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.

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.

There is no specific tampon that's best to use - it's down to personal preference.

As always it's best to avoid rayon tampons like Tampax, Playtex, and Kotex which pose higher risks of TSS and irritation, cotton tampons like Emerita, Cottons, and Natracare are the best option. Make sure to use lowest absorbency for your flow and time it t insert a fresh tampon before swimming.

Consider menstrual cups instead, cups are internal like tampons but safer and more hygienic so no health risks - this means unlike tampons cups can be worn for up to 12 hours and even with light flow without risk of infections or TSS - cups have nothing showing externally, don't absorb water, don't increase menstrual cramps as tampons can, and menstrual cups don't leak.

Change your tampons every 4-6 hours, or sooner if they leak before then.

Tampons need to be changed often because otherwise you give bacteria longer to multiply while also preventing vaginal cleaning, thus there is a higher risk of vaginal infections and TSS. If you find you are leaking within 1-2 hours you can use the next absorbency up safely. If the tampon isn't saturated with blood after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or switch back down to pads.

No, you don't need to wear a tampon while swimming during menstruation.

You can use any of the following options:

• Tampons
• Soft tampons
• Menstrual sponges
• Menstrual cups
• Diaphragms
• Softcups

Menstrual cups are the best option as they're internal but safer so unlike tampons they can be worn even with light flow, and they can be worn for up to 12 hours - menstrual cups also don't absorb water, don't increase cramps, no string to show, and don't leak like tampons or sponges can.

It is a myth that your period stops in water.

Sit in a shallow bath during heavy flow and you will see that it doesn't - it can sometimes look like it stops because during light flow what little blood leaves your body will be diluted in the water, heavier flow and uterine tissue may be noticed and may leak down your leg once you get out the water. Although menstrual blood isn't dirty no one wants to swim in your blood.

Yes, actually. Leaving a red trail in the pool could be more than a little bit embarrasing. You can wear pads instead, which absorb the stuff after it comes out.

There is also a product called a diva cup, it is a silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina and sits lower than tampons do. It is suitable for swimming. It costs more than a box of tampons but it is washable & reusable so there's no running out to the store because you're out of products.

ok, well, when your swimming then the water actually stops the blood from flowing whist your in the pool. it's the same when in the bath or shower, so it okay not to wear a pad or a tampon. i know this from experience. i don't use tampons but i stil swim with my period. so o, you ddont ever have to start wearing tampons. if you do want to try, my suggesten is (and im gonna follow my ow advice here too...) sit with your legs apart or any comforable position and gently slide the tampon in. if it is uncomfortable, tae it out gently and try again. if not then maybe get up and have a little walk around to see how it feels. I've tried this but i always seem to get in the wrong position... anyway, im sure yiull do a lot better than me!

There are many reasons why it may hurt to use tampons.

• If you're not relaxed enough when inserting/removing.
• Not inserted far enough vaginal muscles push against the tampon.
• If you have a shorter vaginal canal it can push into your cervix.
• If allergic to the ingredients in the tampons you're using.
• If using too high an absorbency for your flow.

There can be a few reasons for pain during tampon insertion:

• Not relaxing enough during insertion.
• Not inserting the tampon high enough in the vagina.
• Inserting at the wrong angle so pushing into vaginal walls.
• Using too high an absorbency for your flow.
• Allergic reaction to the tampons you're using.

There is no good age to start wearing tampons, you don't even have to use tampons at all - generally speaking it's best to start with pads, and if you want to use internal menstrual products it's best to use menstrual cups or softcups which are safer than tampons and make your periods easier.

Tampons are not recommended to pre-teens or teens, this is because even if you're mature and responsible enough to understand risks and follow precautions to reduce those risks, younger women are at higher risk of TSS as they're less likely to have TSST-1 antibodies. It's also not recommended to use tampons for at least the first six cycles, this is because it's unlikely you'd even have a regular flow let alone know your flow well enough to know what absorbency is safe to use.