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Tampons

Tampons are made of an absorbent material, such as cotton, and are inserted into the vagina to absorb the menstrual flow. They come in various different absorbency, including light, medium and heavy flow.

968 Questions

At what age do you use tampons?

Ideally tampons are best avoided at any age due to multiple ill-effects and health risks of tampon use, and with safer options available, however it is particularly recommended that pre-teens and teens do not use tampons as this group are less likely to have antibodies to TSST-1 toxins responsible for TSS and younger people may be less likely to follow precautions with tampon use.

When do you put tampons in?

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours - some tampon companies say up to 8 hours to make their products seem more convenient, but this is not safe or hygienic to do regularly. If you leak before the 4-6 hours then it's perfectly okay to remove the tampon sooner. In time you learn what absorbency to use and how often you need to change to avoid any leaking.

What happens if you use a tampon during implantation bleeding?

Ask every doctor, they will all strongly advise against it. A miscarriage is a pregnancy that your body rejected. The way your body rejects it you will vaginally bleed the rejected pregnancy. The blood that comes out is all sorts of bacteria. The reason why DON'T wear tampons during the bleeding process of the miscarriage is because the tampon is inside of you trapping the bacteria. When the tampon is in, the bacteria has no where else to go. So in turn, the bacteria embeds itself in your uterus and can cause complications if no medical attention is sought. So some life-saving advice is DO NOT WEAR TAMPONS DURING THE BLEEDING FROM THE MISCARRIAGE!!!!

How do you remove an impacted tampon?

You have to first clean your hands thoroughly. Then it is easiest if you squat while inserting your forefinger into your vagina. Feel around for the tampon and when it is located, insert your thumb to retrieve. Be patient it may take a few minutes. If you can not retrieve or feel it, go to your doctor and they can easily do it with a speculum.

Do you take out the tampon applicator when you use a tampon?

You first put your thumb and middle finger on the applicator and insert the tampon. Make sure the tampon goes all the way in and only the string is hanging out. Then remove the applicator and throw it away.

Can teens use tampons?

"one of the biggest health hazards with using tampons is toxic shock syndrome, or TSS. TSS is a rare, but life-threatening, bacterial infection that affects between one and seventeen menstruating women per 100,000. Studies have shown that using the super plus tampons, and leaving tampons in the vagina for long amounts of time, increase the risk of developing TSS. Symptoms include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, or a sunburnlike rash. To minimize the risk of TSS, wash your hands before inserting a tampon, change your tampon every four to six hours (especially on heavy flow days), and use the lowest absorbency tampon that is reasonable given the amount of your menstrual flow."

direct quote from http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0671.html

Is it ok to wear a tampon to sleep?

No, tampons should not be worn overnight.

Tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours - not 8 hours. The maximum time tampon companies can say is to leave for up to 8 hours, they use this to make their products seem more convenient, but the longer you leave tampons the higher the risks and if you can go 8 hours without leaking you're also using too high an absorbency which increases TSS risk. Overnight you're likely to sleep longer, even if you set an alarm you may oversleep and thus leave a tampon in longer than is hygienic/safe.

You need to alternate with pads when using tampons to allow your vagina a chance to clean itself, readjust pH, and heal after tampon use - overnight is the most convenient time to do this.

Can a girl get pregnant if she puts in a tampon or pad with sperm on it?

Sperm would remain in the vagina if you used tampons, but the semen would be absorbed by the tampon - also note that you shouldn't use tampons when not menstruating. If you're trying to keep sperm inside the vagina in order to aid with conception you can use softcups or diaphragms.

How long should you keep a tampon on?

You don't want to keep a tampon in for too long (8+ hours). It really depends on your period. So if you have a heavier flow then you need to change it more, but if you have a lighter flow then maybe not as much. There are instructions on the box as well to how long you should keep it in. You just want to change it regularly to avoid TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).

Hope this helped.(:

What happens if a tampon stays inside of you for a week?

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours to stay hygienic - tampon companies say up to 8 hours but this is too long and would mean you were using too high an absorbency. The longer you leave tampons the longer bacteria are allowed to multiply within the vagina, and they do so exponentially. The longer tampons are left the worse it is for hygiene, also the higher the risks of vaginal infections and TSS, plus of course if leaving too long you increase chances of the tampon leaking.

What happens if a tampon stays in for 4 days?

Tampons prevent vaginal cleaning, effect vaginal pH, and damage vaginal tissues - the longer you leave tampons the longer you allow bacteria to multiply, and if you don't leak after 4-6 hours the tampon is too high an absorbency so increases vaginal damage. Leaving in for this long significantly increases your risks of TSS and vaginal infections - if you notice symptoms of either then you should seek medical attention.

Should a girl wear a pad or tampon during football?

A girl should wear whenever she feels comfortable with - it's personal preference.

There are more options than just tampons or pads, many active women prefer menstrual cups as they're internal like tampons but safe so unlike tampons can be worn with light flow, for up to 12 hours, they don't increase cramps like tampons can, and don't leak like tampons or pads. If you prefer external options try cloth pads which won't make you sweaty or rub against you as you run, period underwear are another good option as they feel just like normal underwear.




Can you wear tampons in water?

Yes, you can wear a tampon when you go swimming on your period. You can also use other internal menstrual products like menstrual cups, softcups, diaphragms, soft tampons, and menstrual sponges. Remember however tampons cannot be worn with light flow, you can use cups for that.

What if the doctor did not find the lost tampon inside of you?

If the emergency room doctor did an effective speculum exam, then the doctor w2ould not be able to miss a tampon in your vagina. There is nowhere else a tampon can go; the vagina is a dead end. But removal of a lost tampon is not a reason for an emergency room visit. Next time, see your regular health care provider or your local family planning agency. They are better able to provide this kind of care. Routine GYN care is not what emergency rooms are for, and not their specialty.

When you are wearing a tampon do you feel as though you have to pee a lot?

No, you shouldn't feel like you need to urinate while wearing tampons. Tampons go far enough in the vagina so that there shouldn't be pressure on your urethra or bladder. Chances are if you feel like you need to urinate a lot it's because you're drinking more or maybe have a urinary tract infection.

What do you do if your tampon gets stuck inside of you?

Well the tampon can not actually get stuck inside of you but if you mean inside the vagina, you just need to togg at it abit and it will come out. Just relax and don't panic. I would recommend using small ones at the start then larger ones as you grow! x

Can you swim with tampons on?

Yes, that is one of the great things about tampons. They do not inhibit you in any way, you can do anything during your period that you can do when you're not on your period.

Swim away!

Is wearing tampons every menstrual cycle harmful?

No, it should not cause any harm at all. Make sure you get tampons that you find comfortable and easy to insert. Make sure you use the right ones for your flow and change it regularly. Also, try not to use a tampon all the time, for example it is generally better to use pads at night

Is there really a risk to using tampons?

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.

Can a tampon that is to big make you itch?

Yes, of course.

Tampons are dry and absorbent, you then insert into a moist delicate environment - they dry-out vaginal tissues causing irritation and discomfort, worse if using too high an absorbency or using rayon tampons as rayon is rougher than cotton. Rayon tampons are also treated with various chemicals that can cause irritation, vaginal infections, sensitivity or allergies.

If using tampons it's best to use hypo-allergenic cotton tampons, or consider switching to softcups or menstrual cups which are safer and more comfortable.

Can you use the bathroom with a tampon in?

Yes, you can use the bathroom while you're using a tampon.

A tampon goes into your vagina, if you're using the bathroom either you're urinating which comes out of your urethra or you are making a bowl movement which comes out of your anus. They all involve different holes in your body so wearing a tampon has no impact on whether you can go to the bathroom. It is important if using tampons with a string to move the string out of the way so that it doesn't get wet or dirty, which can be uncomfortable and unhygienic.




How soon can you use tampons after giving birth?

If by delivery you mean childbirth, you need to wait at least one month before using tampons. It's also important to only use tampons when you know your flow pattern, for the first few months after childbirth flow patterns can be erratic so you risk using too high an absorbency if not careful.

Can you pop your cherry with a tampon?

You don't have a cherry and nothing 'pops'.

You may have a hymen, this is tissue that surrounds the opening to the vagina - in most cases this doesn't cover much of the vaginal opening and the hymen is flexible so will stretch to accommodate tampons or even larger things such as a penis during sex. The hymen can be torn as a result of inserting things vaginally but most commonly this will only occur if you use force or if you're rough.

Can tampons get you pregnant?

the answer is NO. Lowering your changes of getting pregnant can only be successful through safe sex, which includes use of condoms or birth control contraceptives. wearing a tampon will NOT lower your chances. that is a myth

Is it wise to wear a tampon at the beginning of your menstrual cylce if your a heavy bleeder?

Only if your flow is actually heavy enough to warrant using a tampon and if you use correct absorbency - do not use tampons with spotting or light flow as this increases TSS risk, but otherwise the risks are no greater than wearing tampons at any other point during menstruation.

If you're a heavy bleeder it would be wise to consider menstrual cups - these hold far more than tampons and pads combined plus have light suction so don't leak like tampons or pads. Cups can be worn with any flow for up to 12 hours, and unlike tampons they're safe to wear overnight and no need to alternate with pads. Menstrual cups can also help to lessen flow and cramps.