Tampons: A Guide to Proper Usage and PrecautionsTampons: A Guide to Proper Usage and Precautions Tampons are widely used menstrual hygiene products that absorb menstrual blood. Understanding proper usage, risks, and hygiene practices is essential for safety and effectiveness. Here are five key measures to consider: Correct Insertion Technique: Inserting a tampon correctly is crucial for comfort and leakage prevention. Relax, follow the product instructions, and remove and try again if discomfort occurs. Consult a healthcare professional if persistent problems arise. Choosing the Right Absorption: Tampons come in various absorbencies. Select the lowest suitable absorbency for your flow and change tampons regularly to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Regular Replacement: Change tampons every 4-8 hours, as recommended by the FDA. Leaving tampons in for extended periods increases the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Set reminders if necessary. Maintain Hygiene: Thoroughly wash your hands before and after inserting or removing a tampon. Use individually wrapped tampons to maintain cleanliness. Be Aware of TSS Symptoms: TSS is a rare but serious condition associated with tampon use. Be aware of symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, and muscle strain. Remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention if experienced. Conclusion: By taking precautions and following proper guidelines, tampon users can effectively and safely manage their periods. Education about insertion techniques and hygiene practices is crucial to prevent infections and more severe conditions like TSS.
Tampons are menstrual products designed to absorb menstrual blood during menstruation. Unlike pads, they are inserted into the vaginal canal and once properly inserted, they absorb the blood and prevent leakage.
According to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, tampons are one of the four most commonly used menstrual hygiene products, the other three being pads, panty liners and menstrual cups.
Although tampon use is generally safe, Dr. M Rajini, Gynaecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabadbelieves that effectiveness and safety come with understanding proper usage, risks, and hygiene practices. So here are five key measures every tampon user should keep in mind:
Also read: How Menstrual Symptoms Change in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s
Use the correct insertion technique
First things first. For tampon users, it is essential to ensure that you insert your tampon correctly to avoid discomfort and leakage.
Dr. Rajini says, “Relax while inserting the tampon and follow the instructions that come with the product. If you experience any pain or discomfort, remove the tampon and try again with a new one. If problems persist, consult a healthcare professional.”
Choose the right absorption
It’s important to note that tampons come in different absorbencies, from light to super plus, says Dr. Rajini, adding that choosing the right absorbency for your period is crucial to preventing discomfort and reducing the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with a bacterial infection.
The doctor advises using tampons with the lowest absorbency level suitable for your period and changing them regularly.
Replace tampons regularly
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends changing each tampon every 4 to 8 hours and warns against wearing a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
According to Dr. Rajini, leaving a tampon in for long periods of time can increase the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to infections or TSS.
She advises always following the instructions on the tampon packaging and setting reminders if necessary.
Maintain good hygiene
When using menstrual products, it is of the utmost importance that you follow proper hygiene measures, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after inserting or removing a tampon.
“This helps prevent bacteria from entering the vaginal area,” says Dr. Rajini.
She also adds that you should always use tampons that are individually wrapped so they stay clean before use.
Also read: Sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups: how often should you change them?
Be aware of TSS symptoms
As discussed, TSS is a rare but serious condition associated with tampon use. If you are a tampon user, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, which include:
- Sudden high fever
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Pass out
- A rash that looks like a sunburn
- muscle strain
Dr. Rajini says, “If you experience these symptoms, remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention. Educate yourself about TSS and remain vigilant for any signs.”
Conclusion
Tampons are a convenient and effective menstrual product. Compared to sanitary pads, they are more environmentally friendly, but not completely. However, if you are a tampon user, it is crucial to take the right precautions and follow the guidelines. Learn all about the insertion techniques and the hygiene practices you should follow afterwards before using it. This can help prevent infections or more serious conditions such as TSS.
