• A University of the Free State study found that some sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa contain hormone disrupting chemicals, including products marketed as chemical free.
• A 30 year old woman with endometriosis says she has undergone more than 10 surgeries and believes harmful chemicals may have worsened her condition.
Activists are demanding urgent government action after new research raised alarm over menstrual products sold in South Africa.
The University of the Free State found that some sanitary pads and pantyliners contain hormone disrupting chemicals. This includes products marketed as free from harmful chemicals.
The findings have sparked fear among women who rely on these products every month.
Tshiamo Ntshavheni, 30, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2012. The disease affects one in 10 women.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that is often underdiagnosed. It can cause severe pain and infertility. It happens when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
Ntshavheni said her symptoms made it hard for her to cope during her monthly period. At times, she had to stay home because of the pain.
“We grew up hearing that period pains are normal and every woman goes through that,” she said.
Over the years, she has had more than 10 surgeries to remove scar tissue. Some years, she had procedures more than once.
“Some years my gynecologist would perform a laparoscope procedure twice or thrice in a year,” she said.
After hearing about the university’s findings, she believes chemicals in pads and pantyliners may have contributed to her worsening health.
She said she has tried to live a healthy lifestyle but kept getting worse.
Like many women, she now feels unsure about which brand to trust.
“The government must act now. They must produce results. Manufacturers put us at risk for decades. Now they must do something about it,” she said.
Activists say women deserve safe menstrual products and clear answers about what they are using on their bodies every month.
Pictured above: Sanitary pad
Image source: Supplied
