But How Do I Know This Product Actually Works?

Table of Contents

    Re-posted from the Ladibug substack

    The question so many women ask when buying for their health — and why Ladibug is trying to solve it

    You’ve probably seen ads on TikTok or Instagram like:

    • “The multivitamin every woman should be taking.”

    • “Period pain relief with 10k+ five-star reviews!”

    • “Libido gummies that will change your life!”

    But have you ever paused to wonder: Does this actually work? What does the science say? Does the influencer even use the product?

    The Boom in Women’s Health Products

    Venture capital funding in women’s health has increased exponentially — up 300% since 2018. While that’s progress, it has also led to a wave of products with weak scientific backing or misleading claims.

    The supplement industry is one of the biggest culprits. Because it’s largely unregulated, brands can bring products to market with murky formulations and bold promises that aren’t always backed by science.

    Another fast-growing category is vaginal probiotics. Many ads claim they prevent yeast infections. But as we’ve discussed before, the evidence is thin and inconclusive. Some early data suggest they may help reduce bacterial vaginosis — but it’s far from a guarantee.

    Our point isn’t that you shouldn’t try them. You absolutely can. But women deserve all the facts before spending $100 on something the internet swears “absolutely works.”

    When Marketing Distorts the Facts: The TSS Tampon Example

    A powerful example is how some organic tampon brands market themselves as “safe from toxic shock syndrome (TSS).” Unfortunately, that’s misleading — no tampon, organic or otherwise, is completely exempt from TSS risk.

    This myth traces back to the 1980s. In 1980, Procter & Gamble’s Rely tampon — a highly absorbent product — was linked to a spike in TSS cases. It was immediately recalled, and the FDA launched public education efforts and required warning labels on tampon packaging.

    Even decades later, the fear is still leveraged in marketing: organic tampons are often portrayed as safer. But medically, the risk of TSS depends on tampon absorbency and how long it’s worn — not whether it’s “organic”.

    This is exactly why women need clear, evidence-based information — because marketing can distort facts.

    Why This Happens

    Here’s the tricky part: many founders in women’s health genuinely have good intentions. The problem isn’t always deception — it’s that research and clinical evidence around women’s health are still lagging behind.

    Historically, products have often been created first, with studies coming later. The shift we need to see is the opposite: data and clinical research driving product development. When that becomes the norm, we’ll start to see products that are truly effective.

    A Helpful Framework Ladibug Uses

    At Ladibug, we’re not here to tell you what to buy — or what not to buy. Our role is to make sure you have access to the facts that are often hidden, incomplete, or confusing before you spend your money.

    Take TENS machines for period pain relief: the clinical evidence is mixed, but many women swear by them.

    That’s why our medical advisory board uses a simple framework when evaluating products:

    • If it’s not harmful
    • If it may provide relief (even through placebo effects)

    …then why not? Placebo is powerful. Just because the data is inconclusive doesn’t mean your lived experience isn’t valid.

    Our Promise at Ladibug

    We’re not here to make your decisions for you. We’re here to equip you with the facts, data, and full picture so you can make more educated choices.