0
Yes, there are multiple risks associated with tampon use.
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- Vaginal infections.
- Increased cramps.
- Irritation or allergic reaction.
- Cumulative exposure to toxins.
The vagina naturally contains various forms of bacteria, both benificial bacteria and unhealthy bacteria, the vagina keeps itself healthy with a slightly acidic pH to kill harmful bacteria while allowing healthy bacterial to thrive and also by producing discharge that helps to protect vaginal walls and flush out harmful bacteria.
Tampons menstrual blood in contact with the vaginal which effects vaginal pH which effects balance of bacteria, also by plugging-up the vagina tampons prevent the vagina flushing out harmful bacteria. At the same time tampons allow the perfect environment in which the harmful bacteria can thrive; warm, moist, porus, oxygenated, and full of nutritious menstrual blood and uterine tissue.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infections.
Both TSS and vaginal infections occur when harmful bacteria are allowed to multiply to unsafe levels, allowing them to take over from healthy vaginal bacteria. In the case of TSS specific bacteria multiply and start producing toxins, these toxins then enter into the bloodstream via microtears cause by the tampons drying-out vaginal tissues, if a person lacks immunity they go on to attack the immune system.
TSS is rare but if thought to occur in as many as 1 in 700 women over their lifetime, this is according to the worlds leading TSS experts but official figures do not exist as no record has been kept of TSS since the CDC stopped recording in the 1980's. Note that TSS can occur at any time not just as a result of leaving tampons too long, but leaving tampons too long or using too high an absorbency does increase TSS risk. TSS has only been associated with rayon tampons like Tampax or Playtex.
Increased cramps.
Tampons can expand into the cervix - particularly tampons made with rectangular construction that expand lengthways, and if a woman has a shorter vaginal canal - which can add to menstrual cramps. As tampons absorb vaginal moisture they can tug on the vaginal walls which is also believed to add to menstrual cramps.
Many women report their cramps and their flow are reduced when switching from tampons to safer options like menstrual cups or softcups, in theory it's believed that tampons may increase flow too due to the microtears caused by tampons.
Irritation or allergic reaction.
Many tampons are made from a combination of rayon and cotton, this means they can contain pesticides from the cotton used and a mix of various chemicals from production - turning wood into rayon, bleaching, preservatives, increasing absorbency, or adding 'scent'. Rayon is rougher and more agressively absorbent than cotton so can result in more irritation and microtears in the vaginal tissues, chemicals may also cause irritation or allergic reaction.
It is best if using tampons to avoid rayon tampons and instead opt for 100% organic cotton tampons free from bleaching as these are safer and less likely to irritate - brands include Cottons, Natracare, Maxim, Seventh Generation, Emerita.
Cumulative exposure to toxins.
Tampon companies are self-regulate and self-tested so we don't know what chemicals are used or their long-term effect on health, we do however know that part of the bleaching process used on rayon tampons results in dioxin in tampons. Dioxin has been linked to various health problems including infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, infertility, and cancer.
Changes made to the laws in the 1990's when it comes to bleaching or personal hygiene products means that tampons can only contain a small amount of dioxin and this isn't more than what you may experience day-to-day in other products or even your food. However the type of dioxin found in tampons is the most toxic and there is no safe level of dioxin, as the vagina absorbs toxins and dioxin is stored within fatty tissue it means over time the small amount of dioxin in tampons can collect into a large enough quantity in your body to put your health at risk.
Again it is best if using tampons to opt for 100% organic cotton tampons free from bleaching, also options like sponge or cloth tampons can be safer.
Precautions when using tampons;
- Change every 4-6 hours (not 8 hours).
- Always use lowest absorbency for your flow.
- Change absorbency as your flow changes.
- Alternate with pads as often as possible.
- Avoid tampons made from rayon.
- Do not use when not menstruating.
- Do not use with light flow or spotting.
- Do not use overnight while sleeping.
- Do not use with vaginal infections.
- Wash hands before use.
- Store in clean dry place.
- Learn about risks.
- Consider safer options.
Safer options than tampons include
- Menstrual pads.
- Menstrual cups.
- Softcups.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoYes, leaving tampons in longer than 4-6 hours increases risks of infections and TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) occurs when certain bacteria multiply and start producing toxins, these toxins enter the body via tears in the vaginal walls caused by tampon use, and if a person lacks antibodies these toxins overwhelm the immune system leading to major organ failure. TSS can kill within a week, long-term survivors can experience severe disabilities or health complications.
Vaginal infections and TSS are risks whenever tampons are used, but risks are increased if you leave tampons in too long as it allows higher levels of bacterial growth and while wearing tampons you are plugging-up the vagina so prevent the vagina cleaning out bacteria.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoYes, there are several health risks associated with tampon use:
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- Vaginal infections, such as Bacterial Vaginosis.
- Increased cramps and increased bleeding.
- Long-term risks from cumulative exposure to toxins like dioxin.
You can reduce risks by avoiding use of rayon tampons, instead opt for cotton or sponge tampons. You can also reduce risks by making sure to follow precautions: change tampons every 4-6 hours, always use lowest absorbency for your flow, alternate with pads often, don't use tampons with light flow or when not menstruating, don't use tampons overnight or with a vaginal infection.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoYes, there are several health risks associated with tampon use.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
- Vaginal infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis
- Allergic reaction and irritation
- Increased menstrual cramps
- Exposure to toxins such as dioxin
TSS is the biggest known danger - TSS is rare but still thought to occur in as many as 1 in 700 women, younger women using tampons are at greatest risk - TSS is not only a result of leaving tampons in too long, TSS can occur whenever a tampon is used. TSS is when certain bacteria multiply and produce toxins that enter the bloodstream via tissue damage, if a person lacks antibodies those toxins overwhelm the immune system resulting in something similar to septic shock.
Tampons encourage bacterial growth while preventing vaginal cleaning and changing vaginal pH so it's easier for harmful bacteria to multiply, they also damage vaginal tissues. Commercial tampons are more favourable to bacterial growth and cause more vaginal tissue damage, they can also contain harmful substances such as dioxin which may pose long-term health risks.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThere's no such thing as a safe tampon, there are always health risks with tampon use.
Tampons pose risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome, increased risk of vaginal infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis, irritation or allergic reaction, increased menstrual cramps, and some tampons contain potentially harmful ingredients that may pose long-term health risks. Following precautions and avoiding commercial tampons can reduce your risks considerably, but the risks still need to be considered.
It's best to use pads, menstrual cups, or softcups which are much safer than tampons.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes it is extremley safe im 11 and i wear tampons because im very sporty
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoyes it can be i have forgot mine was in and it was there almost 2 days i didnt get sick but i could have got toxic shock syndrome i had a friend who ended up in the hospital over it
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo there is no danger in using a tampon at all.
yes actually there is!! its TSS toxic shock syndrome and you can get it from leaving a tampon in for over eight hours.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe use of high-absorbency tampons has been shown to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Tampon and pelvic inflammatory disease?
Tampons are not associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, and there is no increased risk from using tampons if you have pelvic inflammatory disease.
Can you use tampons if you haven't started your period?
No, you should only use tampons when menstruating. Using tampons when not menstruating not only puts you at unnecissary risk but also increases risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused when certain bacteria multiply and create a toxin, if you lack antibodies this bacterial toxins overwhelms your immune system and it can be fatal. Tampons always risk TSS but using tampons when you're not menstruating or using too high a flow increases risks because tampons dry-out vaginal tissues causing ulceration that gives the bacterial toxins a direct route into your bloodstream. Not to mention that using tampons when not bleeding would be very uncomfortable due to friction and the drying effect on your vagina.
Is it a problem if the plastic shell from a tampon smells acidic when removing it?
If you're using tampons with plastic applicators then you're using commercial tampons, these are BLEACHED and heavily chemically treated so can have a chemical smell. If you're concerned about an acidic smell on the applicator you really need to address why you're using bleached tampons, there are plenty of other safer options: organic tampons, sponge tampons, soft tampons, diaphragms, softcups, menstrual cups, organic pads, cloth pads, etc.
Can toxic shock syndrome be prevented?
Women who wear tampons should change them often and use different brands and types of pads and tampons. If a woman really prefers tampons, experts recommend using the lowest possible absorbency product
Can you practice using a tampon?
You practice using a tampon while using a tampon. You cannot use tampons when not menstruating, and you should not insert or remove tampons over and over within a short space of time - both will increase TSS risk.
Should I use tampons?
Whether you use tampons, menstrual pads, menstrual cups, softcups, or any other menstrual option is completely up to you - but it's a good idea to do a little research into your options first. Tampons do pose more health risks than other menstrual products, TSS is a risk from tampon use and tampons do significantly increase risk of vaginal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis, you do have to be sure you understand and can follow the precautions to reduce those risks.Tampons aren't recommended to pre-teens or teens due to higher risk of TSS, also a person should wait at least six cycles before using tampons so they know their flow well enough to know what absorbency to use to reduce TSS risk.
Can you use tampons after IUD removal?
Yes, you can use tampons with your IUD. It's recommended that you avoid using internal menstrual products like tampons or menstrual cups for the first cycle after IUD insertion - this is because your IUD is more likely to be expelled in that first month, so best to avoid internal options that may increase likelihood of this happening. Although long-term tampon use is fine, research has confirmed that there is no increased risk of expulsion while using tampons or menstrual cups after that first month.
Can tampons stop you from having babies?
Tampons wouldn't affect a baby during pregnancy, but there is absolutely no reason why a woman should be using tampons while she is pregnant - tampons should only be used during menstruation, even if experiencing bleeding during pregnancy it is not safe to use tampons as you don't know the blood loss to know what absorbency to use. Misusing tampons this way can increase risk of vaginal infections and toxic shock syndrome - the latter would potentially cause serious harm to the baby.
Should you wear tampons for heavy discharge?
No. Tampon packets always say that tampons are only safe for use when you have your period. There would not be enough discharge to fill a tampon and this would increase your risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). For discharge, you would be better off using a pantyliner.
Why not to wear tampon when your not on?
As well as putting yourself at risk unnecessarily, it's dangerous.Tampons dry-out vaginal tissues causing splitting and ulceration, this can allow bacterial toxins responsible for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) into your bloodstream - using tampons when not menstruating, using too high an absorbency, using tampons without sufficient flow, and using rayon tampons all increases damage to vaginal tissues so in turn increases TSS risks.Using tampons when not menstruating is also uncomfortable, dryness of the tampon and drying out vaginal walls, there's no reason to use tampons when not menstruating and it'll just be uncomfortable.
Pain when inserting tampon not the applicator?
Tampons are dry and absorbent so will cause friction against delicate vaginal mucosa during insertion - especially if using commercial tampons such as Tampax, Playtex, Kotex, etc. as these are made from bleached chemically-treated rayon so rougher and may cause irritation.Absorbency is a factor too, if using too high an absorbency or your flow isn't heavy enough for tampons the lack of lubrication will cause discomfort - too high an absorbency also increases risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. If using correct absorbency but still feeling discomfort try organic tampons, soft tampons, or sponge tampons, also consider menstrual cups or softcups.
Can you use tampons after having PID?
You can use tampons after having PID, but not sure it's the best choice. Tampons are a major cause of vaginal infections which can contribute to PID, it would be a better idea to consider safer options like menstrual cups, softcups, or menstrual pads which don't pose the risk of increased vaginal infections, or in turn higher risk of PID, like tampons.
