Menstruation. A natural process, as old as humanity itself. Yet, a cloud of shame and uncertainty still hangs over it. And the menstrual industry? It all too gladly capitalizes on this. Particularly by telling us that our menstruation 'smells' and that we need to mask that scent with... perfumed sanitary pads. But what if I told you that these perfumes actually contribute to more discomfort and an even more unpleasant odor? And that it's not your fault, but that of an industry that profits from your insecurity?
At LottePads, we believe in the power of honest information and the liberation from menstrual shame. Let's lay out the facts and discover why unscented sanitary pads are the best choice for your body and your self-confidence.
The marketing of shame: how the industry traps us
For decades, women have been conditioned to believe that menstrual blood is dirty and that their body's natural scent is something to be ashamed of. Advertisements often show blue liquid (never red!) and suggest that you can only be 'fresh' and 'confident' with products full of fragrances. This message is deeply rooted and creates unnecessary guilt in millions of women worldwide. You can read more about menstrual shame and how it is being broken through via Women Inc..
It's a clever business model: create a problem (menstrual odor), and then sell the 'solution' (perfumed sanitary pads). But this 'solution' is often worse than the problem.
The harsh truth: why perfume in sanitary pads is harmful
Your vagina is a self-cleaning marvel. It has a delicate pH balance (between 3.8 and 4.5) that is essential for maintaining healthy bacterial flora. This low acidity protects you from infections such as yeast and bacterial vaginosis. You can read more about the pH value of the vagina via Thuisarts.nl. And this is where the problem with perfumed sanitary pads comes in:
1. Disruption of pH balance
The chemicals in perfumes can disrupt the natural pH of your vagina. This makes you more vulnerable to infections and irritations. An disturbed balance can lead to itching, burning, and even unpleasant odors — exactly what you were trying to prevent. Also read our blog about allergy and irritation from sanitary pads for more context.
2. The hothouse effect: more odor, not less
Regular disposable sanitary pads are often made with a plastic top and bottom layer. This seals off the skin, creating a warm, moist environment. When perfumes in this stuffy environment come into contact with menstrual blood and bacteria, they can cause chemical reactions that actually lead to a stronger and more unpleasant odor than if you were to use unscented pads. It's a vicious cycle: you use perfume against odor, but it actually causes more odor.
3. Skin irritation and allergies
The skin of the vulva is extremely thin and sensitive. Chemicals in perfumes are known allergens and can lead to contact eczema, with symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and bumps. Research shows that 1 in 4 people experience skin reactions when using perfumed menstrual products, as described by Healthline.
4. Absorption of chemicals
The vulvar skin is not only thin but also very permeable. This means that chemicals from perfumes and other additives can be more easily absorbed into your bloodstream. Why expose your body to unnecessary chemicals, especially in such a sensitive area?
The liberation: unscented washable sanitary pads
It's time to take back control and choose products that respect your body. Unscented washable sanitary pads from LottePads offer the ultimate solution for women who are fed up with irritation, shame, and unnecessary chemicals:
•Breathable comfort: made from natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo, or eucalyptus. No plastic that seals off the skin, preventing stuffiness and unpleasant odors.
•Chemical-free: no perfumes, dyes, bleaches, or aggressive adhesives. Only pure softness that cherishes your intimate area.
•Natural odor: menstrual blood naturally has a light, metallic odor. With washable pads, which breathe, you will find that this odor is much less prominent than the musty, chemical mix that occurs with disposable pads.
•Self-confidence: choosing washable is an act of self-love and empowerment. You embrace your natural cycle and refuse to be dictated by the marketing of shame.
•Sustainability: in addition to all the health benefits, you also contribute to a cleaner planet by reducing the waste mountain of disposable products.
You don't have to be ashamed of your menstruation. You don't have to use perfumes to be 'fresh'. You have a choice. Choose the softness, health, and freedom of unscented washable sanitary pads from LottePads. Want to know what other alternatives there are? Then read our blog about alternatives for tampons and sanitary pads.
