Tampons are cylindrical products used to absorb menstrual blood during periods. There is a range of sizes and absorbency strengths available so that you can select what best fits your flow pattern.
Search for organic tampons free of rayon, dyes and chlorine bleaching; additionally consider applicator-free models which require manual insertion using your fingertips and reduce waste.
They are made of cotton and viscose rayon
With the TSS scare in 1980, manufacturers ceased the use of synthetic materials in tampons. Since then, FDA regulations only permit products made of cotton or rayon or combinations thereof; however, tampon strings may still contain trace chemicals like plastics and dyes which could leach into vaginal tissues, potentially causing irritation.
Tampons contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic that could have harmful health impacts for women, such as neurodegenerative disorders and bone loss. These could come from soil or water used for cotton farming or pesticide application on cotton plants – or they could simply have leaked through due to excessive pesticide usage on these crops. Furthermore, these metals could have negative impacts on women’s health such as neurological dysfunctions and bone loss.
Though tampons may be safer than pads, they may cause transverse abdominal stress syndrome in some women. Therefore, it’s essential to change your tampon every 4-6 hours and follow general hygiene tips for best results. Furthermore, many come equipped with plastic or cardboard applicators.
They are more absorbent than pads
Tampons are an inserted menstrual hygiene product used to absorb blood during menstruation. Tampons come in different sizes and absorption capacities; users can choose whether or not to use an applicator; they’re less bulky than pads, so can easily be worn under tight clothing.
Tampons may be an appropriate option for women looking to participate in physically intense activities while on their period. It is important to keep in mind, however, that tampons may lead to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections which cause itching, burning and fishy-smelling vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese odor.
Tampons may be difficult to use at first, and many people need some practice before becoming adept. Furthermore, they pose the threat of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), an potentially life-threatening condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. To minimize risk for TSS and stay protected, women should change their tampon every 4-8 hours and choose one with lower absorbency during her first few menstrual cycles.
They are more environmentally friendly
Use of tampons with cardboard applicators instead of plastic ones is one way to reduce environmental impact, while using sustainable models featuring an organic cotton applicator or buying from companies who donate funds towards ending period poverty is another.
Tampons are more eco-friendly than pads due to requiring less energy for production, yet the main environmental impact comes from processing of their raw materials; many brands utilize low-density polyethylene in making applicators and wrappers, which requires energy intensive processing while emitting chemicals into the environment.
Tampons may present another risk: toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Although rare, TSS can be lethal. To lower your chances of TSS and minimize any possible fatalities from it, change tampons every four hours while avoiding those made from synthetic materials that release chemicals that disrupt hormone balances.
They are less expensive
Since 2012, tampon sales tax in many US states has been widely known as the pink tax and has had an adverse impact on women and girls who menstruate, as well as low-income people. If this tax were eliminated it would help women afford the necessary products to maintain good health during periods.
tampon’s invention provided women with greater options for managing menstrual flow effectively, yet increased the risk of TSS (tampon-associated severe shock syndrome). Since 1970, however, TSS cases have declined substantially due to increased educational efforts from both manufacturers and FDA as well as more informative tampon labels and enhanced labeling practices.
Taampon costs can be one of the biggest barriers to access for menstruators from marginalized communities, especially racial or socioeconomic minorities. Cultural stigma surrounding menstruation and beliefs that it makes women impur can also prevent some individuals from seeking protection or standing up for their rights.
