The tampon is a hygiene product that has long been part of women's daily lives. However, this much-used product (women use an average of 11,000 during their lifetime) with its mysterious composition, is the source of many health problems. This is in any case what shows us the documentary Tampon, our intimate enemy, directed by journalist Audrey Gloaguen, broadcast this Tuesday, April 25, 2017 on France 5, at 8:50 p.m. "To date, there is no study of the impact of tampons on women's health" can we hear in the trailer of this documentary. This is why the journalist went to meet scientists, whistleblowers or victims of tampons around the world, in order to enlighten women about the dangers it can cause.
To conduct her investigation, Audrey Gloaguen collected the testimony of two young girls who almost died from tampons. Margaux, 23, and Justine, 26, were victims of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare reaction caused by staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that 20 to 30% of women carry. This bacterium present in the vagina can release TSST-1, a very aggressive toxin which, when entering the blood, can cause a strong reaction of the immune system. In contact with the synthetic components of tampons, this reaction can sometimes be fatal.
Audrey Gloaguen also went to meet scientists belonging to an independent laboratory, who, after analysis, discovered 20 to 30 chemical components. Among them, there is the phthalate DEHP, an endocrine disruptor, which can prove to be carcinogenic, and whose use is prohibited by the European Union. Other scientists have also wondered about the implication of tampons on infertility, miscarriages or even endometriosis.
A very informative documentary broadcast on April 25 at 8:50 p.m. on France 5
