” 

 

The review further explained that “heat and moisture build-up in sanitary pads are influenced by their ability to absorb menstrual fluid. If the sanitary pad cannot absorb moisture efficiently to create a cooler and drier environment between the vulvar skin and the top sheet of the sanitary pad, bacterial growth is promoted. Bacterial growth can cause unpleasant odours, irritation, lower reproductive tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections.” 

The same review also warned about scented sanitary products, noting that “there are many components in fragrances that may cause allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin. A case was reported about a woman who suffered from vulvar dermatitis while using deodorised sanitary products. The perfume used by the manufacturer contained cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic alcohol — both known allergens.” 

What the experts recommend 

Dr Swati Rai, Consultant-Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, notes that there has been a noticeable increase in vaginal infections among women, particularly after menstruation. She explains, “Yes, we have seen a rising trend of vaginal infections, discharge, and fungal infections post-menstruation, especially in women using newer types of sanitary pads, including so-called organic or maternity pads.” She shared an example from her practice. “Just yesterday, I saw a patient who wore one of these pads and had a full reaction on her skin.” 

Dr Rai further explains the connection to urinary tract health. “If pads are not changed regularly or contain irritants like fragrances and chemicals, they can lead to vaginal infections. And whenever there is a vaginal infection, there is always a risk of a concomitant UTI because of the close proximity of the urinary tract.”  

She strongly recommends menstrual cups as a safer alternative. “I always promote menstrual cups because they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, economical, and have fewer adverse effects. Unlike pads, which, if not changed on time, can cause odour and increase infection risk, menstrual cups are easy to clean, reusable, and available in different sizes. Women who have switched to menstrual cups have reported a significant reduction in itching and infections.” 

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.

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