Allergic to Certain Tampon Brands?

Several years ago I was gifted a two year supply of o.b. tampons. I wound up giving them away because they seemed to give me an allergic reaction. They were locally irritating, to put it politely.

I've now found that the same thing is happening to me with the Walmart brand tampons, which I have been using for about 8 years. I switched back to Tampax for a few months but decided to get the Walmart ones again because I didn't feel like paying $10. OMG, bad choice!

Has anyone else had this happen? It's weird. I don't know if it is something new being added to them in the manufacturing process or some new allergy development on my end. Not looking forward to spending even more money on this stuff.

I have found that the cheaper ones irritate me more. I think there is something different in the processing. Have you noticed if they are scented or scent-free? I know not many companies make the scented ones anymore, but sometimes that can cause allergic reactions.

I never use scented ones OR plastic applicator ones...I find the plastic applicator VERY irritating. The cardboard applicator doesn't seem that uncomfortable to me and causes a lot less irritation! It doesn't seem to matter what brand I use though...I use generic Target brand most of the time. I hate paying a lot for them, too!

Most tampons contain cotton fibers. Almost all the cotton grown in India now and much in China is genetically modified to contain BT right in the plant. BT is an insecticide. It becomes part of the genetic structure of the cotton and can't be washed out when the fibers are cleaned and whitened to go into a product. I think it's the BT cotton that's causing the problem in tampons.

There have been many reports of allergies to BT and BT crops worldwide.

BT is used as an organic insecticide, so it sounds safe. I've even used it in my own garden. But I had to wear gloves and use a mask if I was misting or I'd turn bright red from it. If I couldn't let it touch my calloused gardener's hands, just imagine what it can do elsewhere. I think most people have no reaction to it. But some do.

I don't know the solution to this problem, but it's a problem for many women. If you can find a brand that works for you, even if it costs more, it's probably a good idea to stick with it if you've already shown sensitivity.

Do be careful. Back in the olden days (like the 1980's) when they first made super absorbent tampons, women died of Toxic Shock Syndrome. the tampons like sucked up too much moisture, women were leaving them in too long, and it scratched the inside of your ladyparts. The printed inserts might still carry a warning describing the symptoms, like the bottoms of your feet turning red, if i remember correctly.

Ahhh, it's probably the BT cotton coming from China/India. Thank you for that information. I suppose we'll also have to watch out for that in our clothes.

I just bought a bunch of Rite Aid brand because I had a coupon. I hope they don't bother me. I never use scented but do prefer the plastic applicators because the cardboard ones are too often defective (at least with Walmart brand).

When did Tampax go up to $10 a box??? There used to be the cardboard, plastic, and fancy plastic. Now the plain old plastic is gone and all they have is the fancy plastic that's outrageously expensive.

Interesting claims/"story" about o.b. tampons: OB Tampons: What We're Not Allowed to Know | Lunapads Blog

I remember the tampons being pulled off the shelf, no explanation given. That was part of the reason I was so quick to discontinue use of that brand as soon as it started to bother me. I wound up selling the o.b. tampons I couldn't use for $25 *a box* on eBay. Crazy!

I just realized that I've been using OB tampons for 36 years. I've never liked any other product and I've never had any problems.

I was pretty freaked out when I heard it rumored that they were going to stop making them. I guess it wasn't a rumor, but I never had an interruption in my ability to obtain them.

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I go to the health food store and get mine. they have a whole section with feminine supplies. !00% organic, natural cotton, fragrance free, pesticide free, the works. That seems to be the best choice for me personally. I use pads from there to.