What Are Tampons For?

Menstruation is a process by which the unfertilized egg is shed; This is something that happens every month to all women who have already developed, in addition to this, it must be taken into account that during menstruation, not only is the ovum with blood expelled, but also, it is accompanied by other matters from the uterus.

During this process, women often use different hygiene utensils to prevent the waste from the uterus from damaging their day-to-day life. Among the items that can be used for this process, are tampons, which serve to retain flow during menstruation in a more efficient way than other items, because this allows the woman to continue with her day to day in a more natural way, and therefore, you can go to swimming pools, beaches and avoid irregularities by wearing tight clothing.

Benefits of tampons

As an option for menstruation days, tampons offer several benefits that alternatives such as sanitary napkins do not; Among these benefits, the following can be mentioned:

Zero risk of spills

The tampon is a cotton cylinder that is inserted inside the vagina and absorbs all the menstrual flow from the inside. If it is changed as regularly as indicated in the recommendations, there is no risk of spillage accidents that could stain the garments.

They are disposable

This is one of the characteristics most appreciated by its users, the ease of use and disposal is usually a more comfortable option than the alternatives. Many women feel uncomfortable when introducing reused products, in addition, most reject the activity of cleaning and washing these products full of menstrual flow.

They do not produce a bad smell

The bad smell that occurs when using sanitary napkins occurs when the expelled fluids come into contact with oxygen. Tampons do not have this problem, because the tampon will not be exposed to air, it will only do so when it is removed and by then it will also be discarded.

They allow you to carry out any activity without problems

You can go swimming, take a bath on the beach or do exercises that can be very energetic. This is due to the fact that the tampon is inserted deep enough so that the water does not enter to wet it or that it can slide out with a sporting position.

They do not make contact with the pubic skin

The menstrual flow remains within the body, unlike the situation with the sanitary napkin. It remains without being in constant contact with the external pubic skin, thus avoiding rashes, allergic reactions or infections.

Correct use of tampons

After a woman chooses tampons as her ideal feminine care option, she must choose the type of tampon based on the abundance of her menstruation. It is important to vary the types of tampons as the cycle varies, you should always use the most suitable tampon for each day if you want to avoid possible future complications.

To insert the tampon, a relaxed attitude and posture should be adopted, so that the internal muscles facilitate the task. The tampon doesn’t go that deep, so it’s actually quite a straightforward process. If in doubt, it is best to read the recommendations that come with tampons, which may vary a bit, depending on the type and brand of the tampon.

It is recommended that tampons be changed approximately every four hours, with a maximum of eight hours. This period should never be exceeded, otherwise there is a risk of contracting infections or TSS.

To ensure that you are using the correct size tampon, at the time of removal, it should be observed; if there are no flow gaps, it should be replaced by a less absorbent pad. On the contrary, if before it is time to change it, it is at its limit and begins to stain, it should be changed for one with a higher level of absorption.

Tampons should only be used to absorb menstrual flow, they should not be used in any other circumstances.

Types of tampons

Tampons are classified according to their degree of absorption, in addition, it is important to know that depending on the brand used, they will change their name, but the characteristics are generally the same.

Classified from lowest to highest absorption:

• Less than 6 grams : They are recommended for the first time that tampons are used, as they are the smallest and, therefore, the least uncomfortable. They are also used on days with light flow.
• Between 6 and 9 gr : They are used on days of regular bleeding.
• Between 9 and 12 gr : They are used on days of heavy bleeding.
• Between 12 and 15 gr : It is recommended for days of very heavy bleeding.

Risks of tampon use

It is clear that using tampons has many benefits, but when it comes to such an important and delicate hygiene product as this, it is necessary to know all the risks that those who use them face. Among the risks of using tampons are the following:

Discomfort or aches

Many women, especially those who use a tampon for the first time, have indicated that the insertion of the product can be somewhat painful, and although most indicate that the pain disappears, others indicated that discomfort remains from having a product of this type in their inside.

Allergies

The components of tampons can cause allergies, each woman has a different reaction to external agents that are introduced inside her for several hours. The important thing is to detect the problem, for this, it should be known that allergies usually manifest with itching and stopping using tampons is usually enough to end the allergy.

Vaginal infections

This risk is common only when the rules of use are not followed. Infections usually appear when tampons are not changed in the appropriate time, that is, when a tampon exceeds the regulation eight hours inside the vagina.

Vaginal infections are eliminated with a course of antibiotics, however, if not treated in time, it can become something more serious that could even put a woman’s fertility at risk.

Vaginal dryness

Tampons not only absorb menstrual flow, but they absorb all the moisture they find, including that which keeps the vaginal walls and cavity hydrated and lubricated. If tampons absorb this moisture constantly, dryness problems appear, however, a simple solution to this problem is the use of lubricants.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

The biggest risk with tampons is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although they are not caused by tampons themselves, but by bacteria, tampons can create the moist space that these bacteria need to reproduce.

The syndrome is quite serious but rare, however care should always be taken and good hygiene maintained.

If high fever, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and feeling faint are observed; the tampon is removed and the doctor should be consulted immediately.

Tampon myths

Lack of information or incorrect information has instilled fear in women, making them believe aspects of the subject that are not true. Among the myths about tampons, the following can be mentioned:

Virginity is lost

Any young person or adult can use tampons without problems, since the hymen is flexible enough and the tampon is small and soft enough to do some damage.

They get lost inside the body

Tampons are located at the entrance of the vagina and, at the bottom of this is the entrance to the uterus, which is so small that not even the smallest tampon can pass.

They can get out of position

The internal muscles of the vagina hold the tampon in place without the woman realizing how much effort these muscles are making. This will remain in position until it is decided to serve.

They don’t let go to the bathroom

The tampon is located in the vagina, where neither the hole to urinate nor the anus is obstructed, that is, there is no reason to resist the urge to go to the bathroom while wearing a tampon, on the contrary, it can cause urinary infections .

The best tampons on the market

The popularity of the brands mentioned below is due to the fact that they are composed of natural materials that are friendly to the environment and have the highest absorption, thus reporting the highest trust in their customers. Said brands are the following:

1. Tampax.
2. Kotex.
3. Seven.

conclusion

It is clearly evident that tampons have their advantages and disadvantages, but whether or not they are beneficial for women will depend on the good hygiene with which they are used and the comfort they feel when using them; Therefore, it can be said that they are good for some women, but for others, it simply does not meet their expectations, however, it is still a good product, recommended by many gynecologists and experts in the area.