Index
Of the myriad developments in the female universe, one of the things that were created to facilitate women’s lives in a practical and hygienic way, the tampon was created.
What is tampon
Tampon is the method used to absorb the menstrual flow internally from the vagina . It consists of soft ingredients, pressed together to form a cylinder-like shape.
This format is specially developed so that it can be easily inserted into the vaginal opening. The tampon retains menstrual flow , or blood, before it has a chance to leave the body.
They have a cord attached for easy removal and sometimes an applicator that allows the tampon to be placed more easily.
Appliers
The applicators are made of plastic or cardboard , and their design is similar to a syringe: a small tube slides into a larger tube (where the tampon is located) and pushes it into the vagina.
Tampons that do not include an applicator are called digital tampons and are simply unwrapped and pushed into the vagina with your finger. They are smaller to transport , but require a little more effort to put them on.
What Size of Tampon Should I Use
If it is your first time, the ideal is to choose the smaller tampon (mini or medium). Once you get used to the process, you can use the most absorbent ones, but these tampons are usually larger in size as well.
It is easier to put it on when the menstrual flow is moderate or large , as this allows the tampon to slide more easily. Another tip is to put a little intimate lubricant on the tip of the tampon to facilitate its application.
Important: The most important thing is to use the tampon according to your menstrual flow. Do not use a larger or more absorbent for a small flow, and use only when you are menstruating.
I’m nervous! What should I do to facilitate the application of the tampon?
There is not much secret when placing the tampon, just follow the instructions that are on the box. Before you start, try to relax. When you are nervous, your muscles are tense, which makes it much more difficult to insert the tampon.
Knowing a little about your body also makes it easier. It is a good idea to use a mirror to see your vulva or external area, which is the entire outside of the female genital organ.
The urethra, which is where the pee comes out, the anus, and between them is the vaginal opening. This is where the tampon must be inserted. It is normal to feel nervous for the first time using a tampon, but with time and practice it becomes extremely easy.
How to put a tampon without an applicator?
How to introduce the tampon is no mystery, but for some women it can be a difficult time. The use of the applicator is exactly for this, to facilitate the introduction, but if you don’t have one, follow some tips to get it without problems.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. With dry hands, unroll the tampon. If you drop the pad on the floor, throw it away immediately and start over with a new one. The tampon must be completely sealed in plastic. Otherwise, do not use it, take another one and unwrap it with clean hands.
- Follow the instructions in the box
- Pull the string to make sure it is firmly attached to the tampon.
- Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to place one leg over the toilet lid or on the edge of the bathtub, while others prefer to squat or lie down. After finding a comfortable position, hold the tampon with your thumb and forefinger, make sure the string is visible.
- With your other hand, open your lips (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening) and place the tampon in the vaginal opening.
- Gently push the tampon into the opening, aiming for the lower back.
- Once the tampon is inside the vagina, use your middle finger to push it. The finger should be inserted almost completely into the vaginal canal .
- Make sure the string is outside your vaginal opening. Later, when you are ready to remove, grasp the string and gently pull it down until the tampon comes out completely.
- Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after placing and removing a tampon.
If the tampon is placed correctly, there should be no discomfort. But if you feel any discomfort, it is possible that the pad has been inserted incorrectly or is not so deep in the vagina.
If this happens, simply remove the tampon and start over with a new one. Understand that practice brings perfection . If you do not succeed on the first attempt, the second will probably be much better. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, relax and try again!
What if I am still unsuccessful?
If you are unable to insert a tampon after several attempts, make an appointment with your gynecologist. One of the reasons for not being able to insert a tampon is that, virgin women can be born with a very small opening in the hymen , which prevents the placement of the tampon.
This happens in about 2% of teenagers, but it can be a problem. Another reason may be vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscles) that does not allow for the proper insertion of the tampon.
Can I go to the pool or beach using a tampon?
No doubt! If you learn the right way to use it, the tampon can be a great ally . The recommendation is that when you are at the beach or pool, you do not exceed the exchange period. In addition, you can wear that swimsuit or bikini without fear.
Important: The time of use must be taken at risk not only aiming at the risk of flow leakage, but also of not contracting infections due to long use.
Risks of Misuse of the Absorbent
The incorrect use of the tampon can cause some problems, one of which is the toxic shock syndrome. Toxic Shock Syndrome (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is a rare disease, but it can be fatal if not discovered in time, and is mainly associated with the use of tampons.
The tampon itself does not cause TSS, the main cause of the syndrome is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus , which in direct contact with the body begins to produce toxins.
What happens is that, since its creation, absorbents have changed their composition. From natural ingredients, such as cotton, the brands started to use synthetic ingredients, such as plastic, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and rayon. These synthetic fibers, used to increase the absorption of the absorbent, form an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria.
How to Reduce the Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Be careful when placing the tampon. Wash your hands before inserting or removing it. Note that the nails are not large or irregular to avoid injury to the skin).
- Change the tampon every 4 or a maximum of 6 hours.
- Choose the correct absorption. Use a smaller size tampon when your flow is lighter. TSS occurs more frequently when using absorbents with maximum absorption. Do not use these unless your menstrual flow is very strong.
- Switch between the tampon and the outer. Try to use the external ones at night and the internal ones during the day.
- Do not use tampon to absorb anything other than menstrual flow. Insert only when menstrual blood is present.
The symptoms of TSS can be similar to the flu, so be aware if you feel unwell like the flu while you are in your cycle and using a tampon, these symptoms can be a sign of TSS. Otherwise, it could mean that there is another infection. In any case, you should see a doctor.
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Symptoms of TSS can occur suddenly, during menstruation.
- Be aware of them, who do not need to be present at the same time.
- Flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, headache, redness of the
- eyes, mouth and throat
- Sudden high fever (39 ° C or more) Dizziness, fainting or vertigo
- Mental confusion Vomiting
- Skin rash that looks like sunburn (skin peeling may occur days later)
- Diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms while using a tampon, remove it immediately and contact your doctor or go directly to the emergency as soon as possible.
Alternative options for those who do not wish to use tampon
If you decide not to use tampon, there are other products available for the same purpose . These products include disposable and reusable options.
Disposable:
- External absorbent
- Organic absorbent (made from 100% cotton)
Reusable:
- Menstrual collector
- Homemade external absorbent (cloths)
Curiosities about the tampon
- The first tampons were made from weeds, wool and papyrus.
- Some American and European women used diapers to stop their flow before World War I.
- Until the 1970s, tampons and menstruation were rarely discussed in public to preserve a woman’s reputation.
- A woman uses 16,800 tampons in her life Chinese women do not use tampons
- Remember: using tampons is a personal decision that you should be comfortable with and do it yourself!
See Also: Absorbent Allergy – What to Do?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
