How to Use a Tampon and 5 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Sanitary pads have remained the best period buddy for many women. But changing lifestyles, fashion needs and personal choices have made tampons grow in popularity. As with all female sanitary products, there are certain dos and don’ts while learning how to use tampons.
The tampon vs. pad debate has been long-running and will continue to be so. Instead of arguing about it, let’s just take a look at tampons and learn to use them correctly. While pads are still hugely popular, tampons are the answer for many who want to wear form-fitting dresses and don’t like the mess of pads.
What Is a Tampon and How Do You Use it?
A tampon is an absorbent plug inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. Made of cotton and attached with a string, tampons commonly come with applicators for ease of insertion. Even without an applicator, they aren’t very complicated. They just take some getting used to.
Tampons are easy to use – you take one and slowly insert it into the vagina with a part of the string hanging out. It can be done in a sitting or standing position. For first-timers, small tampons are advisable. Switch to a larger size when you become comfortable. Stay calm while inserting a tampon otherwise your vaginal muscles will contract and make it difficult to put in. As for how far to insert a tampon, take it as far up as you feel absolutely comfortable without the irritation of something being inside. Yes, you can shower with a tampon in and use it while swimming.
Understanding Tampon Issues
Being products of intimate usage, misconceptions and myths about tampons abound. Once you know the outweighing pros, buying sanitary pads will be history. Common tampon problems occur because of incorrect usage and carelessness. Choose the ones with absorbency that suits your flow. Don’t leave them in for more than eight hours as that exposes you to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare and dangerous bacterial condition. Change them within four-six hours even with light flow.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using Tampons
- Some women pick tampons with very high absorbency, but with a light to medium flow, look for regular ones. Variants with high absorbency can leave you prone to TSS.
- Some women get an uneasy feeling while wearing tampons, usually due to wrong placement. You want to insert it deep and position it right to stay snug.
- Never use tampons from tampered packaging as they could cause infection. Remember, they’re going inside your body and must be hygienic.
- Tampons lose their popularity when it comes to overnight usage. Since they must be changed faster, leaving them in for long can be risky and messy! Reach for maxi pads overnight.
- Hygiene is crucial during your menstrual cycle. Wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon and never flush used tampons into the toilet. You should dispose it properly- wrapping it in old newspaper and tossing it into the trash.
There are many pro-tampon arguments and usage instructions available. Give them a try on your next menstrual cycle and see how well they serve you!