Tampons are pocket-sized cardboard or plastic applicators filled with absorbent material that are used during periods. You should insert one into your vagina and wear it for up to eight hours, changing every four or six hours as required.
First time users of tampons may feel anxious, but don’t be alarmed; just follow the instructions provided with your package and all should go smoothly.
Absorbency
Dependent upon your flow level, select a tampon with appropriate absorbency to avoid leaks and discomfort while also decreasing your risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Most tampons feature an absorbency rating on their boxes that indicates how much blood they can hold. Girls using the appropriate absorbency level for their menstrual flow and changing them frequently can significantly lower the risk of TSS. Should any signs arise that indicate TSS symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.
Some tampons feature an innovative design to maximize their absorbency, such as having an expanded gel core that helps it absorb faster than regular tampons or having an ergonomic rounded shape that provides greater coverage and comfort. Others boast slim and compact applicators for easier insertion while some include features like protective veil protection, central channels or moisture wicking properties to improve performance further.
Discretion
Tampons are designed to be worn inside the vagina, where they absorb menstrual blood directly at its source and allow you to go about your day more discreetly and confidently.
Even with lower rates of reported TSS cases, some individuals may still feel awkward or self-conscious when using tampons. Some also hold false beliefs that using a tampon will break their hymen – this is simply not the case; each woman has her own individual hymen which varies in shape, thickness and elasticity depending on individual lifestyle choices.
Some individuals with disabilities find it challenging to understand complex product usage instructions, so having freely accessible dispensers of tampons and pads along with clear signage in washrooms helps de-stigmatize them while also enabling menstruators to access them independently. Many menstruators utilize both types of products during their period depending on life circumstances and comfort levels; studies show that 18% of women choose situationally between pads for heavy days such as sports activities and discreet overnight protection provided by a tampon.
Convenience
As opposed to pads, tampons are designed for discretion and portability – fitting easily into purses or pockets while remaining undetectable under clothing. Tampons can also be easy to insert if chosen with an applicator for ease of use; young girls and adolescents often prefer these styles over those without.
Tampons come in all sorts of shapes and sizes with different absorbencies to suit individual flow levels, as well as features like leak protection or odor control. No matter which style tampon you wear, make sure that when inserting or removing one that your hands are thoroughly washed to reduce bacterial infections risk and change it every 4-6 hours if possible to prevent TSS.
TSS cases associated with tampons have decreased over the years, likely as a result of better labeling and education from both FDA and manufacturers.
Safety
Tampons undergo rigorous safety assessments before being made available for sale in the US market, including material composition analysis, vaginal mucosa testing, in vitro tests for potential TSS risks and post-marketing surveillance.
While heavy metals such as arsenic and lead are toxic, some women’s hygiene products such as tampons, pads and other feminine hygiene items contain trace amounts that cannot be absorbed through skin absorption; therefore, these low amounts are considered safe to use.
Tampons may offer lower risk of TSS than pads when used properly; in particular if they’re changed every four to six hours and adhered to package directions. Reported rates have decreased over the years likely due to more informative tampon labeling and educational efforts by manufacturers; nonetheless, TSS may still occur so it’s essential that women be aware of its symptoms so medical assistance may be sought if needed.
