Is tampon safe?
We’ve all been there: standing in the feminine hygiene aisle at the grocery store, staring at a wall of tampons and wondering if any of them are safe to use. With all the horror stories out there about toxic shock syndrome (TSS), you can’t blame us for being a little hesitant.
But fear not, my friends! As someone who has been using tampons for over a decade without incident, I’m here to put your mind at ease. In this article, we’ll take a humorous look at tampon safety and debunk some common myths along the way.
What Are Tampons Anyway?
Before we dive into whether or not tampons are safe, let’s talk about what they actually are. Tampons are small cylinders of absorbent material (usually cotton) that women insert into their vaginas during menstruation to collect blood.
There are different types of tampons available including applicator vs non-applicator ones; regular vs super options etc which might depend on one’s flow frequency and menstrual cycle state
Let me tell you something: If you’re new to using tampons (especially if it is an applicator-less one), it can be a bit tricky at first. But once you get the hang of it, trust me – it’ll change your life!
The TSS Scare
So now that we know what tampons are, let’s address the elephant in the room: toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is a rare but potentially deadly condition caused by certain types of bacteria. And yes, there have been cases where women who used high-absorbency tampons developed TSS.
Fun Fact: Did you know that TSS was dubbed “tampon disease” back in 1980s? Talk about bad PR! Thank goodness these days more people understand how unlikely such diseases could ever occur.
But here’s the thing: TSS is incredibly rare, with only about 1-2 cases per 100,000 menstruating women each year in the United States. Additionally or more importantly there are brands that have already improved their formulation to avoid these bacterial buildup which would address those concerns further.
So while you should definitely be aware of the symptoms of TSS (fever, vomiting, rash), don’t let it scare you away from using tampons altogether.
What About Other Risks?
Aside from TSS, some women worry about other risks associated with tampon use such as irritation or infection. And while it’s true that any foreign object inserted into your vagina has the potential to cause irritation (e.g., shedding fibres), the vast majority of women who use tampons experience no issues whatsoever.
Also depending on one’s menstrual cycle state a doctor could recommend switch between pads and tampons whenever possible
In fact – this might shock you – but did you know that some people swear by organic versions for having lesser irritability/ itching experiences down south?
One piece of advice: If you do experience discomfort when using tampons (on any part) speak to your doctor/menstrual hygienist right away! They can help determine if it’s due to an underlying condition like an STD or yeast infection…or just because perhaps its time for pad-day!
Oh and what kind Tampon user would I be if I don’t share my go-to trick; matching my blood sugar anxiety-levels to my flow pressure intensity(Patent pending)
Please note: It’s best not insert anything up your privates except properly manufactured ones curated following set standards based on recommendations.
Now that we’ve addressed some common concerns around tampon safety, let’s talk about how to select and use them properly.
Choose Wisely
First things first, let’s talk about choosing the right tampon for you. There are a few things to consider here:
-
Absorbency: The absorbency level of your tampon should match your flow. You don’t want anything too big or too small! It could spell out uncomfortable situations during important meetings and jump-scare moments when u step away from ur chair.
-
Applicator type (if applicable): Some women prefer applicator-less tampons while others like having an applicator for easier insertion. This is purely subjective! So follow what works best for you
one thing thouh; just be sure that whatever option that picks meets hygiene standards!
Inserting like A Pro
Now let’s talk about how to insert a tampon properly (not necessarily like a pro), because there is definitely some nuance here.
-
Wash your hands thoroughly (it’s important to do especially after spreading sanitizer on everything around us)
-
Unwrap the tampon and make sure the string is hanging off one end
-
Position yourself comfortably (e.g standing with knees slightly bent over toilet if necessary – shall I remind us all of words in my earlier paragraph “Even though using it can change lives” )
4.Insert by holding with middle & index finger then push gently/twist till fully in before pulling off the applicator
(Definitely set a good mood so as not forget it completely up there !!)- Ouch
5.Once done; use sleeve/ tab attached to stable part of clothing such as underwear, wrap used one along string direction , dispose properly(cross-check no ‘leakage’ has occurred) Table Format For clarity below
|Step | Action |
|—- | ——|
| 1 | Wash Your Hands Thoroughly |
| 2 |Unwrap Tampon And Check String Placement |
| 3 |Position Yourself Comfortably |
| 4 |Insert Tampon Fully While Aiding Cross-Side Twist|
|5 |Use Sleeve/Tab To Wrap Used Tampon And Dispose Properly|
How Long Can I Leave It in?
One question women often ask is how long they can safely leave a tampon in. The short answer is: no more than eight hours! This however depends on the flow pressure as mentioned earlier which might require very frequent changes)
Pro Tip: Take a note to yourself !Some days you will forget (we all have those) so sit alarms or a napkin reminder wink
Leaving it longer than this time frame increases your risk of TSS, but also wearing pads consistently overtime overnight could lead to infection too , so better not save up!
And let’s be honest here when that perfect song comes up during an important groove ( sometimes possible at inappropriate situations); remember always prioritize personal hygiene over dance moves !!,That was interesting even if i do say so myself
In conclusion (just because it sounds right LOL), tampons are perfectly safe for most women who use them correctly.
Despite what your mother-in-law might say or that social media post unscientifically claiming otherwise; there’s really nothing to fear here. You now know the basics of selecting and using the right kind of tampon based particularly on absorbency level & brand reputation among others ..nothing else matters!
So go forth and channel your inner Wonder woman without worries..as many would agree’ with Great Power Comes great Responsibility’? Ok maybe not like that exactly but definitely with some forethoughts towards proper hygienic choices – enjoy being productive while smelling damn nice winks again