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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM67724
Volume:
10 |
10 |
Oct 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences
University of Development Alternative
Department of Pharmacy
University of Development Alternative
Department of Pharmacy
University of Development Alternative
Department of English, Faculty of Arts & Social Science
University of Development Alternative
Department of Pharmacy
University of Development Alternative
Department of Pharmacy
University of Development Alternative
Department of Pharmacy
University of Development Alternative
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is a vital public health issue that affects the empowerment, well-being, and dignity of women and girls worldwide. Sanitary pads (menstrual pads) are an important component of menstrual hygiene practices. Despite rising global awareness of the probable health risks related with synthetic chemicals in menstrual products, Bangladesh remains a setting where such products are comparatively poorly regulated and may contain various chemical additives, potentially posing greater risks to low-income women with limited access to safer alternatives. Scented sanitary pads have appeared as a growing class of menstrual hygiene products in Bangladesh; however, they remain among the least regulated and least studied products in terms of chemical exposure and gynecological care. Their mounting popularity reflects not only the expansion of the menstrual hygiene market but also sociocultural pressures to conceal menstrual odor, thereby reinforcing persistent menstrual stigma. Fragranced sanitary pads contain a range of volatile and semi-volatile chemicals, including limonene, linalool, benzyl salicylate, diethyl phthalate, aldehydes, synthetic musk, etc. Some of these have been allied with allergenic, irritant, endocrine-disrupting, and microbiome-altering effects. Due to high permeability of the vulvovaginal epithelium, repeated exposure to fragranced menstrual products may upset body's natural defenses, facilitate chemical absorption, and potentially rise toxicological risks. These concerns are mostly relevant for adolescents and low-income women in Bangladesh, whose use of scented products may be influenced by social potentials regarding menstrual hygiene and odor control. This review synthesizes current evidence on fragrance chemistry, toxicological mechanisms, organic effects, sociocultural factors, and public health implications related with scented sanitary pad use in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on potential dermatological, microbiological, endocrine, and reproductive health consequences. It also highlights regulatory gaps and the need for compulsory ingredient disclosure, inclusive menstrual health education, and improved access to safer, fragrance-free menstrual hygiene products.
KEYWORDS
In Bangladesh, scented sanitary pads show a complex intersection of socio-cultural practices, chemical exposure, commercial advertising, and regulatory limitations with probable implications for women’s health. Fragrance formulations contain various mixtures of volatile and semi-volatile compounds with varying toxicological profiles (Park et al., 2019). Some of these chemicals have been associated with skin irritation, allergic sensitization, vaginal microbiome disruption, endocrine activity, systemic absorption following repetitive exposure (Upson et al., 2022). Given their persistent use in the reproductive lifespan, scented sanitary pads signify a chronic source of chemical exposure. Their widespread use is influenced by menstrual stigma and cultural outlooks surrounding menstrual odor, despite the absence of recognized hygienic benefits (Share-Net Bangladesh, 2025). Limited regulatory oversight and the absence of mandatory ingredient expose further restrict informed consumer decision-making (BBS, 2022). Addressing these challenges requires evidence-based menstrual health education, better access to fragrance-free products, and the promotion of safer alternatives, including unscented products, organic cotton pads, and reusable or eco-friendly menstrual products (e.g., made from bamboo pulp or other biodegradable materials), where appropriate (Marroquin et al., 2024). Strengthening rules and regulation through mandatory ingredient disclosure, allergen labeling, VOCs safety assessment, and controls on hazardous fragrance chemicals could improve consumer safety (Upson et al., 2022). Besides, improper disposal can contribute to microplastic release and potential health risks from toxic substances leakage into soil and water (Harishchandre & Joshi, 2024). Additional scientific studies are required to clarify health effects and support evidence-based regulatory and public health policies.
Share-Net Bangladesh. (2025). National dialogue on scented pads and menstrual health. BBS. (2022). National survey on menstrual hygiene practices in Bangladesh. Marroquin J, Kiomourtzoglou MA, Scranton A, Pollack AZ. Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review. BJOG. 2024;131(5):655-664. Park, C., et al. (2019). Volatile organic compounds in menstrual hygiene products. Environmental Health Perspectives. Upson, K., et al. (2022). Menstrual hygiene products as pathways for endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure. Current Environmental Health Reports. Eason, E. & Feldman, P. (1996). Contact dermatitis associated with scented sanitary pads. Canadian Medical Association Journal. Worldometer. (n.d.). Worldometer-real time world statistics. https://www.worldometers.info/?utm_source World sex ratio 2026 - StatisticsTimes.com. (n.d.). https://statisticstimes.com/demographics/world-sex-ratio.php https://hub.sivo.it.com/. (2025, January 25). How many people on Earth menstruate? Retrieved September 16, 2026, from https://hub.sivo.it.com/menstruation-statistics/how-many-people-on-earth-menstruate/?utm _source World Population Review. (2026, September 3). Bangladesh Population 2026. https:// worldpopulationreview.com/countries/bangladesh?utm_source Geo Factbook. (2026). Bangladesh Female population of reproductive age 2026: 50.58 Million. https://geofactbook. com/countries/bangladesh/female-population-of-reproductive-age?utm_source
Publication Date
10/9/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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