PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Increasingly women in Dehradun are exploring alternatives to traditional sanitary pads, such as tampons and menstrual cups, as awareness about menstrual hygiene and its environmental impact grows.
Sanitary pads remain the most commonly used option in the city because they are easily available and familiar to users. However, modern women are now considering reusable products, such as menstrual cups, due to cost savings and convenience.
A resident of the city Aanchal Thapliyal said that she shifted to using a menstrual cup last year. “It is cost-effective in the long run and I don’t have to worry about frequent disposal like pads,” she said.
Another resident Diya Chauhan who lives on the outskirts of the city, said that she still prefers sanitary pads but is open to trying other options in the future. “Pads are easy to use and easily available in the area. But I am willing to try other options later,” she said.
A city-based gynaecologist Sujata Sanjay said that menstrual cups and tampons are safe if used properly, but first-time users should seek guidance before switching. “Both options are safe from a hygiene point of view if used correctly. Proper cleaning and timely changing are important to avoid infections,” she said.
She also noted that many users keep sanitary pads on for too long during heavy flow days, which can increase the risk of infections.
Experts say that awareness about reusable menstrual products is slowly increasing, but many women still depend on sanitary pads due to habit and easy availability in local markets.
It is of note that a recent study by Environment International found toxic metals like lead and arsenic in all tampons tested, with lead detected in 100 per cent of samples. Even low levels of lead are dangerous because it is a cumulative neurotoxin that can cause irreversible brain, nerve and long-term health damage, the report noted.
