Tampons are an accessible and safe option for menstrual protection, being nearly invisible, easy to use, and available with various absorbency levels. However, they should still be changed regularly if your flow is heavy; to stay safe.
For light to moderate flow, choose tampons with lower absorbency levels while for heavier days opt for those with higher absorbency levels.
They are nearly invisible
Tampons can be nearly invisible when worn correctly, thanks to their slight curved shape which helps them slip inside easily. Unfortunately, however, they may not always fit perfectly and this may result in pain or leaks; to prevent this happening again try sizing up.
In the nineteenth century, tampons were created using antiseptic wool that medical professionals would sew together with a string for easy insertion. They were only available to women who required them for medical reasons like gynecological conditions or infections.
Modern tampons are constructed using both cotton and viscose rayon, both materials which allow them to absorb more fluid while remaining leak-proof and have lower environmental impact than cotton tampons.
An office worker may be tempted to hide her tampons in her desk drawer or locker; however, this practice should be avoided as it could expose women to potentially hazardous chemicals and result in toxic shock syndrome.
They are easy to use
Tampons can be easy to use if you follow the instructions on their packaging, while cleaning your hands first to avoid introducing bacteria into the vagina. There are tampons with extendable applicators or without, called digital, with different absorbency rates, but selecting the one best suited to your flow is crucial; too small could lead to leakage while too large increases risk for TSS.
TSS (tampon-strep syndrome) is an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening infection caused by bacteria. To lower your risk, make sure you switch tampons every three to four hours, opting for lower absorbency ones and wearing pantyliners/backup pads; these will keep tampons secure while helping avoid leakage. If bacterial infections occur, call your physician immediately; alternatively try switching products altogether.
They are reusable
Reusable tampons are constructed from sponge, cloth or silicone and can be cleaned and reused over multiple uses. To sterilize them according to manufacturer instructions they can either be boiled in hot water for sterilization, soaked in disinfectant solution or rinsed and dried thoroughly after each use – their hygienic safety will depend on how effectively these items are cleaned and stored away after each use.
At its invention, there were social concerns over women touching their sex organs during menstrual cycles. Some believed using a tampon would result in them losing their virginity or shattering the vaginal opening’s hymen membrane – two fears which remain today.
Today’s market offers an abundance of washable period products with no applicators and funky patterns to fit any style. Many companies also provide subscription services that can help ensure you never run out of supplies or create waste. Organic options are another great choice, being sustainably produced. They may be especially beneficial if you have sensitivities against synthetics or rayon.
They are safe
Tampons are governed by the FDA and manufacturers provide safety information and usage instructions that adhere to safe use practices. Furthermore, there is a variety of sizes to accommodate women’s flows. However, regardless of its safety features or recommended use instructions a tampon must be changed every four to six hours to prevent leakage and potentially lethal Toxic Shock Syndrome infections that could arise from wearing the same one for too long.
Tamper-proof applicators can help women avoid accidental leaks. When inserting their tampon, place the applicator at the bottom rather than at the top, to reduce fecal contamination of their string tampon.
Use the lowest absorbency tampon that meets your needs; higher-absorbency options could increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome by allowing TSST-1 and SPE-A, the toxins released during removal, to directly enter your bloodstream. Also avoid wearing it for more than eight hours to reduce lingering infections like vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis; finally do not use fragranced feminine hygiene products which expose women to phthalates, an endocrine disrupter linked to developmental issues by research.
