Using Cotton Wool and Tissue Paper as Sanitary Pads Poses Serious Health Risks

Maternal health experts are sounding the alarm against the use of tissue paper, cotton wool, and scraps of cloth as substitutes for sanitary pads during menstruation. 

These practices could lead to skin irritation, vaginal infections, and even long-term issues like blocked fallopian tubes and infertility.

Gynaecologists pointed out that tissue paper is particularly problematic because it disintegrates when wet, leaving behind fragments that can act as foreign bodies in the vagina. This can trigger offensive discharge, inflammation, and secondary bacterial infections.

While symptoms such as itching and burning during menstruation may not indicate an infection, experts caution that these signs should not be ignored. Genuine infections can mimic these symptoms, necessitating proper clinical evaluations to differentiate between irritant reactions and actual health issues.

Women experiencing recurring reactions to sanitary products are advised to switch to fragrance-free alternatives from various manufacturers. Purpose-designed menstrual products like reusable cloth pads, menstrual underwear, and menstrual cups are recommended to ensure safety and comfort.

Professor Abubakar Panti, a Consultant Obstetric Gynaecologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, emphasized that neither cotton wool nor tissue paper is appropriate for menstrual use. He noted that tissue paper can quickly become saturated and may adhere to moist skin, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.

The potential dangers escalate when these materials are pushed into the vagina, as they can become retained foreign objects, causing local irritation and possibly leading to vaginitis. "Cotton wool or tissue should never be intentionally pushed into the vagina as a menstrual absorber," Panti warned.

While these materials do not directly cause infections, they can create conditions conducive to infections like candidiasis when actual vaginitis occurs. Symptoms such as abnormal discharge and irritation can complicate diagnosis, leading to delayed treatment.

To differentiate between contact dermatitis and infections, Panti suggested clinical clues such as the timing of symptoms relative to product use and the presence of abnormal discharge or odor. Women are encouraged to maintain good menstrual hygiene by regularly changing their products and opting for purpose-designed alternatives.

Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, a veteran in obstetrics and gynaecology, reiterated that using tissues or cloth can significantly heighten the risk of infections. He cautioned that untreated infections can travel up the reproductive tract, potentially leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility later in life.

Dr. Daniel Adegbulu from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, also advised against using tissue paper due to the severe health complications it can cause. He emphasized that while it might serve as a temporary solution, it should never be inserted into the vagina.

Experts agree that access to proper menstrual hygiene products is crucial for women's reproductive health. The bottom line: women should avoid makeshift solutions and instead invest in safe, purpose-designed menstrual products to protect their health and well-being.