What you need to know about tampons: why they are needed and how to use them

What are tampons and why are they needed?

A tampon is a hygiene product that is designed to absorb menstrual fluid. It is a miniature roll made of viscose and cotton. A special cord comes out of its base, which helps to easily remove the hygiene product from the vagina.

These products are used during menstruation. They are inserted into the vagina, where the hygiene products are held in place by muscles. They have excellent absorbent properties. With proper selection and insertion, tampons for women become imperceptible.

Considering the huge popularity of sanitary pads, girls still wonder why a tampon is needed.

In cases where your period began on an important, important day, and you need to look perfect, you cannot do without this product. Thanks to him, a woman can wear any clothes and even go to the pool during menstruation.

You can get more detailed information about the types of female tampons by reading our separate article on the website.

Why are they needed?

When it comes to tampons, most people mean those used for menstruation. Although in fact they are also

• Medicinal. These tampons are intended for the treatment and prevention of gynecological diseases. They come ready-made, made from herbs, and also homemade, which are rolled up gauze, sometimes with a cotton ball inside. The latter are soaked in medicine before use;
• Contraceptives. They are used to avoid unplanned pregnancy, most often when other contraceptives are undesirable.

So the answer to the question of what tampons are needed for cannot be unambiguous.

And yet, not all women need these 2 types. Whereas everyone purchased hygiene products at least once. What all tampons have in common is that they are inserted into the vagina. Period products prevent the discharge from leaking out and staining your underwear. But they will not allow blood and mucus to remain inside the vagina, since they have the ability to accumulate liquid in themselves.

First experience

Before using tampons for the first time, you need to read the instructions that are included on each package. It contains information about where to insert tampons, how deep and how often they need to be changed. Only after familiarizing yourself with all the basic rules can you begin the first introduction.

Even before inserting a tampon into the vagina, you need to perform a number of hygiene procedures, thoroughly wash your hands and genitals. This rule should be strictly observed, as there is a risk of infection entering the genital tract, which can cause a number of undesirable consequences.

It is not always possible to place the product correctly on the first try. If you perform these manipulations several times, you will have enough experience and dexterity, and accordingly, problems with using these devices will no longer arise.

When the hygiene product is first introduced, girls experience minor discomfort, which is considered normal. The body gradually gets used to the presence of a foreign object, and the unpleasant sensations disappear. However, if inserted incorrectly, it will be painful to insert the tampon.

If severe discomfort occurs, which intensifies when walking, then you cannot leave the hygiene product in this position. You need to remove it completely or try to push it a little deeper.

Tampons must be used in accordance with the rules. Unlike pads, you need to change your tampon every 3-4 hours. Longer use of one product is strongly not recommended.

Can teenagers use a tampon?

It was once believed that young girls should not do this because a tampon could damage the hymen. But this, of course, is not true. The hymen is connective tissue with a hole in the middle. If she were a solid piece of living film, menstrual flow would not have the opportunity to come out. This part of the body is elastic. For some, it is only damaged during childbirth. So it is quite possible for young girls to use tampons during their menstrual periods. It is better to choose the Mini type, since discharge in teenagers is not very abundant.

Difficulty in inserting a tampon for the first time may have a psychological reason. For fear of experiencing pain, a girl may involuntarily squeeze her vaginal muscles. This prevents insertion of the tampon.

How to insert tampons without an applicator

To learn how to correctly insert tampons that are not equipped with an applicator, you need to follow these steps:

1. Remove the hygiene product from the packaging and remove the film from it.
2. Pull the cord and make sure it is securely fastened.
3. Take a comfortable position.
4. Take the product in one hand and spread the labia with the other.
5. Start inserting the vaginal tampon at an angle of 45 degrees towards the spine, pressing your finger on the indentation where the lace is attached.

Do not insert the tampon too deeply. It is enough to move it a distance equal to the length of your index finger. In this position it is practically not felt.

What does a tampon consist of?

Regardless of the purpose, its composition includes natural, moisture-absorbing substances. This is cotton wool, viscose or some other fibers, tightly compressed and stitched. For ease of placement in the vagina, tampons are given a cylindrical shape, and a thin but durable cord is inserted inside. It is necessary for trouble-free removal of the hygiene product.

A special place among them is occupied by tampons with an applicator. This is a device made of plastic or hard cardboard that facilitates insertion into the vagina. The applicator consists of two tubes of different sizes and locations. The one on top has a smooth structure and a rounded tip with petals. This part for inserting a tampon is taken with two fingers and directed to the entrance to the vagina. At the same time press the inner tube. She pushes the tampon out, putting it back in place. The suction thread of the hygiene product remains outside, and both tubes fit into each other, now they can be thrown away.

Contraindications for use

In some cases, the use of tampons is prohibited. Among the main contraindications to their use are the following:

• infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• abortive termination of pregnancy and the postpartum period;
• inflammation of the genitourinary system or vagina.

Sometimes girls cannot use tampons due to the structural features of the genital organs. When a hygiene product is introduced, they experience severe pain.

About therapeutic tampons

Although these products are similar to hygiene products, they are not. They are used for medicinal purposes.

Homemade

The products consist of cotton wool, bandage or gauze. A medicinal composition is placed inside. If drugs such as a cream, ointment or solution are used during the treatment process, the finished tampon is simply soaked with them.

Making these products is not difficult. The cotton wool is rolled into a ball, which is placed in a bandage folded in several layers. This structure is tied with thread, leaving a long tip.

According to doctors, these are the best tampons used for therapeutic purposes. They are used for cervical erosion, candidiasis and inflammatory processes. The duration of the course directly depends on the condition of the body and the disease itself. Before starting therapy, you should definitely consult a gynecologist.

Chinese

There are Chinese-made products designed to eliminate various gynecological diseases. Visually, they are similar to homemade ones and are also inserted into the vagina during therapy. They differ only in that, according to the instructions, they can stay inside for up to three days.

The use of these tampons should be discussed with your doctor to avoid possible negative consequences. Treatment of gynecological diseases with such means is best carried out as part of complex therapy.

How to make the right choice

The correct choice and use of the product directly determines how comfortable a woman will feel during her period. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the size. Hygienic products with a minimum volume can leak during heavy discharge, and excessively large ones often cause a feeling of discomfort. It is recommended to use devices that can absorb maximum liquid in the first days , after which they are replaced with medium-sized ones, and in the last days you can use the smallest ones.

Particular attention should be paid to the surface of the hygiene product. This directly determines what sensations will appear after introducing it inside. For production, viscose, cotton or a mixture of these materials is used. Some products are equipped with spirals and grooves that provide additional protection against leakage.

Ease of use is considered an equally important point in the selection rules. Here, not only the shape is taken into account, but also the presence of the applicator. Inserting a tampon for girls can sometimes be quite problematic. With the help of an applicator, these actions are much easier to perform.

Before you start using the selected product, you should carefully study the instructions for use. The product should not be felt in the vagina. If even slight discomfort occurs, then most likely it was not possible to find a suitable device. It is also possible that it was entered incorrectly.

Tampons of different absorbency

What is the replacement frequency

Tampons are divided into types depending on the level of absorption of secretions. The main types of the product are presented in the table.

When choosing a remedy, you need to rely on the individual characteristics of the body. The product must be replaced after it is completely filled. This usually happens within 2-3 hours.

If the discharge is scanty, tampons should be changed after a couple of hours.

If the discharge is excessively scanty, then you should not leave the product on for more than 5 hours. In case of smudging, it is generally better to give preference to gaskets. Once completely filled, the tampon should come out of the vagina easily. Don't replace too often. Otherwise, the genital mucosa will be constantly injured and the risk of various diseases will increase.

Possible harm from tampons

The use of tampons is considered safe, but in some cases women experience certain problems. Possible harm from these products:

1. The appearance of irritation, the development of candidiasis or vaginitis. In this case, women should refuse to insert products into the vagina during menstruation and resort to the use of pads. After fixing the problem, you can try products from another manufacturer.
2. Toxic shock syndrome. The consequences of this pathology are quite serious. Its development can be caused by the use of too large products or untimely replacement of them. The main clinical manifestations of TSS include chills, pyrexia, dizziness, nausea and weakness. It is possible that urticaria may appear on the skin. In this case, you need to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.

What difficulties arise when using

Most of them are not created by tampons, but by their owners. Or they are more invented than existing. Problems with the use of these hygiene products are divided into several groups:

• It hurts to insert a tampon. This can be caused by incorrect administration. Forgetting about the tilt of the vagina, a woman can stubbornly push the tampon so that it rests against the wall of the organ. The reason for the sensation is also the sharp edges of the applicator, which distinguish tampons from some companies. Spasm of the vaginal muscles also causes pain when the product is administered. But sometimes it's much more serious. Pain occurs due to inflammation of the vaginal mucosa or injury. In this case, it is better to use a pad and visit a gynecologist at the end of your period;
• The tampon is stuck inside. This happens, although it is extremely rare. Most often the cause is the same spasm of the vaginal muscles. A tampon filled with secretions increases slightly in size. What should I do to get rid of it? Do not panic, take sedatives and antispasmodics to relax the smooth muscles of the vagina. And try to remove the tampon by pulling the cord or grabbing it with your fingers. If it doesn't work out, no big deal. A gynecologist knows how to remove a tampon in such a case. There is nothing to be ashamed of asking for help; most likely, the doctor has seen something different;
• Fear that the tampon might go inside. Such fears make doctors laugh, but can prevent a woman from using these convenient hygiene products. The tampon has nowhere to go beyond the vagina. The opening of the cervix is ​​so narrow even during menstruation that it is impossible to push anything wider than 1 mm into it. Even a mini version of a tampon is not able to move further than the vagina.

How long can you use it?

Another problem that faces women who appreciate their convenience is whether tampons can be used constantly. Some people claim that they do this because the comfort of critical days with them is much higher, without negative consequences. But experts are sure that this will not last long, and advise alternating tampons and pads. Even use the former in extreme cases. The presence of a tampon in the vagina can disrupt its microflora, despite regular replacement. This is especially true for women with gynecological diseases. Some of them do not allow the use of vaginal hygiene products at all:

• Inflammation of the vagina and any parts of the uterus;
• Allergy to the components of the product.

It doesn’t hurt to pay attention to the shelf life of tampons, which is usually 5-6 years. There is a misconception that this does not matter, because they consist of natural materials that do not release toxic substances over time. But after the expiration date, the product may reduce or lose its absorbent qualities, which will cause discharge and possibly irritation of the mucous membrane.

Results

To ensure that the use of gynecological tampons is pleasant and does not cause harm to the body, you need to follow some simple rules.

• choose according to the intensity of the discharge;
• a correctly selected hygienic element is not felt inside the vagina and does not cause discomfort;
• Use this product alternating with pads. Use tampons when you cannot do without them (sports, going to the beach, going to the pool, tight-fitting clothes);
• By pulling the string, you can determine whether it is time to change it or not. A tampon completely saturated with secretions can be easily removed with the slightest tension on the thread;
• change at least every 4 hours, even if he has not yet collected the maximum amount of discharge;
• Replace with a pad at night;
• do not change the hygiene product after each urination;
• insert only with clean hands, even if it has an applicator.

Now you know how to choose tampons to protect yourself from leaks and not injure your vagina.

Sources:

https://topginekolog.ru/menstruation/gigiena/zhenskie-tampony https://promesyachnye.ru/vidy-tamponov/ https://overtune.ru/tampony/kak-vybrat