Should you Use Tampons or Menstrual Cups after a C-section?

Tampons are popular among the younger women because they provide double protection than sanitary pads. But should you be using them if you had C section? Let’s find out. 

Your vagina becomes sensitive after a C-section; therefore, it is important for you to take extra care to prevent any kind of infections. 

Tampons after C-section Delivery

According to experts theoretically there is no problem if a woman uses tampons after a C section, but chances of getting an infection are still there which will hamper the wound healing. Besides, new moms are so busy taking care of their little bundle of joy that they often forget to change their tampons. This soiled tampon may cause germs to build-up along with blood and mucus, which may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome. However, changing the tampon every 4 hours may reduce your risk of getting the infection.

Also Read: What causes vaginal atropy in women?

When can one safely start using tampons after a C- section?

As soon as you feel that you can take care of your tampons by changing them frequently, it is safe to start using them. 

After six weeks, things will probably get back to normal for you and your baby would start to settle down into a routine. However, your period may not return for up to a year if you’re breastfeeding your baby and once they resume, the first few menstrual cycles may be heavy. You can start using tampons at this stage. 

However, you must never use tampons at any time other than when you have heavy periods.  It increases chances of infections and is painful to remove due to friction.

What about the Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups function by sitting on the mouth of the uterus like a cap and collect all the menstrual blood coming out of the uterus. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct size of the cup as an incorrect size would not only be ineffective but also painful to insert into the vagina.

The same principles for usage apply to the menstrual cup and one needs to remove them and wash them every 3-4 hours.

Also Read: Dear ladies, your sanitary pads and tampons can mess with your well being and the environment. Time to know about the better alternative

Sanitary Pads: the Safest Option

Sanitary pads remain a safe option at any given point in time as you don’t have to insert them into your vagina. Maternity pads are available to catch the heavy flow of blood in the initial few days after delivery. They can cause friction and rashes if the skin is getting rubbed against it too often as may be the case in women with bulky thighs. It is recommended that sanitary pads be changed at least every 6-8 hours to keep the skin dry and infection free.

Image source: Getty

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