Let’s Talk about Tampons
When we get our first period it’s most likely to use pads. But as we grow up and involve in different physical activities use of a hygienic pad can be uncomfortable and not that convenient. Especially in summer when we want to go swimming or wear fashionable clothes, the use of tampons comes in very handy. For most of the girls using tampons for the first time, it may be a little uncomfortable but once you get used to it, you will never feel like switching to a pad. The perfect time to switch to tampons is once you get familiar with your period cycle and flow.
So, What is a Tampon!!!!
A tampon is one of the intimate hygiene products designed to absorb menstrual flow during the menstrual cycle. It consists of a head and tail. It (Head part) is inserted inside the vagina by the use of or without the applicator and the tail is left so it is easy to pull out of the vagina. Once a tampon is inserted correctly inside the vagina, it expands as it soaks the blood. It not only soaks the blood but also absorbs the other vagina flow.
Tampons are usually made of soft materials like cotton, or rayon, or a blend of rayon along with synthetic fibers. Some of the Tampons are also made with organic cotton. Bleaching agents are used to making the fabric white which is free from elements like chlorine. This process helps in preventing products from having dangerous levels of dioxin.
All of the tampons are not fragrant. Some of them might have fragrances depending upon the brand to reduce odors that may be present during the menstrual cycle. The fragrance is usually not necessary in the tampon as changing tampons regularly get rids of the odor. The presence of the fragrance can irritate the vagina in some girls.
Are Tampons found in different types!!!
Tampons are usually uniform in shape and its design consists of the head and tail. But it’s size can vary depending upon the absorbent capacity. Based on the absorbances different sizes of tampons can be found like light, regular, and super/heavy flow tampons. It is suggested to use the lowest or lightest absorbency tampons which last for a few hours. The size of the tampons must be chosen based on the menstrual fluid passed during a short time frame rather than using larger capacity tampons which can hold for a longer duration of time so that the chance of getting an infection can be reduced.
The working mechanism of a Tampon!!!!
A tampon is made of absorbent material for soaking menstrual flow, but it’s compressed into a small tube for easy use. The head part which is inserted inside the vagina has absorbent properties that soak all the period flow and other vagina flow. As the blood gets soaked into the tampon. It expands and gets enlarged. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbances capacity for heavier and lighter periods. Tampons need to be changed in between certain time intervals to prevent leakage and further risk of infection. The small thread attached to it is there for the easy removal of tampons. Tampons are single-use, not reusable as there will be a risk of infection.
After knowing all about Tampon, Wondering about how to use it!!!
Tampons may or may not come with an applicator. An applicator is a small stick made of cardboard or plastic which helps to insert the tampon into the vagina. Even if there is no applicator one can simply put it inside the vagina with your finger. Before using it, we need to wash our hands thoroughly and get into a comfortable position. You can sit on the toilet with your knee apart, or put one leg up, or squat. Depending upon what kind of tampons you have, you can insert a tampon inside your vagina by the use of an applicator or with your fingers. The foremost thing is, you can easily and comfortably insert the tampon only when you are relaxed. If you are having trouble pushing the tampon then you can even use the lubricant on the tip of the tampon or applicator. Tampons wrapper and applicator should never be flushed, it needs to be thrown into the trash can. It is suggested that one needs to change a tampon every 4–8 hours. You should never leave a tampon for more than 8 hours.
Tampon has two parts; the main body part and a small string attached to it, the tail. A string is left hanging out of your vagina and you can take the tampon out by gently pulling the string. The used tampons need to be wrapped in a wrapper properly and thrown into a bin.
Step by Step process showing how to use tampons.
Remember every product comes with pros and cons!!!
Benefits of using a Tampon.
Tampons are used during the menstruation cycle. They are more convenient, and hygienic to use as most of the expelled blood is soaked into the tampon. It can be left in while urinating, it only needs to be handled at the time of inserting and removing. The use of an applicator can be handy and hygienic as it prevents exposure to menstrual fluids. You can even use the bathroom tissue to remove the tampons and prevent direct handling from hands to any expelled blood.
Tampons are smaller in size due to which storing and carrying is easier and convenient. By the use of the tampon, you can involve in different kinds of activities too like swimming, running, which is not possible during the use of a pad. Another benefit of using tampons versus pad or cup is that most of the female does not feel a tampon once it is inserted.
Tampons do have some contradictions too.
Prolonged use of tampons can cause an illness called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It is rare but dangerous. TSS is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Such toxic substances can harm your other organs, and even cause shock.
During the use of tampon if you have symptoms like vomiting, high fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, sore throat, dizziness, fainting, weakness, feeling of sunburn type rash then you need to seek medical help immediately. To prevent the risk of TSS, the lowest absorbency tampons are suggested to use and need to be changed every 4–8 hours or as often as required.
Pushing a tampon into the vagina usually does not hurt, but it may require a little practice in the beginning. You need to learn to be relaxed and place yourself in the best position to use the tampon. But if pushing a tampon is very painful then you need to talk to your doctor as you may have some medical condition that can be figured out by medical experts only.
But as long as you correctly use the tampon, there is no significant harm to your body. So one needs to know the product thoroughly beforehand before actually using it.
Curious about if Tampon can be used in Pregnancy and lactation!!!
One should never use a tampon during pregnancy for any kind of bleeding that one experiences. For any vaginal discharge during pregnancy tampons should not be used as it may possess the threat of bringing germs, bacteria, and irritation to your vagina. These can cause infection and can impact the development of the baby. Tampons are not to be used during pregnancy because one can have wounds where the placenta is joined with the wall of the womb. Further, one can have tears or cuts in or around the vagina. To use a tampon again, one needs to wait until you have had your postnatal check at around six weeks. And if the doctor gets you a green signal, then you can start the use of a tampon.
A little sharing out of my own experiences!!!
I prefer a tampon over a pad. They are more convenient, easy, and comfortable to use. I can get involved in different activities without any worry of leakage and a constant feeling of wet materials lying underneath my undergarment. Also, they are easy to dispose of as they are small in size.
But before anything else, we need to know our product and our own body. We need to be familiar with the product and follow the instructions written on it carefully. I would suggest using organic cotton tampons rather than synthetic ones as it will have fewer chances of any infection over synthetic tampons. If you have trouble regarding the use of a tampon and having second thoughts about it, it is best to talk about it with friends, mother, and sister. Making oneself relaxed is the key to using a tampon. In the beginning, it may require practice but once you get used to it there is no returning.
Conclusion remarks!!!!
There is always a first time for everything so take your time if you are not familiar and comfortable enough to use the product. Get to know about it and a little bit of courage and practice won’t hurt you. Usually, the beginning is hard after that everything will sail it off smoothly. If you are worried about breaking the hymen, then let go of that thought as tampons should not harm your hymen.
You might feel discomfort during the first cycle using a tampon. So it is good to use smaller size tampons for a first-timer to get familiar with the product and to adjust to your body. When you are new to using a tampon, it is better to use fingers rather than an applicator to achieve more comfortable insertion. There might be leakage during the earlier use due to the position fitting of the tampons so it is suggested to panty liner for backup. Such an experiment also helps in choosing the right tampon size and to know your menstrual flow.
Physically active or sportswomen should use super/ heavy flow tampons as they are designed to flex naturally during increased exercise. A tampon should be inserted as deep as the applicator allows for the beginner. Never forget to let the string hang for easy removal.
Choosing the right size of tampon requires some experimentation and once you have mastered the right level of absorbency, materials type, flow, type of applicator, and even scent you can easily and comfortably use the tampon.
Rating!!!
I would give a tampon 3.5/5. There are many beneficial aspects of it but still, it has got some risk factors to health. Since not all the tampons and especially tampons with an applicator are non-biodegradable it is not environmentally friendly too.
