How to Use a Tampon Properly

During our great-grandmother's day, young women used pieces of cloths or rags during their menstrual cycle. By the end of the 1800s commercial pads were used in the United States, and by the 1940s tampons were being used. Unlike pads, tampons provided women with a sense of freedom and liberation, as the sanitary devise was inserted in the body, and if properly inserted, was not felt by the wearer.

Instructions

1. Choose the tampon according to absorbency in relation to your menstrual flow. Super absorbent tampons should not be used during low flow days, as they tend to pose a higher risk to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare bacterial infection that has been linked to the use of super absorbent tampons, and can be fatal.

2. Wash your hands before (and after) inserting and removing the tampon to avoid possible infections and disease.

3. Use the tampon after the menstrual flow has begun. One should not be inserted if no flow is occurring.

4. Insert the tampon while sitting or standing in a comfortable position. Hold the tampon with the fingers of your writing hand. Position the tampon so the tip is directed into the vagina, with the string at the opposite end. If the tampon has an insertion tube the tube will be in two pieces, with an outer tube, and an inner tube that slips inside the outer tube. The string will be dangling from one end of the inner tube.

5. Spread the opening to the vagina with your free hand, and gently push the tampon into the opening at an angle, aiming at the middle of your lower back. If at the correct angle it should not be uncomfortable.

6. Stop when the outer tube is completely inside your body. With your index finger, push the inner tube into the outer tube, which will insert the tampon the rest of the way.

7. Remove the insertion tube by pulling from the body, without disrupting the string, which should be dangling from the opening. Insertion techniques may differ, depending on the brand of tampon and not all tampons include an insertion tube.

8. Change the tampons every four to eight hours, or more frequently if necessary. Changing more frequently will depend on your flow. If blood leakage begins to appear on the string or if the tampon begins to feel uncomfortable, it should be changed. When urinating, if you gently tug on the string, and the tampon easily slips from your body, it needs to be changed.

9. Remove the inserted tampon, by pulling on the string, before inserting a new one. If you are in a hurry, make sure you removed the used tampon before replacing it.

10. Alternate pads with tampons. Some recommend using pads at night, and tampons during the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not flush the used tampons or tubes, even if they say flushable. Many plumbing systems cannot handle this type of refuse, and it can cause an embarrassing plumbing stoppage. Wrap in toilet paper and dispose of in the trash or tampon disposal can in the public restroom. Contact your physician immediately, and remove the tampon if you experience a sudden high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, a rash or lightheadedness, as these are signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

References

• Young Woman's Health