Tampons are pocket-sized cardboard or plastic applicators filled with absorbent material. When correctly applied, tampons collect menstrual blood before it exits the body – most girls don’t even feel them when properly placed! Change tampons every four to six hours to prevent leakage and the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
People with limited fine motor skills or hand strength may find it challenging to use tampons. Some alternatives could include pads, cups or free flow.
What is a tampon?
Tampons are menstrual products made of cotton and rayon that absorb blood and other fluid during menstruations periods. Their outer barrel houses absorbent material while an applicator at the end can help apply it directly. Available in various sizes and absorbency levels, it’s essential to choose one suitable for you; using one that doesn’t fit properly may cause leaks and discomfort as well as increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome – so selecting one suitable to you is of utmost importance!
Many individuals with disabilities struggle to insert and remove tampons due to their small size and awkward design, making it hard for them to insert or remove them easily. Redesigning gender-neutral packaging to be more accessible could make these easier for individuals with limited hand strength or fine motor skills to use. Furthermore, people may face stigmatism associated with discussing their periods and finding appropriate menstrual products which further restricts access.
How do I use a tampon?
Before using a tampon, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed with soap. Unwrap it and remove its wrapper’s bottom piece before beginning use.
First, find an appropriate position. This could involve sitting on a toilet with knees apart or standing with one leg on a chair; and taking several deep breaths will help relax muscles.
Once in position, slide your tampon through your vagina. It should slide in easily; but keep in mind that your flow may fluctuate throughout the day and you may need to change more frequently on certain days than others.
Change your tampon every four to six hours to prevent leakage and possible toxic shock syndrome (TSS) infections. If you suspect TSS symptoms such as fever, severe muscle ache and vomiting or diarrhea call an adult immediately.
How do I change a tampon?
Tampons are small cardboard or plastic applicators equipped with absorbent materials that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. While they can remain on for up to eight hours at once, at least every four to six hours they should be changed for optimal health and to reduce risks such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
To properly insert a tampon, first remove it from its packaging and wash your hands. If it contains an applicator, hold its grip between your thumb and middle finger at an angle towards your lower back before positioning its tip over your vulva and pushing gently with your index finger until the tampon feels comfortable in its place.
If tampon insertion is difficult for you, this could be caused by either an extremely narrow hymen or vaginismus (when pelvic muscles involuntarily contract). To combat this issue, try different sizes or consult with a gynecologist; smaller and rounder-edged tampons tend to be easier for insertion than those with thicker square edges.
How do I dispose of a tampon?
Many women don’t realize that tampons cannot be flushed safely down toilets due to clogs and their environmental impacts, making changing your tampon every four or six hours and not leaving it longer in place the best way to reduce toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Always follow instructions in your tampon insert; using an app or calendar reminders could also help ensure regular changes of your tampon are kept.
Apart from avoiding TSS, it’s also crucial that used tampons are properly disposed of. You can do this by wrapping it with toilet paper or the wrapper from your replacement period product and placing it in the bin; keeping tampons in pockets or bags may lead to bad smells forming over time.
TSS (tamponade syndrome syndrome) is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening condition caused when an improperly inserted tampon absorbs too much blood, increasing temperature and toxin levels significantly, potentially leading to severe vaginal infections and potentially leading to death.
