Maternal health experts in Nigeria have issued a warning to women and girls against using tissue paper, cotton wool, or scraps of cloth as substitutes for sanitary pads during menstruation. According to the experts, these alternatives could cause skin irritation, vaginal infections, and, in the long term, blocked fallopian tubes and infertility. The warning was given by gynaecologists who emphasized that using such materials can lead to serious health complications.
The gynaecologists noted that tissue paper is particularly problematic because it disintegrates when wet, leaving behind paper fragments that can act as a retained foreign body inside the vagina. This can lead to offensive vaginal discharge, inflammation, and secondary bacterial infection. The experts stressed that itching, burning, or rash during menstruation is not a sign of infection, but these symptoms should never be ignored or assumed to be caused by the sanitary product alone.
In an interview, Professor Abubakar Panti, a Consultant Obstetric Gynaecologist at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, explained that itching, burning, or rash during menstruation is not automatically a sign of infection. He noted that sanitary products can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. Panti advised women experiencing repeated reactions to sanitary products to switch to fragrance-free alternatives from different manufacturers rather than turning to cotton wool or tissue paper.
Panti emphasized that cotton wool and tissue paper are not equivalent to purpose-designed menstrual products. He stated that cotton wool is not a recommended menstrual product, and tissue paper is even more problematic due to its tendency to disintegrate when wet. The gynaecologist warned that using these materials can lead to serious health complications, including blocked fallopian tubes and infertility in adulthood.
The gynaecologists recommended purpose-designed menstrual alternatives, including reusable cloth pads, menstrual underwear, and menstrual cups. They also advised women to be aware of the clinical problems associated with using cotton wool or tissue paper, such as irritant contact dermatitis, friction and vulvar soreness, and moisture-associated skin irritation. Panti noted that small fibers or paper fragments can potentially enter the opening of the vagina, particularly when material is placed directly against the vaginal opening.
Panti listed the common clinical problems associated with using cotton wool or tissue paper, including allergic reactions, retained cotton or paper fragments, and delayed diagnosis of actual vaginal infections. He also provided clues to distinguish contact dermatitis from infection, such as the coincidence of symptoms with the use of a particular product and the presence of abnormal discharge. The gynaecologist emphasized the importance of proper clinical examination to distinguish between irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and genuine vaginal infections.
The experts called on women to prioritize their reproductive health by using purpose-designed menstrual products. They recommended fragrance-free pads from different manufacturers and well-made reusable cloth menstrual pads designed specifically for menstruation. By choosing the right sanitary products, women can reduce the risk of complications and maintain their reproductive health.
Key points
- Using tissue paper, cotton wool, or scraps of cloth as substitutes for sanitary pads can cause skin irritation, vaginal infections, and long-term health complications.
- Gynaecologists recommend purpose-designed menstrual alternatives, including reusable cloth pads, menstrual underwear, and menstrual cups.
- Women experiencing repeated reactions to sanitary products should switch to fragrance-free alternatives from different manufacturers.
