Tampons are made from cotton and rayon blend fabric that absorb menstrual blood and have both an outer barrel and inner applicator with strings for ease of placement and removal.
Before the introduction of tampons, women used papyrus, natural sponges or tightly wrapped clothing as sources for menstruation. Earle Haas invented and patented the first modern tampon with an internal tube-within-tube applicator in 1930s.
Absorbent Material
Menstrual pads, on the other hand, are meant to absorb and retain menstrual blood outside the vagina. Tampons typically make use of cotton and rayon materials with either plastic or cardboard applicators and fragrance options as desired.
Earl Haas invented and patented the first modern tampon in 1931. Made of tightly compacted cotton and designed like a bullet shape with an attached string at its base for withdrawal, Haas’ original version used a paper or cardboard applicator; later versions featured plastic or digital applicators instead.
Tampons are the primary method of period protection used by women in developed countries, although menstrual cups and cloths are also available. Although widely used, tampons have been linked with serious health risks including toxic shock syndrome and cervical cancer; research into alternative menstrual products continues as campaigns are launched to dis-stigmatize menstruation while providing greater access to affordable yet healthy feminine hygiene products.
Applicator
An applicator is a tool used to apply substances or products. It is commonly used for applying makeup, skin care products and hair dye. An applicator may also be used for inserting tampons into the vagina and comes in various sizes and absorbencies suitable for heavier or lighter periods – the latter feature an applicator on one end for easy insertion into vagina.
Earle Haas of Chicago patented the modern tampon with its tube-within-tube design in 1931; Gertrude Schulte Tenderich later produced Tampax brand tampons using Haas’ patent.
Many women find tampons straightforward to use, while some experience difficulty due to their small size and application device. Tampons may pose special difficulties for individuals who suffer from conditions that limit fine motor skills or hand strength such as arthritis or cerebral palsy; additionally, access can be limited due to poverty and stigmatism.
Packaging
As you wander the feminine care aisle in your supermarket, chances are that pink, baby blue and soft yellow colors will dominate. These are typical choices used for feminine hygiene products – visual cliches which could potentially add embarrassment for some users.
THINX, one of several new tampon brands, has broken from this pink and floral language and uses gender neutral language that normalizes menstruation. Backed by an active group of feminists, their products are intended to be inclusive for trans and nonbinary women as well.
New tampon packaging features hermetic longitudinal seals 25 and cross-seals 26 that secure the tampon while still allowing it to expand and contract as necessary. In addition, this packaging contains a tampon-shaped inner wrapper with an extensible bottom web that snugly fits it before being sealed to the outer shell with hermetic seals; making insertion easy.
Safety
Tampons have long been recognized for their safe use. Regulated as Class II medical devices by the FDA, these products must go through premarket safety evaluation and testing as well as postmarket surveillance from both parties involved.
The FDA has also developed a guidance document for menstrual products in order to provide manufacturers with recommendations regarding premarket clinical studies and 510(k) submissions, streamlining the regulatory process for these devices and making sure women have access to valuable information regarding safe tampon use.
Tampons are generally safe to use, though proper usage will help avoid TSS and serious health complications such as cervical cancer. If you need assistance using your tampon correctly, consult with your physician. Also remember to always wash your hands prior and after handling it for maximum hygiene protection against infections such as yeast infections and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
