Tampons are cotton/rayon blends designed to soak up menstrual blood. Available with or without an applicator, tampons must first be cleaned off with warm soapy water before finding an ideal position – either squatting down, sitting on the toilet with knees apart, or standing with one leg up are all acceptable forms. To use one successfully, clean both hands first before finding one that works for you – either squatting down, sitting with knees apart on a toilet seat, or standing with one leg up.
Absorbency
Tampons come in various sizes based on how much absorption capacity they can accommodate (regulated by the FDA). Most feature a string that easily wraps around them for easy insertion, though some people opt to forgo applicators in favor of more eco-friendly options.
To manage moderate menstrual flow, medium absorbency tampons may be best. But keep in mind that every women’s cycle differs and changes over time, so having multiple absorbency levels available is crucial for period comfort.
LOLA offers organic cotton tampons that are GOTS certified, free from unpronounceable ingredients, designed for effortless insertion and removal. Cora’s biodegradable tampons offer women an environmentally-friendly option; these reusable options feature four absorbency levels to choose from.
Ease of Use
Tampons offer discreet yet convenient protection for individuals leading active lives. Unlike pads which must be worn outside the body, tampons can be concealed internally for easy and discreet use.
Tampons can also be easily inserted and removed by hand, making them especially helpful for individuals living with conditions which reduce fine motor skills or hand strength, such as arthritis, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
To insert a tampon, place the rounded tip of an applicator at the opening of your vagina and carefully push inward until you feel its touch against your fingers. Keep any strings left outside as they will later be used for removal. Afterward, discard cardboard or plastic barrel in an approved sanitary bin after inserting your tampon; always wash hands both before and after using a tampon; this can help reduce risk for TSS (Testicular Staphylococcus Syphilis), caused by bacteria found naturally present within some women’s vaginal structures.
Changes Every Few Hours
Girls experiencing heavy periods may need to change tampons more often. Tampons, which absorb blood directly into the vagina, can be used alone or combined with other period protection products like pads and pantyliners for effective period protection.
Girls preparing to insert a tampon should use the index finger of their dominant hand to separate labia at the opening of their vagina, using their index finger of that hand as well. When holding their tampon between thumb and second finger with its string facing downward.
Gently insert the tampon using their index finger into their vagina, taking care not to touch its string once inside.
Girls must change tampons every 4-8 hours, especially while sleeping, to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), an uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection. To safeguard against TSS, girls should always use the lowest absorbency tampon for their flow while using a pad or pantyliner as backup protection.
Environmentally Friendly
As more consumers embrace sustainability-minded practices, more brands are offering organic and biodegradable menstrual products. Many of these options are free from synthetic dyes and fragrances as well as chemically treated cotton or applicators – ideal options for consumers interested in sustainable practices.
Select eco-friendly tampons made of organic cotton grown using natural fertilizers and without pesticides to both protect the environment and maintain feminine wellbeing. Other eco-friendly elements may include biodegradable or compostable wrappers or applicators constructed of cornstarch-based bioplastics, cellulose or cardboard – plus eco-friendly applicators with cornstarch-based applicators made out of materials like cornstarch-based bioplastics or cornstarch-based applicators made out of materials like cornstarch-based bioplastics or cardboard for optimal use.
There are also tampons that are free from sulfates and chlorine bleaching, reducing the risk of dioxin exposure. Some brands also utilize biodegradable or water-soluble wrappers that break down more quickly in the environment than traditional plastic ones.
