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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
It is a new(er) design of internal tampon. Apparently more absorbent with a slightly different applicator. More of a marketing ploy than anything really new.
What does it mean if your period lasts more than 8 days?
You are most likely experiencing breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding may seem like your period, and it can last for as long as a period, however it is not.Breakthrough bleeding usually happens before you actually get your period as expected. This annoying side effect that may happen when you first begin the pill, and it can last up to 3 months. If you continue to have breakthrough bleeding after 3 months, you should visit your physician. Excessive breakthrough bleeding can be a sign that you need a higher dosage of birth control to keep you protected from pregnancy. Also, to avoid breakthrough bleeding after the 3 months of possible side effects, be sure to take your birth control everyday and at the same time everyday. If you do not properly take your birth control as directed, you may also experience breakthrough bleeding.
Can a six year old boy buy tampons?
Nothing would happen if a 6 year old boy finds a tampon, he is unlikely to know what it is. I'd hope a used tampon wouldn't be laying around and that if he found packaged tampons his mother or appropriate adult would explain to him what they are used for - in an age-appropriate way.
Can you wear tampons back to back?
Tampons encourage bacterial growth while effecting vaginal pH and preventing the vagina from cleaning-out bacteria - tampons also dry-out vaginal tissues causing damage. Although you're removing the bulk of the bacteria when you remove the tampon itself the fact is that some will remain in the vagina, particularly within fibres left behind by the tampon, so inserting another tampon is preventing the vagina from cleaning-out this bacteria and the stray fibres. By wearing a pad after a tampon you allow vaginal cleaning, the vaginal pH can re-adjust, and it gives the vagina a chance to heal.
Will it hurt to take out a super tampon?
It should not hurt to remove a tampon. If a tampon is dry, and has not collected very much menstrual fluid, it can sometimes be a little bit tricky to remove, because of the dryness. However, it should not be painful. It should not hurt any more than inserting a tampon in.
What is the difference between an applicator tampon and a non-applicator tampon?
Simply: applicator tampons have an applicator, non-applicator tampons don't.
Applicators were originally included with tampons because the Catholic church was concerned about women touching their own genitals, they continue to be popular in the US because of attitudes Americans have towards female anatomy. Non-applicator are a better option as they're simpler, more hands-on, and give better control so they're easier to insert - also it means less waste.
With the average woman using around 12,000-16,000 tampons in her lifetime, adding that amount of plastic to landfill too represents a significant environmental impact.
How long should you wear a tampon?
Well, it is my understanding that you should change more often when experiencing heavier flow, so this will certainly vary from woman to woman - which is why the answer below of 1-2 hours is not really correct. I've been told for many years that the maximum time is 8 hours, as a good guideline, but if you are having heavy flow, change it more often. You can probably "feel" when you need to change it out. Try different levels of absorbency, as well. Hope this helps!
Answer
Well, you're only supposed to wear tampons for about 1 or 2 hours. This to make sure you don't get the deadly Toxic Shock Syndrome. This happens when bacteria from your period blood gets on the tampon. If the bacteria is left there too long, it may go into your bloodstream, and that bacteria, if left untreated, could kill you.
If i am on my period and when i change my tampon my blood is black what does this mean?
Once the discharged blood comes in contact with the air it will turn black. This is normal, however it is important to change your tampon frequently to protect yourself againest a serious bacterial infection knowen as toxic shock syndrome.
Can you use tampons while treating thrush with cream?
No, tampons should not be used during vaginal infection.
Your vagina has a very delicate balance of bacteria naturally occuring that keep the vagina healthy, the acidic pH of the vagina kills 'bad' bacteria while allowing the 'good' bacteria that help keep yeast under control to thrive. Tampons can effect vaginal pH so in turn effect normal bacterial balance, they also allow massive bacterial overgrowth and prevent vaginal cleaning - tampons are a major cause of vaginal infections, using tampons when you already have an infection can make it worse, also if flora is off-balance it is more likely that the bacterium responsible for TSS is also present.
You can use pads (although it's best to avoid commercial pads such as Always or Kotex as they prevent air-flow and contain chemicals which can allow increase in bacteria and yeast - best to use cloth pads like Lunapads or Gladrags), softcups, or menstrual cups. Tampons are best avoided.
Tampons can cause additional bleeding. Tampons dry-out vaginal tissues causing ulceration which can bleed - in the 1970's when tampons like Rely were on the market many women were admitted to hospital with life-threatening vaginal hemorrhaging caused by damage done by these tampons. Although modern tampons are far safer, rayon tampons can still cause damage which can result in vaginal bleeding, many women also notice their menstrual flow reduces when they switch from tampons to options like menstrual cups but we're not sure what explains this reduction in flow exactly.
How do you take out the tampon for the first time?
First you have to stand up then make sure the tampon is at a 45 degree angle to back of your woman hood. Then insert it in. If it feels uncomfortable, try to push it in a little more until you can't feel it. Then it should be placed in correctly. Don't leave it in for more than 8 hours though.
Do you put tampons in your body?
The tampon goes into the vagina - literally the hole is your vaginal opening.
There is no other hole that a tampon can realistically go into, the vagina is also the place where the blood is coming out so no reason to put it anywhere else. If you don't understand basic female anatomy it is not a good idea for you to be using tampons, stick with pads for now and learn more.
What are the smallest tampons?
Yep... tampons come in different sizes depending on how heavy or or light your flow is. So if you were looking for small tampons you should get the light flow tampons because they are smaller. Tampons for light flow might also be called 'juniors.'
Is twelve to young to use a tampon?
If you have started menstruating, it is never too early to try tampons. It can be uncomfortable at first, but many females prefer tampons over pads once they get used to them. If you want to try them, read the box (there are helpful pictures), and don't get discouraged if it doesn't seem to work well right away. It takes some practice.
What year were tampon's invented?
Ancient Egyptians invented the first disposable tampons made from softened papyrus. The modern tampon with an applicator was invented in 1929. See the Related link below.
the original tampon was invented in 1931
What if it hurts putting a tampon in?
There are a few possible reasons why tampons may be uncomfortable or painful for you to insert, some of the most common reasons are...
- Not relaxing enough.
Your vagina is a muscular tube, if you're not relaxed then your vaginal muscles aren't relaxed either so the vaginal walls will clench together - imagine this like a tightly gripped fist. Make sure to relax when inserting the tampon; practice relaxing vaginal muscles so you can relax on demand or masturbate beforehand as when aroused the vagina will relax and open. Know that if it hurts you can always stop and try again later, trying to force things or getting frustrated will just make it more difficult.
- Inserting at the wrong angle.
Your vaginal canal doesn't go straight up, it curves slightly so you need to aim the tampon up towards the small of your back - different positions can change the angle slightly so sometimes it helps to lay down rather than trying to insert when standing or sitting, you can always change positions when you're used to insertion. Non-applicator are also easier to use because as well as being simpler they allow you to more easily feel for resistance so if you push into a vaginal wall you can feel that happening so slightly adjust angle until you can feel it going through vaginal walls.
- Using too high an absorbency.
Tampons are dry and absorbent, as well as absorbing menstrual flow they also absorb vaginal discharge which can cause damage to vaginal walls and the dry tampon against vaginal walls can increase that damage or cause irritation. Always use lowest absorbency and never use tampons with light flow or when not menstruating - if the tampon leaks after 1-2 hours you can use the next absorbency up, but if the tampon isn't completely saturated in blood after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or pads.
- Allergic reaction to the tampon.
Many tampons are made from rayon which is more irritating and drying than cotton tampons, but rayon is also chemically treated and bleached so can be more likely to cause irritation, sensitivity, or allergic reaction. Rayon tampons also increase risks of TSS, vaginal infections, and contain dioxin - so avoid rayon tampons like Tampax, Kotex, and Playtex - instead opt for hypo-allergenic cotton tampons like Cottons, Natracare, and Emerita, these are not only less likely to cause irritation but also safer. You may also want to try using sponge or soft tampons which are squishy and not dry.
How long can you wear a tampon?
Tampons need to be changed at least every 4-6 hours.
If the tampon leaks before that time then change sooner - if the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours then you may want to consider using the next absorbency up. Remember to change absorbency as your flow changes, if at 4-6 hours your tampon isn't saturated with blood use lower absorbency or pads.
Is it possible for a tampon to be stuck deep in the vagina?
Tampons are supposed to be pushed all the way inside, they sit high in the vaginal canal - they can't go any further than your vaginal canal because the cervix at the top prevents them going any deeper. If the tampon is too far in for you to reach then push with vaginal muscles and squat.
You should not be wearing tampons when sleeping as most people sleep around 7-8 hours, tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours and even if you set an alarm there is a risk of oversleeping. You also need to alternate with pads and overnight is the best time for this. Misusing tampons such as leaving them in too long will increase your risk of contacting Toxic Shock Syndrome or cause vaginal infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis.
Is it normal to feel sore after you use a tampon for the first time?
It's semi-normal to feel sore after using tampons any time. There's little about the first time specifically, unless you were especially uncomfortable about trying tampons for the first time. Most commonly pain is a result of using too high an absorbency for your flow: if not saturated in blood after 4-6 hours you need to use lower absorbency or pads. Also if you're tense rather than relaxed then you'd have had to force the tampon into your vagina which may irritate vaginal walls too.
Do you change a tampon every hour?
It can be normal for some women, you know best what is normal for your body - if this is a new occurrence then it would be best to talk to your doctor. If you're going through a super or ultra absorbency tampon every hour then your period is heavy so it's best to check with your doctor to make sure everything is okay and look at treatment options. Do not allow your doctor to palm you off with hormonal birth control, although withdrawal bleeds on the pill can be lighter than menstrual bleeds it's not fixing the problem, it's not the most effective means of reducing flow, and it's putting you at unnecessary risk.Consider using Tranexamic Acid to reduce flow, and use menstrual cups which can be worn far longer than tampons, at times when you'd not be able to safely use tampons, don't leak like tampons, and can reduce flow.
What are the symptoms if you forget a tampon?
If you've left a tampon in longer than the recommended 4-6 hours then it increases risks of TSS and vaginal infections - the longer they're left the higher the risks.
If susceptible to TSS on this occasion you'd likely see TSS symptoms earlier rather than later because although TSS risks are higher the longer you leave tampons, the bacterial toxins responsible for TSS take immediate effect. Symptoms of TSS can vary greatly including vomiting, bowel problems, muscle pains, rash on hands or feet, red mucosa, but all TSS cases involve fever and low blood pressure.
Vaginal infection is most common, you'd notice bad odour such as a fishy smell and excessive discharge, maybe also irritation. If you do notice these symptoms then you check to see if there is a tampon still left in your vagina, and then see your doctor for antibiotics to clear the infection.
When you go swimming when you are on your period do you have to were a tampon?
To swim on your period you need to use one of the following:
- Tampons
- Soft tampons
- Menstrual sponges
- Menstrual cups
- Diaphragms
- Softcups
Blood does NOT stop flowing in the water, this is a myth - your uterus does not have water-seeking technology so it will not know you'e in the water to stop bleeding - if your flow is light what little blood that leaves your body may be diluted in the water so go unnoticed, but heavier bleeding and uterine tissue will be noticed. You also cannot wear pads in the water because the blood won't flow down into the pad, even if it did the pad would be saturated with water so be unable to absorb the blood, disposable pads will also potentially fall apart or come unstuck.
How soon can you use tampons after inserting Mirena?
Yes, it's perfectly okay to use tampons with Mirena or any other IUD.
It's recommended that you don't use internal menstrual products like tampons or menstrual cups for the first month with an IUD, this is because this is when it is most likely the IUD would come out so you need to be extra careful. After that first month it's safe to use most tampons and menstrual cups, but soft tampons and softcups are not recommended as they sit too high in the vagina.
Can tampons cause toxic shock syndrome?
TSS occurs when certain naturally occurring bacteria are allowed to overgrow in contact with mucus membranes or damaged tissues, those bacteria then produce TSST-1 toxin which enters the body and if you lack immunity it overwhelms the immune system. TSS can be fatal.
Tampons account for 75% of all TSS cases - 1 in 700 women will contract TSS.
Tampons give bacteria the perfect place to multiply within the body, while also effecting vaginal pH and plugging-up the vagina so preventing self-cleaning so the vagina cannot rid itself of this bacteria or bacterial toxins. Tampons are within a major bodily orifice of mucus membranes and they damage vaginal tissues so give TSST-1 a direct route into the body. Women are primarily the victims of TSS.
Initial symptoms of TSS include a sudden high fever, low blood pressure, muscle aches, sore throat, bloodshot eyes, red mucus membranes, vomiting and nausea, lose bowel movements and a sunburn-type rash - symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and depending on which organs are effected. Long-term it's a very unpleasant illness that can kill within a week. There are stories of real life TSS cases in the link below if interested in more details of how it effects victims.
How many onces does a tampon hold?
Tampon absorbency is measured in grams.
- Light absorbency: <6g
- Regular absorbency 6-9g
- Super absorbency 9-12g
- Super Plus absorbency 12-15g
- Ultra absorbency 15-18g
These are absorbency ratings for conventional tampons - e.g. organic tampons like Emerita or commercial tampons like Tampax - tampons such as soft tampons like Beppy, Sponge tampons like Jade & Pearl, or cloth tampons do not have absorbency ratings and can vary greatly.
