Fragrance in Sanitary Napkins: A Hidden Health Hazard Demands Awareness
Round table was Organized by: Prothom Alo, in collaboration with: Senora and OGSB
Despite social reforms, menstruation remains a taboo topic in Bangladesh, resulting in a lack of awareness that endangers women’s reproductive health. Various surveys reveal that 71% to 83% of women still do not use sanitary napkins during menstruation. Many rely on unhygienic cloth, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, chemically scented pads pose further health risks.
These concerns were addressed at a roundtable discussion organized by Prothom Alo on May 26, ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day. Held at the Prothom Alo office in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, the discussion was titled “Infection-Free and Safe Menstruation is Every Woman’s Right”. The event was co-organized by the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) and Senora, a sanitary napkin brand by Square Toiletries Ltd.
According to the 2018 National Hygiene Survey by BBS (with support from UNICEF and WaterAid), only 43% of adolescent girls and 29% of adult women use sanitary pads. Among women and girls from poor families, the numbers drop to 11% and 6%, respectively.
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Jasmin Zaman, Head of Marketing at Square Toiletries Ltd., presented findings from a Kantar Bangladesh survey, revealing that just 17% of women regularly use sanitary napkins, while 97% of girls experience some form of cervical infection in their lifetime. Inadequate menstrual hygiene causes schoolgirls to miss about 3 days per month, while female garment workers are absent for up to 6 days monthly.
OGSB and Senora announced plans to work together in 2,000 schools and 500 garment factories to raise awareness, aiming for at least 60% of women to adopt safe menstrual practices by 2030.
OGSB President Prof. Farhana Dewan highlighted that many girls use cloth instead of pads and cannot dry them properly due to social stigma. She urged mothers and daughters to recognize the value of using sanitary napkins and warned against chemically scented pads, which can disrupt the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Former OGSB President Prof. Rowshan Ara Begum emphasized open family discussions about menstruation and lamented that school curricula include reproductive health chapters that are rarely taught. She also noted the lack of proper washroom facilities for girls in schools and the absence of free pad distribution in public hospitals.
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Prof. Salma Rouf, OGSB Secretary General, stated that girls rarely seek medical advice unless facing serious issues. She called for breaking the culture of shame around menstruation and discouraged scented pad use due to health risks.
Sister Shikha Gomez, Principal of Holy Cross College, shared her institution’s hygienic disposal practices and stressed the need for a nationwide plan to normalize menstruation management in schools.
Dr. Azharul Islam Khan, from the Health Reform Commission, called for tax waivers on sanitary napkins to make them more affordable, particularly by supporting local manufacturers.
Taslima Akhtar of the Labor Reform Commission echoed the need for price reductions, noting that financial constraints prevent working women from using pads.
Prof. Syed Abdul Hamid from Dhaka University’s Institute of Health Economics shared a staggering estimate: if 50 million women aged 15–49 each spent BDT 300 monthly on pads, the annual cost would reach BDT 18,000 crore. He proposed providing pads for free at community clinics to foster regular use and recommended forming health clubs in schools.
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OGSB Vice President Prof. Sabera Khatun advised changing pads every six hours to avoid the risk of cervical cancer. She also warned against using tissue over pads or unverified menstrual cups.
Prothom Alo Joint Editor Sohrab Hassan concluded by stressing that men must also be aware and sensitive to the menstrual health needs of women in their families.
The discussion also featured Prof. Rawnok Hasan of Khulna University and was moderated by Prothom Alo Assistant Editor Firoz Chowdhury, with opening remarks by Senior Reporter Nazneen Akhter.
