Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that might just blow your mind: tampons are not meant to be flushed down the toilet. Yes, you heard that right! It seems like basic knowledge, but you’d be surprised at how many people are in the dark about this.
I recently discovered this little gem of information, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. I may be in my forties, but I can’t recall the last time I bothered to read the instructions on a tampon box. Honestly, I thought I had it all figured out. But clearly, I was mistaken.
So, how about you? Do you flush your tampons? I do! I always have, and I thought I was being responsible by not flushing diaper wipes. My family might say I’ve taken it a bit too far, but I’ve always thought I was on top of things. Learning that I’ve been doing it wrong for nearly 30 years is a bit of a shocker.
While browsing the internet, I stumbled upon an article titled, “Did anyone else know you can’t flush tampons?” I gasped, “No! I didn’t know that!” I couldn’t wait to ask my colleagues, and to my surprise, I wasn’t alone in my ignorance. Here’s what they said:
- Co-worker 1: “What?!”
- Co-worker 2: “What do you do with it then?”
- Co-worker 3: “I’ve been flushing tampons my whole life!”
- Co-worker 4: “Wait, so we’re supposed to throw them in the trash? That sounds so wrong!”
- Co-worker 5: “I’ve heard that before but never listened.”
Curiosity got the better of me, so I reached out to Kimberly-Clark, the makers of Kotex. Their response was clear: “Tampons should not be flushed down a toilet. Unlike our flushable wipes, tampons are not designed to break down in wastewater systems.” Wow, who knew? I always knew to avoid tossing the applicator in the toilet, but I had no idea the same applied to the tampon itself.
The instructions on the Kotex box specify, “Don’t flush tampons and wrappers down the toilet – you might clog the plumbing system and it’s bad for the environment. Just wrap it in some toilet paper and place it in the bin or sanitary disposal unit.” A bag? What bag?
The Tampax website echoes this sentiment, stating that while tampons can biodegrade in landfills, flushing them is a big no-no. They can’t be processed by wastewater-treatment facilities and might even damage septic systems. It seems I haven’t been doing my part to protect the environment for quite some time.
Playtex’s guidance is equally confusing, suggesting to “flush the used tampon or place in an appropriate waste container.” Really? It’s enough to make you question everything you thought you knew.
I haven’t felt this bewildered since I learned that Sinbad never starred in a movie about a genie called Shazaam. Just like that myth, the idea that you can simply wrap tampons in toilet paper and toss them in the trash isn’t true either.
If you’re curious to learn more about home insemination and related topics, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re searching for at-home insemination kits, Cryobaby is a reputable online retailer that offers quality products. For broader insights on pregnancy and infertility, visit this excellent resource from the government: Women’s Health Infertility.
In summary, it’s time to put down the flush and pick up the trash when it comes to tampon disposal. Let’s all do our part to keep our plumbing systems and the environment safe!