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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

Is it safe to use a tampon a few days after a miscarriage?

No, tampons should not be used a few days after a miscarriage and there's no reason to use tampons as you will not be menstruating at that time. During miscarriage tissue from the pregnancy needs to be expelled, the cervix is more open so you're at higher risk of infection and TSS - thus using tampons would be very dangerous. If you still have bleeding then use pads or period underwear.

Is it normal to feel uncomfortable when you first put a tampon in?

That's pretty normal, especially for girls/women who have not had sex. One reason it could be uncomfortable is that it's dry; otherwise, it's simply the pulling. Every woman uterus is tilted a a different angle, so try pulling it out at a different angle to maximize comfort next time. The only reason to worry would be if you've left in a tampon for over 8 hours and you have very sharp pains, in which case, you should see a doctor or gynecologist to check for Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare disease sometimes caused by prolonged tampon use.

What happens if you don't put on a tampon during your period?

Nothing happens if your mom doesn't use tampons, it simply means that she doesn't feel comfortable using tampons. She still have plenty of other menstrual products such as menstrual cups, softcups, menstrual pads, etc. to chose from or she may go without menstrual products all together. If your mom is older she may not menstruate at all, she may have gone through menopause.

Should you wash the plastic tampon applicator?

The plastic part of the tampon doesn't stay inside you. It's the applicator that helps you insert the tampon. You insert the applicator part way, until the ridged "grips" are at the opening of the vagina. Then you push the bottom part of the applicator to insert the tampon into your vagina, then remove both parts of the applicator. If this isn't obvious from my description, try inserting it into a "pretend" vagina that you make with your fisted hand. One practice run ought to make it clearer.

What can cause tampons to feel like they are being pushed out or falling out?

Tampons can feel like they are being pushed out or falling out during a bowel movement, if they are saturated, or if they aren't in correctly. Some women never feel comfortable using them, which doesn't mean there's anything wrong with their bodies.

What can I do if I had a tampon stuck inside me for 2 days and now there is a odor?

As with any other time, if you have a bad vaginal odour it's a sign of a problem such as a vaginal infection. Tampons are a major cause of vaginal infection, so if you accidentally left a tampon for two days then this increases your risk of infection. Chances are you have Bacterial Vaginosis, thus you need to go to your doctor for tests and treatment: they will give you antibiotics.

Will a tampon fall out while swimming?

Yes and make sure you change it several times a day. A bacteria builds up and causes an infection called Toxic Shock and it can kill you. We don't hear much about it these days, but it can happen.

Can you go to the toilet while wearing a tampon?

Yes you can, remember that where you insert the tampon is a completely different hole from where your wee comes out of. Oh, and when you're weeing, the tampon string might get a bit wet so you might want to hold it out of the way whilst doing so :)

What if you can still feel your tampon and you know its as far in as it can go?

Tampons can still be felt to some degree, also they can cause some people to feel dry or result in increased menstrual cramps. It may be that you can feel your tampon because you have a short vaginal canal, because it's too high an absorbency, or because of sensitivity to ingredients. For this reason you may want to consider options like menstrual cups, softcups, menstrual sponges, or menstrual pads.

I can't insert a tampon?

I just cram them up my badge with a sawed-off broomhandle. I use a little hockeystick tape on the broomhandle to eliminate slips. The first few times I used this broomstick method I went 'barebroom' and I inadvertantly slipped and slugged my box, I bruised my vulva, and got one of my press-on naild stuck on a lip, which I cut when U went to pull away... But I digress...I then discovered the tape and hopefull that will keep such shenannigans from happening again. Make sure you sand the broomhandle too, splinters can be a bitch...

How do you got through your period with no pads or tampons?

You have multiple menstrual product options, if you rule out tampons (including commercial tampons, organic tampons, soft tampons, sponge tampons, cloth tampons) and pads (including commercial pads, organic pads, cloth pads, period belts, interlabial pads, period underwear), you still have options such menstrual cups, softcups, diaphragms, free bleeding, and menstrual release.

  • Menstrual cups
    These are reusable bell-shaped cups made from either medical grade silicone, natural gum rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. These cups are folded and inserted into the vagina where they unfold and collect menstrual flow, they are safer and more hygienic than tampons so can be worn for up to 12 hours with any flow and at any time without needing to alternate with pads. Menstrual cups hold more flow than other options and have light suction so don't leak like other options.

    Mooncup Menstrual Cups - http://www.mooncup.co.uk/wc.php?u=1741

  • Softcups
    These are disposable or reusable for one cycle, made from polymeric material and shaped a little like a diaphragm. These consist of a flexible plastic ring and a plastic bag 'cup' underneath, they are folded and inserted like diaphragms to sit under the cervix to collect flow. Like menstrual cups these are safer and more hygienic than tampons so can be worn for up to 12 hours with any flow and at and time without needing to alternate with pads. Although shaped like a diaphragm these cannot be used as contraception, but can be used for mess-free sex during menstruation.

    Softcups - http://www.softcup.com

  • Diaphragms
    These are a soft latex or silicone dome that are primarily used as a contraceptive device but can be used like a menstrual cup, also like softcups they can be used for mess-free sex during menstruation. They are inserted to sit under the cervix to collect flow. Again like menstrual cups and softcups these are safer and more hygienic than tampons so can be worn for up to 12 hours with any flow and at any time without needing to alternate with pads. Diaphragms are shallow so don't hold much flow, thus may only be suitable for short periods of time or use with light flow.

  • Free bleeding
    This is literally just allowing yourself to bleed, menstrual flow is no less hygienic than any other vaginal fluids and although the smell can be different to normal discharge it should not smell bad - often menstruation only smells bad due to use of commercial tampons or commercial pads. People who menstruate will either layer dark colored clothing to avoid blood soaking through to show outside clothing, or will use free bleeding only when they have light menstrual flow.

  • Menstrual release
    This is a technique where a menstruating person will learn to control their vaginal muscles in such a way as to stop their menstrual blood from leaving their body until they are ready to release it - essentially they will release menstrual flow in the toilet, like going to urinate. This requires users increasing vaginal tone with Kegal exercises and going without menstrual products so that they can learn when their uterus is readying itself to release flow. Also known as Sherman Method.





Can you use anything else except tampons when going swiming?

Yes, as well as different types of tampons you can use menstrual cups, softcups or diaphragms as sanitary protection while swimming on your period.

Menstrual cups are the best option.


Cups are internal like tampons but they are far safer than tampons so no risk of TSS, infections or dioxin - this also means that unlike tampons cups can be worn for 12 hours including before your period and with light flow so more convenient. Menstrual cups are also better for swimming because where as tampons can increase cramps cups reduce cramps, cups don't absorb water, nothing shows outside of your body while wearing a cup, and menstrual cups don't leak like tampons.



You cannot use pads when swimming.


In the water the pads become saturated with water, even if they didn't blood wouldn't flow down into the pad anyway so would make it into the water, also if you use disposable pads these would come unstuck and fall apart so make a big mess.


Is there a problem with wearing tampons too often?

It is not likely, though. If you have ever heard of a disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), this is associated with tampons. Specifically the high-absorbancy ones. TSS has been known to kill some women who use tampons. Their disease was most likely overlooked or undetected.

This is a RARE disease, however. It grows just like any other bacteria. When it's dark, warm, and wet, bacteria thrive! Guess what our bodies are on the inside! We are mostly water, have an average temp. of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and there aren't any light-bulbs inside of us, so it's dark!

So, just using a tampon can't KILL you.

TSS, which is mainly caused by tampons, can.

Need more info? Check here at my link

Why can't women feel tampons?

Women can feel tampons, it's just often they feel less obvious than pads and women learn to get used to them - some women cannot use tampons because they feel more obvious to them, also most women who switch from tampons to menstrual cups will tell you that tampons can be felt!

Women's vagina's are not that sensitive, especially not further up the vaginal canal, so once in place they are not that noticeable - we don't have much in the way of nerve endings in the vagina.

Should you use pads or tampons?

Pads are an absorbent piece of material - reusable pads are made from cloth whereas disposable pads can be made from cotton or wood pulp with plastic packing - these go into the underwear to absorb menstrual flow as it leaves the body. Disposable pads typically have adhesive on the back to stick the pads into place, whereas cloth pads typically have snap fasteners to hold the pad in place.

Tampons are an absorbent wad of material - reusable tampons are made from rolled-up cloth or natural sponge, disposable tampons can be made from synthetic sponge, compressed cotton, or compressed wood pulp known as rayon - these are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body. Tampons are held in place within the vagina by the vaginal muscles.

What happens to used tampons?

It depends on how they're disposed of...

Used tampons should be wrapped-up and thrown into a bin - after which they may either be incinerated or put into a garbage dump or landfill where they may sit for years decomposing (cotton tampons decompose faster than rayon tampons). Although tampons shouldn't be flushed many women do flush, often because tampon companies falsely claim that their products are flushable, when flushed they can cause blockages to pipes or bypass the sewage treatment plant so ending-up in the ocean.

Is it recommended to use a tampon when you still a virgin?

Yes, you can use a tampon even if you're a virgin.

Virgin means someone who has not had sex, it's just a word not a physical state of being - in other words your vagina is no different now to what it will be after you have had sex. You may have a hymen but the hymen doesn't cover much of the vaginal opening and is flexible so will easily allow you to insert a tampon and will even likely remain in tact if you have sex with someone with a penis.


You only stop being a virgin once you have sex with another person - that is consensual sex (so rape doesn't count), and it can include vaginal penetration with a penis but not always - how you define sex and when you consider yourself no longer a virgin is up to you.


When you insert a tampon for the first time is it supposed to hurt a little bit for a short time?

No, it's not supposed to hurt when you insert a tampon.

Most likely it hurts because you were tensing-up so having to push the tampon against vaginal walls, or it can also be painful if you don't insert the tampon far enough - the first few inches of the vagina are the narrowest and most sensitive. Make sure to relax next time and use lubricant to help with insertion.

What happens when you leave a tampon in too long?

Well, darling, when you leave a tampon in too long, you're basically creating a cozy little home for bacteria to throw a wild party. This can lead to some not-so-fun things like toxic shock syndrome, infections, and a whole lot of discomfort down there. So, be a responsible adult and change your tampon regularly, okay?

Why won't your tampon go in all the way?

There could be several reasons. If you are young it's possible that maybe you aren't quite 'developed' yet. Are you using the super absorbency ones? Im in my late 20's and those hurt me. Read the box, it has info on tss that you may learn something from.

How do you put in a tampon in details?

Tampons are inserted by putting the tampon into your vagina - it's not much more difficult than that. You need to relax when inserting the tampon, aim towards the small of your back, and insert as far as it will go. If you look on the tampon box it will have instructions, you can also find instructions online and videos on YouTube on how to insert different types of tampons.

Can you get TSS from wearing a tampon once?

If you follow the instructions, you are unlikley to get TSS.

The chance of getting TSS from a single use is tiny, unless you leave it in for way too long. Just don't leave it in for more than the recommended time.

What if you use a regular tampon and it feels uncomfotable?

Some people will always find tampons uncomfortable because they are drying and because they can increase cramps, but there are some reasons why tampons may be uncomfortable or painful to you.

If you're using too high an absorbency for your flow this will cause discomfort - tampons dry-out the vagina causing splitting in vaginal walls, higher absorbency or using tampons without sufficient flow means more drying so more damage and discomfort. If the tampon isn't inserted high enough this can also cause discomfort as the muscles at the narrower part of the vaginal canal (the first inch or two) will push against the tampon and as this is also the most sensitive part it of the vagina can be painful.

Can you wear a tampon for discharge?

No, tampons should only be used during menstruation.

Vaginal discharge is how your vagina keeps itself clean and it protects vaginal tissues, preventing discharge leaving your vagina traps bacteria within the vagina and tampons allow that bacteria to thrive, without menstrual flow tampons will dry-out vaginal tissues causing damage. This damage to vaginal walls allow bacterial toxins responsible for TSS direct access to the bloodstream so increases the risk of TSS. If you need to use something for discharge use cloth pantiliners.

What are the risks if you forgot that a tampon was inserted and left it in for 5 days?

Tampons may be easier to use and less trouble, but Tampons aren't really very good for that delicate area. Women complain of more infections and cramping. A suggestion is using the panty liners (many out there on the market for different degrees of blood flow.)

I doubt that leaving a tampon in for 5 days will do much of anything, but then again, it's not the best hygenically. Keep an eye on your discharge and if it is not clear, you feel cramping then please see your doctor (you could get infection.)

Three words: Toxic Shock Syndrome. One other word: deadly.

Enough said

toxic shock syndrome is a risk after 8 hours. i'd guess there are other risks after a day that i don't know about.i can only ask myself how one could forget a tampon for five days. after about five minutes I'm irritated with being corked up, heh.

TSS is a risk, but not as common as some people think. i did this once by accident. everything went back to normal as soon as i took it out. if you have symptoms of TSS (fever is the one i remember, but there are others, look them up) see a doctor immediately.