Tampons are menstrual products that are designed to absorb menstrual blood during menstruation. Unlike sanitary pads, they are inserted into the vaginal canal, and once they are placed correctly, they soak up the blood and prevent leakage.
According to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, tampons are one of the four most commonly used menstrual hygiene products. The other three include pads, pantyliners, and menstrual cups.
While the use of tampons is generally safe, Dr M Rajini, Consultant Gynaecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, believes that effectiveness and safety come with understanding the correct usage, risks, and hygiene practices. Therefore, here are five important measures every tampon-user should keep in mind:
Also Read: How Menstrual Symptoms Change In Your 20s, 30s, And 40s
Use Proper Insertion Technique
First things first. For tampon users, it is essential to ensure that you insert the tampon correctly to avoid discomfort and leakage.
Dr Rajini says, “Relax while inserting the tampon and follow the instructions provided with the product. If you experience pain or discomfort, remove the tampon and try again with a new one. If problems persist, consult a healthcare professional.”
Choose The Right Absorbency
It is important to know that tampons come with various absorbency levels, from light to super plus, says Dr Rajini, adding that selecting the correct absorbance for your flow is crucial to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with a bacterial infection.
The doctor advises using the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow and changing tampons regularly.
Change Tampons Frequently
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises changing each tampon every 4–8 hours and warns against wearing a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
According to Dr Rajini, leaving a tampon in for longer periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth, leading to infections or TSS.
Always follow the guidelines on the tampon package and set reminders if needed, she recommends.
Practice Good Hygiene
When using menstrual products, following proper hygiene practices like washing hands thoroughly before and after inserting or removing a tampon is of utmost importance.
“This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria into the vaginal area,” says Dr Rajini.
Additionally, always use tampons that are individually wrapped to ensure they remain clean before use, she adds.
Also Read: Pads, Tampons, And Menstrual Cups: How Often Should You Change Them?
Be Aware of TSS Symptoms
As discussed, TSS is a rare but serious condition associated with tampon use. If you’re a tampon user, it is important to be aware of its symptoms, which include:
- Sudden high fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- A rash resembling a sunburn
- Muscle aches
Dr. Rajini says, “If you experience these symptoms, remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention. Educate yourself about TSS and remain vigilant for any signs.”
Conclusion
Tampon is a convenient and effective menstrual product. As compared to sanitary pads, they’re more environment-friendly, though not entirely. However, if you’re a tampon-user, it is crucial to take proper precautions and to follow its guidelines. Before using, learn all about the insertion techniques and the hygiene practices to follow thereafter. This can help prevent infections or more serious conditions like the TSS.