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May 01, 2006
Using tampons: Facts and Myths
by MariAnne
 Lately, tampons became the common choice and it seems that every woman know everything about it. However, not everyone knows real facts about tampons, and are some myths really true?! Should one use pads or tampons, and what kind of pads or tampons is recommended? Are there any risks or dangers in using tampons?Is it good to wear tampons?It is important to know that wearing pads or tampons is a matter of personal preference. Pads, or sanitary napkins, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and absorbencies, while overnight types are usually the bulkiest and the most absorbent. Panty liners are the smallest and the least absorbent. Women use different products depending on the heaviness of their flow, so there is no recommendation which one you should use.
Tampons are made of soft absorbent material and are inserted into the vaginal opening, as a battery into a flashlight. Then tampon is resting in the vaginal canal to absorb menstrual fluid. Tampons also come in various sizes and absorbencies. It may be with or without deodorant, and with or without applicators. Brands also differ in size, effectiveness, and comfort, for every woman and different menstrual flow. Tampons need to be changed frequently to prevent toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, which is serious thing. They may also be used with pads as backup in case they leak and woman wants to feel safe. Women can use tampons even if they have not ever had sexual intercourse, and using tampons does not affect virginity as some people think.
How to use tampons correctly?Each woman before first tampon usage needs some guidelines for inserting the applicator-type tampons.
Actually, there is no reason to use deodorant tampons. In fact, they can be irritating to many women. Furthermore, if a tampon is hard to pull out or shreds when you remove it, the tampon you are using is too absorbent. Then you need to switch to one with a lower absorbency rating. It is also important each woman is informed of the biggest health hazards with using tampons before first usage. The huge problem might be toxic shock syndrome, or TSS. This is a rare, but life-threatening, bacterial infection that affects between one and seventeen menstruating women per 100,000 women who use tampons. Studies have shown that using the super plus tampons, and leaving tampons in the vagina for long amounts of time, increase the risk for TSS. Symptoms that every woman should take care are sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, or a sunburn-like rash. To minimize the risk of TSS, wash your hands before inserting a tampon, and change your tampon every four to six hours. This should be done especially on heavy flow days. You should also use the lowest absorbency tampon that is reasonable given the amount of your menstrual flow.
Myth about tamponsMyth is that scientists were researched tampons and found that they contain dangerous levels of asbestos and dioxin. While there are risks with using tampons, those risks are not associated with any possible asbestos or dioxin. The FDA examined tampons and says that available scientific evidence does not support this myth. However, you need to check the labels of the sanitary pads or tampons that you are going to buy the next time. In some argues people were saying no wonder so many women in the world suffer from cervical cancer and womb tumors. They claim that tampon makers include asbestos. As reason, they think it is because asbestos makes you bleed more, and if you bleed more, you are going to need to use more tampons. However, it is not considered as illegal, because the powers did not consider tampons as being ingested. Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful, and this is Rayon used for absorbency, and dioxin, used in bleaching. The tampon industry is convinced that women needs bleached white products in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic, which means it is cancer-associated, and it is also toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men. So is it myth tampons for both male and female, breaks down the immune system. Then some researches found it could only be dangerous from repeated contact. So we have to conclude is using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years repeated contact.
What are the alternatives to tampons?Using feminine hygiene products that are not bleached and that are all cotton would be much better. It is true that other feminine hygiene products such as pads and napkins contain dioxin as well. However, they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads or napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous for women. So what is alternative for women who cannot stop using tampons? It is always better to use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are unbleached. Unfortunately, there are very, few companies that make these safe tampons, but it is possible.
What about removing tampons?The fact is that taking the pill which often means a lighter period, hormone fluctuations that can result in a slightly dryer than normal vagina could make it hard to remove tampon. Do not change your tampon too early because it might make it difficult. Make it easier on yourself by using a tampon like Carefree Slims with the unique Silk Ease cover, which is significantly smoother than ordinary tampons. This will make it easier to insert and remove tampon, and also it has tiny pores that direct fluid inside the tampon, locking it away for your complete protection.
How do I know if my flow is heavy or light?The amount of bleeding varies a lot from girl to girl and from month to month. It especially varies during the first year or two when girl got her period. Even though it may seem that you’re bleeding very heavily, the total each month is usually only about a quarter of a cup. Remember you should always use the lowest absorbency needed for your flow. That might mean trying different absorbencies on different days, so you will find appropriate. However, if a super absorbency pad or tampon is not enough, your period lasts more than a week, or if it is always heavy with large clots, see your doctor.
When to change tampon?Both if you flow are heavy or light, you should never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours. In fact on a heavy day you will probably need to change every 2 – 3 hours. On lighter days you will need to change your tampon about every 3 – 6 hours. You have to know it is extremely important always to wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Just think of all the bacteria you get on your hands and all the dirty things you touch over the course of the day.
Swimming and going to bathroom with a tampon in?Unlike pads, tampons in no way restrict what you can do when you have got your period. However, you should make sure that string is firmly tucked into your bikini bottoms when you are on the beach. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for much embarrassment. There is no need to remove a tampon prior to urinating or having a bowel movement. Every female has three separate openings, the urinary, the vaginal and the anal opening. Therefore, a tampon which is placed in the vagina will not affect your using the bathroom for other openings. However, it would be good to held tampons cord to one side during urinating, so it won’t become wet. Beside this, your period does not stop while you take a bath or shower. The use of tampons is the only effective form of menstrual protection while you are bathing or showering. However, since you are only in the shower for a short period of time, it is not necessary to wear a tampon during this time. Use of tampons has also made it possible to swim during menstruation since the flow is absorbed internally. We do not recommend wearing a pad when you are swimming since it will become wet and not absorb your menstrual flow as tampon will.
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