About Tampons
Tampons are the most popular form of menstrual flow control for women and girls in the United States. They are absorbent cylinders that are inserted into the vagina, and are usually made from a combination of cotton and rayon; 100% cotton brands are also available. Tampons may be used alone or in combination with a panty liner or menstrual pad to provide backup protection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Type
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Tampons are grouped according to the amount of menstrual fluid they can absorb. Light or Junior tampons can absorb up to 6 grams of fluid and are when there is little flow. Regular tampons hold between 6 and 9 grams and are best on average flow days. Super tampons absorb 9 to 12 grams of fluid; these are typically used on the first or second day of a period, when flow is relatively heavy. Women with especially heavy periods may prefer Super Plus or Ultra absorbency tampons, which hold 12 to 15 and 15 to 18 grams, respectively.
Features
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Modern tampons come with a variety of features, most of which are variations in the applicator. Some brands of tampons do not include an applicator, which makes them more compact and gives more control over insertion to the user. Tampon applicators are made of plastic or cardboard, depending on the brand and style. Cardboard applicators are usually flushable; plastic applicators, which must be disposed of in the wastebasket, offer the advantage of a smoother surface for more comfortable insertion. Compact tampons have a collapsible applicator that makes them convenient to carry in a small handbag or wallet.
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Benefits
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Most women find that tampons, when correctly inserted, are more comfortable than menstrual pads. They produce fewer odors, since menstrual fluid is protected from the air. Tampons are also virtually invisible under clothing, unlike pads, which may produce a telltale bulge when worn with snug pants or shorts.
Misconceptions
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Although girls who have recently started menstruating are often nervous about using tampons, there is no reason to delay use until a later age. Tampons are safe for use by any girl old enough to have had her first period, regardless of whether she is a virgin. It is extremely unlikely that a tampon would break the hymen; if insertion is uncomfortable, it is almost certainly due to incorrect technique. Despite rumors to the contrary, tampons cannot get "lost" inside the body. The opening of the cervix is far too small to permit a tampon from entering the uterus.
Risk Factors
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Tampon use is associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a serious and occasionally fatal infection caused by staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms of TSS include sudden, high fever, vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, sore throat, headache and a rash that resembles sunburn. If you experience any of these symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove it immediately and seek medical care. TSS is extremely rare among women and girls who are using tampons correctly; when it does occur, it is almost always a result of leaving a tampon in for too long. Tampons should always be removed after a maximum of 8 hours.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons image by Chelsea Oakes
