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Chemicals in toilet paper - could they be irritating to the vulva?

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Suki_girl
Suki_girl

Hi, I thought this might make an interesting discussion point:

when I had vulvodynia in 2013, I researched everything that could be contributing to it. One thing was the chemicals in toilet paper. In order to produce the pulp from the wood to make the paper harsh chemicals are used, typically caustic soda and sodium sulfide. This "chemical pulp" is then bleached, then colour or scent may be added. Could these residual chemicals in toilet paper be contributing to the irritation experienced with VA? Would you put caustic soda (drain cleaner) or bleach on your vulva, even if you didn't have VA?

Since I had vulvodynia I have used toilet paper that is made without nasty chemicals and without bleach to wipe after I've had a wee.

2 likes, 36 replies

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  • Suki_girl
    Suki_girl

    Posted

    You know, I do wonder if women had problems like vulvodynia many years ago? It is a result of modern society and all the chemicals we now use in everything and the fact that we wash more? Or was it not known about because women just didn't talk about such things and suffered in silence?
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