Tampons offer an effective solution to manage your period, directly absorbing menstrual flow to reduce leakage and odour.
FDA-cleared tampons are typically constructed from cotton or rayon, and the bleaching process used does not involve elemental chlorine – an environmental pollutant that produces dioxins.
Always change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours and be sure to wrap the plastic applicator with toilet paper before disposing. Doing so is key for preventing TSS, an uncommon yet life-threatening condition.
Origins
Since ancient times, people have used tampons as both menstruation absorbers and contraceptives. Egyptian women used soft papyrus tampons made of papyrus to alleviate their gynecological concerns; Hippocrates noted that Greek women used pessaries made of lint or crocodile or elephant dung for contraception (although these may also have served as sources of infection).
Earle Haas first developed the telescoping cardboard tube applicator tampon in 1930. Later, he sold its patent to Gertrude Tendrich of Denver who began sewing them by hand and eventually expanded her business under the brand Tampax.
Tampons were widely seen as safe and convenient prior to reports of TSS appearing, however this health scare sparked a change in perspective on their safety and composition, prompting more natural products.
Design
Over 90 years have gone by without significant innovation to tampon designs; now however, an innovative new concept may bring major disruption–and make periods easier for women.
Current tampons typically used by most are small cylindrical plugs made of absorbent cotton and rayon (a semi-synthetic fiber), enclosed within an applicator barrel and disposable plunger made of plastic.
In the United States, tampons are considered medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must go through testing that will show they won’t alter vaginal microflora growth.
But Nadya believes period companies have an obligation to create more sustainable products, dispel menstrual stigma, and expand the selection of feminine hygiene options available. Therefore she has dedicated herself to improving and expanding this aspect of feminine hygiene options available today.
Absorption
Tampons absorb menstrual blood directly at its point of contact, minimizing unpleasant odor and leakage while simultaneously creating less bulk and permitting active lifestyles.
Tampons are constructed using both cotton and rayon for optimal absorption, with rayon being an industrial material containing dioxin that has been linked to cancer. Toxic shock syndrome can result from leaving a tampon in too long; thus it’s essential that proper use guidelines be observed.
To reduce the risk of TSS, always choose a tampon with a small, wide head design – this makes insertion and removal much simpler! On light flow days, opt for one with a smaller applicator so as to facilitate easier slipping in place and decrease dry removal sensations caused by larger heads.
Leakage
Leaky tampons can be annoying, embarrassing and even life threatening – not only are they uncomfortable but they pose an increased risk for toxic shock syndrome – it is recommended to change them every four to eight hours with the lowest absorbency possible.
But sometimes a leaky tampon isn’t the result of its own design; it may be indicative of an underlying health problem. Some women may suffer from prolapse – an illness in which internal tissues of pelvic organs become weakened and lose structure over time, leading to loss of structure within.
It can cause the uterus to push through through the vaginal opening and expel menstrual blood, often mistaken for tampon leakage. For this reason, it’s also essential that tampons are correctly inserted and not too far from vaginal opening – this will avoid them sitting where period blood collects, and allow it to leak early.
Safety
While generally considered safe, current commercially available tampons contain chemicals which pose significant health risks. This is due to the highly permeable linings of vagina and vulva which allow rapid absorption of chemicals and metals from core materials into systemic circulation and may lead to harm, including endocrine disruption, cancerous growths, fertility challenges or birth defects.
Manufacturers should adopt voluntary policies that require transparency in their sourcing and manufacturing processes, reduce levels of harmful metals and chemicals in tampons, inform consumers about risks fully, and support regulatory frameworks such as the US Tampon Safety and Research Act.
Organizations such as Menstrual Equity for All can help foster this reform.
