Sometimes it’s hard to talk about gross things. But when gross things are relevant for 3-5 days each month of your life, they might be worth some attention. In the United States, 70% of women rely on tampons. Tampons are cleaner than pads, extremely practical, and very simple to use. So what’s the problem?

As a society, we are becoming more and more chemical-conscious. We talk about harsh acids in our makeup, pesticides on our produce, and preservatives in our bread. If we’re going to be health-conscious, we might as well be thorough. While great health reform is being made for the things that we put into our mouths, progress is standing still for things that we put into the other side. Why? Well, why would a tampon company change anything about their booming, inelastic supply if no one is complaining?

Check your tampon box. While there is a beautifully elaborate warning about the rare danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampon use on the side, there is no ingredient label anywhere to be found. We don’t know what’s really in that box. Now, check your shampoo, your makeup, your dish soap. You can at least find the active ingredients listed, if not all of the ingredients. What’s up with that? Why aren’t tampons, a class II medical device appointed by the FDA, more transparent? It seems as though tampon companies have something to hide.

The call for FDA-mandated ingredient labels on tampon boxes has been relevant since the 1980s. In order to legally require an ingredient label, the FDA must have concrete research regarding the dangers of any chemicals in tampons. However, tampon companies report their own ingredients without any second glance from the FDA. There have been multiple government proposals petitioning for more thorough research of feminine product ingredient effects, but they have never been able to make it very far. Currently, the Robin Danielson Act, an act that would require independent testing on the content of tampons, is fighting its way through bill approval. It has been proposed on 9 separate occasions and shut down at various stages of the process.

While more research is needed to mandate any legal changes, some information about tampon ingredients is still known. It turns out that tampons can contain a number of scary chemicals including dioxin (sometimes used in a tampon bleach), pesticides (non-organic cotton), dicofol, polyester, and trifluralin. Ew. Will these chemicals hurt you? Well, dioxins have been found to negatively affect the endocrine system, development, and reproduction. They can also have adverse effects on the immune system and the skin. They are hydrophobic, meaning that they can stick around in the body for a long time. Difocal and trifluralin are thought to have similar effects as dioxins. Polyester has recently been under the radar for effecting reproductive/developmental health, as well. On top of all of that, there is already enough dialogue about carcinogenic pesticides to know that they’re not meant to be put into the body.

Besides the funky health effects of our feminine products, there are also unfortunate environmental impacts. Guess what’s not recyclable or biodegradable? That tampon applicator in your trash can. In one year, the Center for Marine Conservation reported the collection of 170,000 tampon applicators along coastal areas in the U.S. alone. In 1998, 6.5 billion tampons plus packaging ended up in landfills and sewage systems. Oh, how the population of women has increased since 1998. We think tampons are gross in our trashcans? Imagine being a fish trying to dodge them in the ocean. As much as we all want to get Mother Nature back for ruining our lives once a month, we’re probably not taking the right approach.

The bottom line is, the negative effects of tampons are not on most people’s minds, and as a result, not enough research is being conducted about tampon safety to effect widespread change. I know, you’ve been using the same tampon brand since the first time you had to make that uncomfortable purchase. I’m sure that tampon companies are just fine with our tendency to grab and get out of the feminine product aisle as quickly as possible. However, maybe it’s time to woman up and be more conscious and comprehensive in our feminine product selections. There are several alternative solutions to the old routine:

Lola

Lola is a company dedicated to revolutionizing tampons. Their tampons are 100% cotton with a guarantee of no chemicals, dyes, or synthetics. Applicators contain no BPA and tampons are 100% biodegradable. This brand is particularly awesome because they allow you to design your own tampon box that is regularly delivered to you!

The Honest Company

The Honest Company takes tampon care to another level by using 100% organic cotton and applicators made of at least 90% plant-based materials. There are no wacky chemicals added to these tampons either.

Natracare

Natracare also makes 100% organic tampons that are biodegradable and chemical free. These tampons were the first to be officially certified as organic tampons.

The Period Store

This is a monthly subscription with multiple organic, sustainable brand options. Not only do they send you tampons when you need them, but they also send you chocolate and tea!

Menstrual Cup

Another trending period alternative is the menstrual cup. These are supposedly comfortable and can be left in for much longer than a tampon. They’re reusable so they really help to cut down on the environmental costs of your period. Not all brands fit all women, so shopping around is encouraged.

Sea Sponge Tampons

This one may seem a little out there but online stores are already sold out! Sea sponge tampons are completely natural, biodegradable, and super absorbent (I mean, it's a literal sponge). They are also supposedly very comfortable and very simple to use.

While alternative feminine products are beginning to make themselves known, they’re still not convenient. Today, I wandered down the Target aisles to see how many 100% organic cotton products I could find among the feminine products. There were none. It takes going to more specialized stores or ordering online to find an alternative solution. If we want to see any change, we need to increase our dialogue. No matter how much power the FDA seems to have, ultimately, we are the voice of our nation. The Robin Danielson Bill will be more likely pass if people are stirring about tampons. Stores will be more likely to carry alternative solutions if we demand them. Big names like Playtex and Tampax will be more likely to provide alternative solutions if we ask them to. Ingredient labels are not going to poof onto our tampon boxes overnight. Talk to your girlfriends about dioxins. Do some research to learn more about menstrual cups. Try an alternative to your usual tampon brand. Better yet, write a letter to your usual tampon brand requesting changes. If we want to protect what’s precious, we need to cast out period shame and welcome a new [flow of] dialogue with open minds.