I get asked a lot of times about how to use a tampon, what are tampons and whether they are safe to use etc. Tampons have been my part of my menstrual days for as long as I could remember and they have definitely made my life so much better! I even made a dedicated video about it on my Instagram IGTV, you can check that out. If you have never used a tampon or if you use it already and want to know more about it, keep reading –
WHAT ARE TAMPONS?
Firstly, what are tampons? So, tampons are nothing but they are a replacement to your regular sanitary napkin and are meant to be inserted into your vagina. A tampon when inserted, absorbs the menstrual blood when you are on a period. Tampons are made up of cotton or rayon or sometimes a blend of both. You get tampons with or without an applicator. If you are using organic ones, the applicator could be made up of an Eco-friendly material such as cardboard. If you are using regular non-organic tampons, the applicator would be made up of plastic.
Tampons come in different sizes such as regular and heavy flow size. If you do not get heavy periods, it is best to use regular size. Using a heavy flow sized tampon on a light period can make your vagina drier and make you feel uncomfortable. This can also make insertion and removal painful.
HOW TO USE TAMPONS?
This is one of the most common question I get and frankly speaking it is not really tough to understand. The very first step is to wash your hands properly. The next step is to remove a tampon from its covering. Sit in a comfortable position or squat and insert the tampon inside your vagina gently. If you are using the one that comes with an applicator, you might want to press the applicator to insert your tampon inside. Always make sure that the thread is hanging outside and change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. It is really important to make sure that you never wear a tampon for more than eight hours.
TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS)
Not everyone who is using a tampon is going to suffer from TSS, this is extremely rare but it is really important for you to know about this. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare disease that happens due to growth of certain bacteria in your vagina. This bacteria produces a toxic substance that can cause organ damage to your liver, heart, kidney etc. If you have symptoms like sudden high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash that looks like a sunburn on your period, it is better to go to a doctor to get yourself checked for TSS.
CAN I USE A TAMPON IF I AM STILL A VIRGIN?
Yes! Your vagina is not completely sealed or closed with hymen. There is space for the menstrual blood to flow out of your vagina. You have to insert the tampon in the same space. If you are doing this for the first time, you might take a few tries to learn how to insert it properly. You also need to take your own time and be gentle if you’re trying out a tampon for the first time. I too had to try several times to really learn how to exactly use a tampon. Practice makes a man (opps, women here!) perfect.
WILL A TAMPON GET LOST IN MY VAGINA?
This one too is a very common question and doubt that everyone has in their mind. Straightforward answer is absolutely not. The tampon goes inside your vagina and the thread is supposed to hang outside. In order to remove the tampon you need to gently pull the thread and the tampon comes out. If you insert the thread along with the tampon, it will be tough to locate it and pull it out but it will still not get lost in your vagina.
If you have any more questions related to tampon usage, shoot it in the comments below 🙂
