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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
What should you use towels or tampons when you are having a period?
You can use whatever you want to during your period, there are many options...
- Commercial tampons e.g. Tampax
- Organic tampons e.g. Emerita
- Soft tampons e.g. Beppy
- Sponge tampons e.g. J&P
- Cloth tampons
- Interlabial pads e,g, Labinni
- Commercial pads e.g. Always
- Organic pads e.g. Natracare
- Cloth pads e.g. Lunapads
- Period belts e.g. Reddy's
- Period underwear e.g. Thinx
- Silicone menstrual cup e.g. Divacup
- Rubber menstrual cup e.g. Keeper
- TPE menstrual cup e.g. MeLuna
- Disposable softcup e.g. Softcup
- Reusable softcups e.g. Softcup
- Diaphragm as menstrual cup
- Free-bleeding
- Menstrual release
It's best to start with pads, then if you want to use internal options menstrual cups are a better option than tampons as they're much safer and more hygienic than tampons. Menstrual cups are also more convenient than tampons or pads as they can be worn for up to 12 hours with any flow and at any time without needing to alternate with pads as you would with tampons, menstrual cups also don't leak like tampons or pads. Look into all your options to see what you think will work for you.
How do you use an applicator tampon?
It's really simple. Take a couple deep breaths (u have to be relaxed). Decide if u want to try sitting or standing (sit on toilet, stand and put 1 foot on edge of bathtub). Now use 1 hand to kinda...open urself by pulling apart the "lips" of ur vagina. Use ur thumb and middle finger to hold the bottom of the larger, outer tube. Point the tip of the applicator toward ur vagina (the smaller tube should be pointing away from ur body). Put the applicator in (Just and inch or 2) then push The smaller end of the applicator (this pishes the actual tampon Into ur vagina...yes. It will feel strange) Until it is completely inside the outer tube. While still holding the outer tube with ur thumb and middle finger, let the smaller tube go and let the string dangle. Gently pull the 2 tubes together. When you are ready to remove the tampon, gently pull the withdrawl strings down and forward. The used tampon may be flushed down the toilet, but in most places it's best to wrap it well in toilet paper and throw it away because they can block toilets.
How long after you first get your period can you wear tampons?
At first periods are often too light to use tampons anyway, but you need to wait until you know your flow pattern (how heavy your bleeding is on each day of your period) in order to have an idea of what absorbency to use - using too high an absorbency can be uncomfortable and increase risks of TSS. It is recommended that pre-teens and teens avoid tampons as they're at higher risk of TSS.
Ideally you should stick with pads at first, and if you do want to use something internal then opt for safer options like menstrual cups or softcups - these are internal like tampons but safer and cleaner so no risk of TSS or infections, this also means unlike tampons they can be worn from your first period, for up to 12 hours with any flow and any time of your period, and menstrual cups don't leak like tampons.
Where can one learn how to insert a tampon?
There are many places where one can learn how to insert a tampon. One can learn how to insert a tampon at popular on the web sources such as YouTube and Playtex Sport.
Tampons don't come in different sizes, they have different absorbency ratings - all tampons have the same absorbency ratings, it's one of the few rules tampon companies have to follow outside of their own code of practice.
In the US there are the following absorbency ratings;
- Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under
- Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams
- Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams
- Super Plus absorbency 12 to 15 grams
- Ultra absorbency 15-18 grams
If inserting a tampon feels like trying to force it in means that there's something wrong?
No, there's no reason to believe there's something wrong with you if you can't push in a tampon. It doesn't mean anything for your future sex life or future motherhood. Some young women find it difficult to use tampons at first, because of the size of the vagina, size of the tampon, and unfamiliarity with the process. It will likely get easier later. And some women never feel comfortable when using or inserting tampons, and just use pads. That doesn't mean their vaginas are abnormal or not useful.
If your cherry popped from a tampon are you a virgin?
Yes, you are still a virgin if you use tampons.
A virgin is someone who has not yet had sex with another person - however you define sex is up to you, it doesn't even have to include vaginal penetration for it to be considered sex. A tampon is not another person and using a tampon is not sex so it has no effect on whether or not you are a virgin. For the record there's nothing wrong with not being a virgin, it makes no difference to who you are.
Can you get drunk by using an alcohol soaked tampon?
No, the idea of alcohol-soaked tampons is a myth.
Although the vaginal mucus membranes absorb quickly it's still not that much faster than the mucus membranes in your mouth or what you would absorb via normal ingestion. An ultra absorbency tampon can only hold around 18ml, which is less than a single shot - even if you're using a spirit with a high proof it's still not enough to get you drunk, unless you're a light-weight!
Consider then what happens when a tampon absorbs liquid - it gets soft and expands up to ten times its size - although you'd still be able to insert the tampon by shoving it up verses the normal insertion method (after all sponge tampons are soft and wet) a lot of the alcohol would be wasted as it'd be squeezed out during insertion. So you'd have less than a shots worth of alcohol shoved into your vagina, and a lot of alcohol all over the floor under you, but it's unlikely you'd be drunk.
You're also potentially looking at vaginal irritation, infection, and TSS risk.
What do you do with someone who refuses to wear a pad or tampon during menstruation?
Take her to see a professional (doctor, psychologist, counselor), something is wrong with her.
Perhaps she fears growing up and the responsibility it entails.
What is a rare but serious medical condition associated with tampon use?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
No one is quite sure how rare it is, some experts put TSS as occurring in as many as 1 in 700 women - although this includes mild cases that are not fatal and may feel like nothing more than a bad case of the flu, it also includes cases of TSS not associated with tampons such as via childbirth or surgery. TSS is commonly associated with tampon use due an outbreak in the 1970's and 1980's linked to a brand called Rely, tampons can cause TSS as they provide bacteria the perfect place to multiply within the body and they damage vaginal tissues which allow bacteria into the bloodstream. You ARE Loved (TSS information)
Is Changing a super tampon every 5 hours bad?
No, changing a super absorbency tampon every 5 hours isn't bad.
Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours - as long as the tampon is saturated then you are changing at the correct time. Your flow is on the heavier side but not abnormally so, tampons are made up to Ultra absorbency so as long as you're not leaking through highest absorbency within a few hours there's no reason to be concerned.
You may want to consider menstrual cups, these are safer than tampons so can be worn for 12 hours including overnight so a lot more convenient than tampons and pads for dealing with heavier flow. Cups can lighten flow compared to tampons, they hold a lot more than tampons so they don't have to be dealt with every few hours, and don't leak like tampons.
Do guys like wearing jock straps?
Some might. They're pretty tight, so not as comfortable as boxers or something, but I'd rather wear them than get hit or be sore from all the bouncing.
What are the side affects of using tampons?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is rare but still thought to effect 1 in 700 women.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is caused when certain strains of bacteria multiply and start to produce TSST-1 toxins, these toxins enter the bloodstream and if the person lacks antibodies then the TSST-1 toxins overwhelm the immune system - this leads to something similar to septic shock, initial symptoms include high fever and low blood pressure but long-term it can result in organ failure.
Tampons account for 75% of all TSS cases - in particular rayon tampons such as Tampax, Playtex, or Kotex (cotton tampons have never been associated with TSS) - this is because tampons provide bacteria with the perfect environment to multiply, effect vaginal pH, prevent vaginal cleaning, and damage vaginal tissues giving TSST-1 a more direct route into the bloodstream.
Tampons can also risk;
- Increased menstrual cramps (as a result of expanding into the cervix).
- Increased bleeding (as a result of damage to vaginal tissues).
- Vaginal infections (as a result of bacterial growth).
- Irritation or allergic reaction (as a result of chemicals in rayon tampons).
- Dioxin exposure from rayon tampons, risking endometriosis and cancer.
Is a sudden runny nose a sign of toxic shock syndrome from using tampons?
No, a runny nose isn't a symptom of TSS.
Initial symptoms of TSS include;
- Sudden high fever (38°C/100.4°F).
- Low blood pressure.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Sunburn-like skin rash.
- Diarrhoea or constipation.
- Fainting or feeling faint.
- Dizziness and confusion
- Muscle aches.
Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and depending on which organs are effected, but with all cases you'd have high fever and low blood pressure - you'd feel very ill, like having a bad case of flu. If you don't have a fever TSS is unlikely.
If you put a tampon in after having can yo still get pregnant?
Tampons have no bearing on pregnancy. They're not contraceptives. Putting on a condom before have sex or using some other barrier method before having sex works. Putting something in afterwards doesn't.
I find tampons quite painful, too. Here is what i suggest. First, make sure you have a reasonable size (start with the smallest one) and don't get the cardboard environmental friendly. Sometimes, you have to get the not environmental friendly things, and this would be one of those times. Secondly, make sure you are putting it in the right way. Aim back, not up when you are putting it in. Make sure you are relaxed or else it will hurt very bad. Also, try spreading your legs out, it makes it so much easier. Make sure you put the tampon all the way in. The only thing you should be able to see is the string, nothing else. When you are taking it out, RELAX. that is the part i find very painful. If your flow is very light, i recommend not using a tampon, because taking them out dry is very painful, also. Hope this helps and good luck!
no this means you've either scratched yourself, or started your period...
Tampons can break the barrier, but doing so doesn't make you a non-virgin.
How long does a tampon last long in the water?
A tampon lasts in the water about the same as when you're not in the water, although there is a risk of water getting into the tampon for the most part the vaginal walls close around the tampon to prevent this from happening. Tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours, if water gets to the tampon they won't last as long but there's no way of knowing when they will leak as it depends on how much water gets to the tampon. If concerned try menstrual cups instead, they last up to 12 hours.
Can tampon cause constipation?
No, tampons cannot cause constipation - tampons cannot effect your digestive system. You can experience constipation during menstruation due to hormonal effects on your digestive system.
What should you do if you left a tampon in for almost 5 hours?
Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours, so leaving for 5 hours is perfectly normal. If you don'tknow how to use tampons correctly then you should be using them - learn correct use, or use safer options like pads or cups.
In my opinion tampons are better than pads for various reasons.
I like everything that goes on in there to stay in there. I don't like the worry of blood leaking through my pants and worrying that people will see. Plus when you stand up from sitting in a chair you wont feel the blood flow increase and rush down :) Its all good :)good luck!!
How long do you keep a tampon in?
Tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours - 8 hours is the absolute maximum.
The longer tampons are left the longer you allow bacteria to multiply while preventing vaginal cleaning, as bacteria multiply exponentially even an hour can make a big difference. If you can go over 4-6 hours without leaking you'd also be using too high an absorbency which increases TSS risk.
How do you keep tampon string from pee?
You move the tampon string out of the way of your urethra, or you can use tampons without strings to avoid the problem all together.
What are the chances that a tampon will release the blood flow in the water?
Chances of leaking in the water while wearing a tampon, also using them correctly such as by inserting a fresh tampon before swimming and using correct absorbency, is fairly low but still possible. If worried you may want to consider using a menstrual cup, these are internal like tampons but hold far more than tampons and have light suction so don't leak like tampons.
