Tampons or pads are preferred during menstruation

Can girls use a tampon?

Using a tampon
Using a tampon is quite simple. Just like pads, they differ in absorbency (“droplets”) - mini, normal, super and super plus. You need to choose depending on the abundance of secretions. It is recommended to start with normal.

Hygiene rules:

• You must wash your hands before and after use
• If a clean tampon falls, take a new one
• don't forget to remove the old tampon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYTHrfDZEgU

Recommendations for use:

• use a tampon only during menstruation
• do not remove the tampon until it is completely saturated
• do not wear the same tampon for more than 6 hours
• do not leave the tampon on overnight

During menstruation, in a woman's body, a strain of staphylococcus bacteria can trigger toxic shock syndrome (TSS). These bacteria are found in all mucous membranes, and if their functioning is disrupted, they can release toxic substances that are hazardous to health. When using tampons, this risk increases.

Symptoms of TSS include: high fever, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, cramps, chills, nausea, vomiting, and red spots on the palms and heels.

A tampon is a small skein of cotton wool, carefully compressed and stitched. A special cord should come out of the base of the tampon, making it easier to remove the tampon from the vagina. The sanitary tampon is intended for

absorbing menstrual fluid and preventing it from escaping.

For daily use, gynecologists recommend using sanitary pads for critical days. But for exceptional cases, you can use tampons. Such cases include sports, active recreation and swimming. Also, representatives of the fair sex prefer to use tampons at important events, where they have to wear fairly tight or light-colored outfits. Only a tampon can ensure safety and undetectability in such situations.

However, it is worth noting that daily and round-the-clock use of a tampon is strictly prohibited. Firstly, a tampon, like a pad, needs to be changed every three to four hours. Secondly, it must be alternated with other hygiene products. All this is confirmed by the Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.

Why are tampons needed?

It can be used to protect menstrual flow from the very first days of the appearance of menstruation. Therefore, young girls can immediately solve this problem by creating comfortable conditions for themselves.

It is important to choose the correct tampon size.

Which tampons are better

On the days when a woman menstruates, she is forced to significantly reduce her social activity, and even abandon some activities and processes altogether. But this statement is only partially true and applies only to those ladies who use sanitary pads.

From a health point of view, they are good in that all the fluid is removed from the vagina to the outside, but they are not as comfortable and convenient as tampons, with them you can hardly afford to wear white and tight clothes, but about swimming in a river, pool or sea, you can’t forget.

But tampons, on the contrary, allow a woman, even during her period, not to give up her habits and lead an active lifestyle.

These hygiene products are absolutely invisible to the prying eye, they are comfortable, do not irritate the skin, and reliably protect against leakage, but this is only if the tampons are correctly selected, both in relation to the individual characteristics of the body and in relation to the quality of the material from which they are made.

The main “FOR” in favor of tampons

Although the history of the appearance of the first hygiene products in the form of tampons goes back to the distant past, they appeared on the market in wide access relatively recently, only in the first half of the 20th century in America. And today they have gained enormous popularity among the fairer sex all over the world, since they have made the life of girls during menstrual bleeding much more comfortable.

A tampon is a hygienic product made of absorbent materials, which is inserted into the vaginal cavity and held there by its muscles, but at the same time does not hinder movement at all, protects against leakage and eliminates the sensation of leaking fluid. Agree, this is a huge plus, which cannot be said about gaskets.

Manufacturers of tampons pay special attention to the materials that are used, the absorption capacity of the product, its coating, size, and, of course, the design solution.

Thanks to this approach, the result is a hygiene product that allows women not to limit themselves during menstruation, but to continue to play sports, dance, swim and other active activities, of course, provided they feel well. As you can see, even the best pad is inferior to a tampon.

This product is available to a wide segment of the population, since it is sold in any pharmacies and stores, and is also represented by a large number of manufacturers, and accordingly they have different price positions.

Hygienic tampons are made by pressing from cotton wool, its blends and other high-quality materials. Their first and main difference is the degree of absorption and absorption of liquid. This indicator must be indicated on the product packaging. There are the following markings: mini, normal, super and super plus.

Mini tampons are intended for very young girls who have minimal discharge and no experience of sexual intercourse, that is, the hymen is preserved. Although they can also be used by women who have given birth and whose bleeding is scanty.

The remaining three types are designed for different days of menstruation and their intensity. Therefore, every woman can choose a hygiene product depending on her individual needs.

There are also tampons with and without applicators. Of course, with an applicator it is preferable from a hygiene point of view. After all, a hygiene product without it is inserted into the vagina with your fingers, and they must be perfectly clean; before inserting a tampon, your hands should be washed with soap, but in the modern world this is not always possible.

In addition, some manufacturers offer scented tampons to ladies. But such products must be treated with extreme caution, since allergic reactions may occur, especially in women who are prone to them.

Despite the convenience and comfort, the use of tampons should be limited in time. In no case should you use only them all days of your period. Since such an attitude towards oneself can lead to some complications that no advertisement will tell you about.

Let us devote a few lines to this important point. And so, discharge during menstruation is an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microbes and infections. Hence, if a tampon is in the vagina for more than four hours, it becomes a breeding ground for germs. The next point is the specific structure of the female genital organs.

The vagina is protected from the external environment by the labia minora. The cervix synthesizes a special secretion that removes blood and mucus after menstruation.

A tampon, on the contrary, is inserted in the opposite direction, therefore, such a violent action against nature can disrupt natural defense mechanisms or cause infection.

Therefore, it is important to choose and use this hygiene product correctly so that it becomes a source of comfort and not complications.

How to choose the right tampons

When choosing a hygiene product, it is necessary to take into account the age and intensity of discharge (they vary both on different days of menstruation and have individual characteristics of the body).

It is important that it is not recommended to use tampons that are too large, they will dry out the vagina and can harm the body, and too small ones are also not recommended, they will not provide the expected protection and will leak.

Therefore, as indicated above, young girls need to choose mini tampons. In women during menopause, the discharge is also not very intense, so the best option would be tampons marked “Normal”.

For women of childbearing age, tampons with different absorption rates are suitable; they should be selected depending on the days of menstruation and the amount of discharge.

https://youtu.be/QJAL9QVySlM

But it’s best to start your acquaintance with this hygiene product with normal tampons. And then if it turns out to be insufficiently effective, then turn to other types.

This can be determined simply; if the tampon has leaked in less than three hours, then you should choose a different type of tampon. In general, they need to be changed every four hours.

And at night, use special night pads for protection.

How to use tampons correctly

• Before using tampons for the first time, be sure to read the instructions on the pack. Only then should you practice the first introduction. If the first pancake comes out lumpy, it is advisable for the girl to turn to her mother, friend or sister for help. There's nothing wrong with this
• The first rule of any hygiene procedures is thorough hand washing. In cases related to gynecology, this rule is not just an exception, but a postulate. Infection in the genital tract is a very serious thing, fraught with the most undesirable consequences for women's health. Therefore, under any circumstances, anywhere, before handling a tampon, you must wash your hands with soap.
• If we talk about the types of tampons, there are tampons with and without an applicator. For some, the applicator greatly simplifies the process of inserting a tampon, while for others it is more convenient to use a tampon without an applicator. It all depends on your habit or insertion skills.
• Also, when using hygienic tampons for menstrual periods, it is worth considering their types according to their ability to absorb. If a woman’s discharge is not too heavy, then it is better for her to use Light or Regular tampons, but if her periods are accompanied by heavy bleeding, then Super or Super Plus tampons are more suitable in this situation

1. We take the tampon out of the pack and remove the protective film from it
2. We find a cord at the bottom of the tampon and, by pulling it, check the reliability of its fastening
3. We take a position that is convenient for insertion - it is advisable to place one leg higher than the other (in the bathroom it can be placed on the toilet or bathtub) and spread them slightly to the sides
4. We take the tampon by the tip near the cord with one hand, and with the other we spread the labia
5. Carefully insert the tampon at an angle of about forty-five degrees to the spine, pressing on the small depression where the cord is attached
6. The depth of insertion should be no more than the length of the index finger
7. When the tampon is almost not felt, and the remainder of the cord is enough to then remove the tampon from the vagina, we can consider that the task is completed

Inserting a tampon without an applicator
How to insert a tampon?

Using a tampon is quite easy. When inserted, the vaginal muscles fix it so that it cannot fall out or move deeper.

Instructions for inserting a tampon with a string:

1. Take a comfortable position: sitting on the toilet; standing, on slightly bent legs; or standing with one foot resting on the side of the bathtub or toilet seat
2. Relax. The vaginal muscles should not be tense, this will make it difficult to insert a tampon
3. Remove the tampon from the package
4. Take the tampon in a hand that is comfortable for you, and with the other, slightly spread your labia. At first, this will make it easier to insert the tampon. Over time, you will get used to inserting it with one hand.
5. Use your index finger to guide the tampon into your vagina. Dip until your fingers touch the skin of the intimate area
6. Aim towards the spine
7. After insertion, the lace should remain outside

Instructions for inserting a tampon with an applicator:

1. Make yourself comfortable
2. Relax your perineal muscles
3. Unpack the tampon package
4. Take the tampon in your hand, grasping the wide part of the applicator with your fingers
5. With your other hand, spread your labia
6. Point the tampon into the vagina and push it so that the wide part enters completely
7. Slowly press down on the narrow part of the applicator to ensure that the tampon fits into place. The end of the narrow part should be flush with the wide one
8. After the tampon is placed in the vagina, remove the applicator

To remove the tampon, you need to take a comfortable position and slowly pull the string. Throw the used tampon into the trash.

Menstruation used to cause a lot of problems for women. Later, thanks to the invention of such special hygiene products as pads and tampons, “critical days” became more comfortable.

However, if using the former everything is extremely simple, then questions often arise regarding the use of tampons. To avoid unpleasant consequences and the development of serious diseases such as cervical erosion, it is worth knowing how to use tampons.

When used correctly, the hygiene product is absolutely safe for health.

This is a small “bundle” of compressed cotton and viscose that perfectly absorbs blood during menstruation. The tampon is placed inside the vagina, so that the discharge does not leak out. They will be held back by the sponge-like texture of the material.

Are tampons harmful? Many girls are afraid to use them because they are sure that such products interfere with the normal flow of blood. However, studies of well-known brands (Kotex, Tampax, Ob, etc.) prove the opposite.

When the cylinder is completely saturated with secretions, moisture begins to flow through it.

Another common myth about the dangers of tampons is the danger they pose to the vaginal flora.

Some believe that daily use of such hygiene products is fraught with toxic shock and the development of cervical erosion. The likelihood of such a scenario is extremely low.

Research shows that pathologies can occur if you select and insert a tampon incorrectly. As a result, microcracks in the organ mucosa may occur, opening paths for harmful bacteria.

Gynecologists agree that they should give preference to better-known brands of tampons, avoiding “miracle” Chinese remedies. In addition, their price is not inflated compared to goods of unknown origin.

The packaging of a quality product contains a detailed description and certification information. Considering the degree of benefit and the low likelihood of harm from tampons, modern girls can safely use them.

Like pads, tampons vary in size. They are indicated depending on the volume of discharge they are designed for. The level of absorption is indicated on the packaging by the number of droplets. The smallest size is 1-2 drops.

Even a teenage girl or a girl with light menstruation can use them. Cotton cylinders of 3 drops or more are the best option for women who produce large quantities of blood.

Some brands, for example, Obi, indicate the amount of absorption as follows:

• Mini (recommended for girls with light discharge);
• Normal (suitable for girls with slight/moderate discharge);
• Super (used for heavy menstruation);
• Super plus (the best option for very heavy bleeding).

Many women do not always use the same ones, but purchase several types of tampons at once, using products with the appropriate level of protection during different periods of menstruation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk43rnGPV7c

For example, if the first days of menstruation are characterized by heavy discharge, they use tampons with 3-4 drops.

Afterwards, when the bleeding is not so strong, girls switch to products with a lower degree of absorption (1-2 drops or Mini).

The question interests many young girls who have recently faced the need to use them. No health problems will arise if the cotton cylinder is used correctly. Menstruation is a natural process, and every woman must decide which hygiene product is best for her. Below are tips on how to use a tampon correctly.

With applicator

1. The first thing you need to do is wash your hands with soap. Then choose a comfortable position for yourself to insert the applicator into the vagina. Different girls have their own decisions about tampons and how to insert them correctly. Some squat down, others place one leg on a small hill.
2. How to insert a tampon to minimize discomfort? To do this, try to relax your stomach as much as possible. Grip the applicator with two fingers where the wide part begins to taper. Gently push the free end of the tampon into the vagina.
3. How deep to insert?
   It should be inserted until the fingers holding the cylinder touch the perineum. Then press your index finger on the free narrow edge of the applicator, pushing the tampon completely inside the wide part. She is already in the vagina. You will place the hygiene product at the desired depth and minimize the risk of it falling out.
4. The final stage is removing the applicator. The string that remains outside will help you pull out the tampon to replace it with a new one.

Without applicator

1. Before using a tampon, you should wash your hands thoroughly. If possible, wash yourself before the procedure.
2. Unpack one tampon (to open Kotex, twist the ends of the film in different directions; Tampax and Obi open in the usual way).
   Take it with two fingers, releasing the thread.
3. How to insert? With your free hand, gently spread the labia and insert the tampon into the vagina, pushing with your index finger. Sufficient depth is the length of a finger.
4. If the cylinder appears to be stuck, try changing your body position and insertion angle.
   Try to move not upward, but slightly towards the spine. The procedure should not cause pain, so you should not be zealous or apply too much pressure. Each body is individual, experiment to find the most suitable method of administration.

How to extract

1. An invariable preparatory step is washing your hands with soap.
2. Take a comfortable position, sitting on the toilet or squatting, relax your pelvis.
3. You should pull out the tampon using a thread. To do this, pull it down and slightly forward.
4. When the cylinder is completely out of the vagina, wrap it in toilet paper or a prepared bag and throw it in the trash (flushing the item down the toilet may cause a blockage in the sewer pipes).
5. It happens that the tampon along with the string goes deep inside.
   In such situations, you should sit on the toilet and try to push as if you were having a bowel movement. As a rule, the item comes out on its own. If the method does not work, contact a gynecologist who will help you remove the hygiene product painlessly.

What are the contraindications

Tampons are a modern means for female intimate hygiene that are used during menstruation.
They are made from absorbent material and have a cylindrical shape. They differ in composition and shape. There are applicator (inserted using a special tube) and non-applicator (inserted with a finger). Those who are used to constantly using pads rarely decide to try tampons. Although they have a number of advantages:

• when used correctly, they protect more reliably than gaskets;
• not noticeable under clothes, which allows you to wear any underwear and favorite outfits;
• do not restrict movement, you can play sports, swim;
• do not cause skin irritation;
• no unpleasant odor;
• high hygiene, the external genitalia do not get dirty;
• take up little space in your purse.

Many women are hesitant to use tampons for fear of inserting them incorrectly. In fact, inserting it is very simple:

• Before each injection, you must wash your genitals and hands; if this is not possible, use a damp cloth.
• Remove the individual packaging from the product; if there is no applicator, straighten the tampon string.
• Find a comfortable position: Standing with your knees slightly bent, you can raise one leg on the toilet seat or bathtub.

• Relax your genital muscles and hold the tampon or applicator with your middle and thumb. Some products have special notches to help you understand how to hold it correctly.
• Insert the outer part with the rounded end into the vagina at a slight upward angle, towards the lower back. Gently insert the applicator until your fingers touch the genitals. The product without an applicator is inserted with the index finger along its entire length.
• Use your finger to press on the outer part of the applicator, both tubes should be aligned, so the product will take the desired position.
• Carefully remove the applicator from the vagina, the thread should hang out.
• When installed correctly, the tampon is not felt. If you feel discomfort, it is most likely not inserted deep enough. Remove the product and try again.

Hygiene products must be changed every 4-6 hours. Tampons can be used at night, but will need to be replaced. If you find it difficult to carry out manipulations in the middle of the night, it is better to use pads.

Tampons are not a source of infection and, when used correctly, cannot cause harm to health.

Important! Never leave this intimate hygiene product in your vagina for more than 8 hours. This can cause severe inflammation.

There are few contraindications for using tampons:

• postpartum period;
• genitourinary system infections;
• anatomical features of the genital organs;
• cervical erosion;
• allergic reactions to the composition of the product.

When choosing personal hygiene products, you should focus on the characteristics of your body. It is very important to choose the right size and optimal absorbency, then the product will not cause discomfort and will provide reliable protection.

Tips for choosing hygiene products:

1. It is better to use tampons with an applicator. They provide easy and hygienic insertion as there is no need to touch the genitals with your hands.
2. For first use, purchase a product with a minimum level of protection.
3. If, when changing a tampon after 4-6 hours, a white surface remains on it, it is necessary to use products with less hygroscopicity.
4. The tampon fills up after 1-2 hours - purchase a product with a higher degree of absorption.
5. During the cycle, the discharge changes; on the first day it is recommended to use a hygienic product with 2 drops, on days 2-3 - stronger with 3-4 drops.
6. Choose products made from natural materials, such as cotton. They do not cause allergies, but are more expensive.
7. Buy products without fragrances and balms, they often cause irritation.

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With the onset of their first menstruation, girls are faced with the question: what hygiene products to use. Due to lack of knowledge, adolescents believe that the use of tampons at their age is contraindicated. Typically, concerns are associated with the possibility of deflowering with a tampon. But this is not so; girls who are not sexually active are allowed to use these hygiene products.

In the hymen there is a hole with a diameter of 20-25 mm through which menstrual flow comes out. During critical days, the hymen becomes stretchable and elastic, which ensures favorable insertion of the product. The most suitable tampons for teenagers are mini or normal sizes.

It is worth noting that there is one exception that prohibits the use of hygiene products on virgins. 5% of girls have peculiarities in the structure of the pelvic bones. The difficulty lies in the special shape of the pubic bone, which almost half covers the vestibule of the vagina. In this case, inserting a tampon causes pain.

There is a fairly wide range of intimate hygiene products on the market.

Great competition forces manufacturers to come up with new product options: with applicators, different shapes and hygroscopicity, with the addition of balms and herbal extracts.

To choose the best tampons, you need to compare their characteristics and features. For comparison, we selected the most popular brands that can be purchased at any store or pharmacy.

Analyzing the results, leadership can be given to Tampax products - these are the best tampons with an applicator. They consist of natural materials and have a high degree of safety. Their range includes several varieties of hygiene products to suit every taste. Women have trusted this brand for many years. Considering the quality of the product, the price is quite reasonable.

American-made Kotex tampons also have good characteristics. They have a whole line of products with varying degrees of absorbency. The big minus is the synthetic composition.

Is it possible to swim in the sea with a tampon?

Swimming with a tampon in the sea

One of the advantages of a tampon is that it does not limit the girl in her actions. You can swim with a tampon. But there is conflicting opinion on this issue. During menstruation, the vagina and uterus are most exposed to pathogens, and the quality of water in open water bodies is unknown. A tampon does not prevent water from entering the vagina, so on “these days” it is better to limit swimming in the sea or river.

• Swimming in fresh water also does not bode well. This is especially true for standing water. Bacteria in it feel like fish in water.
• One more question remains: “Is it possible to swim in the sea with a tampon?” Salty sea water is considered safer, since its composition is harmful to most types of infections. Therefore, you can swim in the sea with a tampon, but not for long. And in general, bathing in any water with a tampon should last no more than twenty minutes
• Before entering the water, you must insert a new tampon. After the specified period has expired, it must be removed and a new one installed. It is advisable to take water procedures with a tampon no more than twice a day during menstruation
• At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to swim on menstruation days without a tampon! It's like going after a bear with your bare hands.
• To summarize, we can say that tampons are a fairly convenient thing, but they need to be used correctly and only in exceptional cases. They do not pose a danger to the hymen

Modern gaskets

Women liked the product immediately after its appearance. Easy to use, quickly absorbs secretions, masks odor. It somewhat liberates women on menstrual periods, as it minimizes leakage. Women recalled the use of homemade gauze pads, diapers, and other improvised means with reluctance. The rules of use are more than simple.

• Open the package;
• Remove from wrapper;
• Stick to panties;
• Wrap the wings.

Change when full, but not longer than 4-6 hours. A variety of shapes and the ability to absorb different intensity of secretions allows you to choose a product for every woman. Whether her discharge is scanty or abundant. Currently, there is a huge selection of these hygiene products, there are several types:

1. Daytime. On the packaging, the ability to absorb secretions is indicated by drops. 1-2 drops for scanty menstruation, 2-3 for moderate bleeding, 4-6 for heavy bleeding.
2. Nighttime. On the packaging there is a picture with a starry night sky, the designation is 6 or more drops. They are large in size. Because during the night during menstruation, a woman can spin a large number of times. Besides, there is no desire to get up in the middle of the night to change them. This is done before going to bed and immediately after waking up.
3. Reusable. With a natural fabric base, with replaceable inserts. Women use them much less often.
4. Urological. This type is intended for women with urinary problems. Often used after operations, by bedridden patients. But they can be used for heavy bleeding. When you have to change a regular pad every 2-3 hours.

All gaskets are made according to the same principle. The top layer is made of soft, body-friendly fabric. Hypoallergenic contain natural fabrics. Means for improving the quality of absorption of secretions have a surface in the form of small funnels. Blood enters freely, but cannot flow out. The second layer is the most important. Collects menstrual discharge and prevents it from leaking outside the pad. It is made from cellulose and polyethylene. And some modern products also contain a layer of gel, which promotes rapid blood clotting inside the pad. The bottom layer is sticky. Using special glue, the pad is attached to the panties. The additional scented layer is not present in all pads. Its purpose is to mask the natural odor of menstrual bleeding. Each pad is wrapped in an envelope. You should put the product there after use. There has always been a question of pros and cons between pads and tampons.

Is it possible to go to the pool with a tampon?

Swimming with a tampon in the pool

Unlike open reservoirs, the water in the pool is disinfected with chlorine, so swimming in it is safer.

• Tampons, in principle, are very often used by athletes during training and performances in water. However, gynecologists warn that it is advisable to swim no earlier than the third day of menstruation and in reservoirs with clean water.
• This is, firstly, explained by the fact that in the first couple of days of menstruation, the discharge is more intense and it is difficult for tampons wet in water to cope with such an amount of liquid
• Secondly, a tampon prevents blood from escaping outside, but it does not provide any guarantee regarding the penetration of infection inside. The fact is that during menstrual periods, the uterus opens a little and any bacteria can easily penetrate into its cavity. This can provoke a lot of diseases. A tampon does not filter dirty water, and therefore the risk of infection for women in this condition is very high
• Swimming pools often use a variety of filters and water purifiers. However, such chemistry is not only unable to guarantee one hundred percent purity around the clock, but can itself cause irreparable harm to the female body

Swimming in the pool with a tampon

From the history of the problem

The existence of hygiene products for critical days begins with the transformation of a person into an upright creature. Of course, no information has been preserved about what primitive women used. It is known that European women used fabric bandages, which were attached to the petticoat with pins, to protect their clothes from menstrual flow. Since no underwear was worn, such a hygiene product was only useful to the bacteria that multiplied in it. Russian women also used something similar, but only wealthy ones. And the peasant women had to be content with hay. Northern women used animal fur, seaweed or reindeer moss. Of course, there was no talk about any hygiene and safety during menstruation. There was no question of choosing between pads and tampons.

We have also received information that the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used soft papyrus rolled into a tube, and later flax fibers. Residents of Greece made tampons from fabric, supplementing it with a wooden rod. Ancient Roman women were confident that they were reliably protected by skeins of soft wool, lubricated with fat, which were inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Japanese women used paper balls as tampons.

Gaskets in the form we know appeared in the 20th century, first in the USA, then improved in Europe, and during the First World War. Tampons began to be produced on an industrial scale only in the 30s of the 20th century, and they were no less inconvenient than in Ancient Egypt and Greece.

How to insert tampons correctly?

You can use a tampon from the beginning of your first menstruation. It is recommended to use them on days of heavy discharge, and on other days to use pads.

Girls need to use tampons with an absorbency of 2-3 drops. It is also much more convenient to use a tampon with an applicator.

With the first appearance of tampons, many parents and their daughters were worried about the questions: “Can girls use tampons?”, “Is it possible to lose your virginity with a tampon?” or “What kind of tampons are there for girls?” Today, gynecologists around the world claim that a tampon does not pose any danger to the hymen and girls who are not sexually active can, without fear, use it as a means of hygiene during menstruation.

Today, tampon manufacturers offer a special series of tampons for girls. They are more compact in size, which has a calming effect on young ladies around them. Although standard tampons will also be relevant in this situation.

Tampons for girls

Tampons not intended for menstruation

There are tampons that, despite their similarity to hygienic ones, are not hygienic. They are used for medicinal purposes or as an additional means of contraception.

Chinese tampons for treatment

Manufacturers claim that Chinese tampons with medicinal herbs will be very useful in the following cases:

• Endometriosis;
• Inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages;
• Candidiasis and vaginitis;
• Menstrual irregularities;
• Venereal infections;
• Infertility.

Such vaginal tampons are also used as a protective barrier when visiting a swimming pool or sauna, as well as after sexual intercourse with dubious partners. A ban on their use exists when:

• Allergies to the components of this product;
• Menstruation.

It is worth saying that such tampons are not actually medicine. And you should not use them for the listed diseases and other circumstances at your own peril and risk. What is alarming, in particular, is the recommendation to keep the inserted tampon in the vagina for 3 days, large lists of medicinal plants and ailments that are promised to get rid of, as well as the absence of contraindications. What is certain is that tampons alone cannot cure such serious gynecological problems as those listed in the annotations to them. And if a woman wants to experience their effects, it makes sense to notify the attending physician and ask his opinion.

Homemade medicinal tampons

To speed up recovery, it is better to use gynecological tampons made with your own hands. For this you need:

• Bandage size 15-20 cm;
• Gloves;
• Cotton ball;
• Scissors;
• Threads;
• Disinfectant solution.

All components must be sterile, scissors are also disinfected. A thread is secured inside the cotton wool so that it hangs down, and the whole thing is wrapped in a bandage. The finished tampon is moistened with medicine. Typically used:

• Healing mud for the treatment of colpitis, adnexitis, cervicitis. In this case, it is applied not to a bandage, but to cotton wool. Mud dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, which promotes tissue regeneration;
• Aloe for getting rid of various types of inflammation of the vagina and other pelvic organs;
• Propolis for speedy postoperative rehabilitation, as well as treatment of cystitis, erosion, recovery from certain sexually transmitted infections.

Any type of tampon should be used only with the permission of a gynecologist.

Is it possible to lose your virginity with a tampon?

The hymen is shaped like a small fold that separates the internal and external genitalia. It is located in the lower front part of the vagina, 3 cm from its entrance, and has a diameter of 1.5-2 cm. A tampon occupies 4-5 cm and the diameter does not exceed 1.5 cm - accordingly, they cannot lose their virginity. During menstruation, the hymen becomes more elastic and softer, so using a tampon is quite safe.

The fact is that in the center of the hymen there is a hole for the release of menstrual blood. It has a diameter of about two and a half centimeters, while the diameter of the thickest tampons is one and a half centimeters. That is, if inserted correctly, such a film cannot be damaged. In addition, during menstruation, the hymen becomes more elastic and, in principle, there is no possibility of breaking it.

The main rule in using tampons, both for virgins and for other women, is strict adherence to the instructions and the correct choice of tampon. At the initial stages, when the bleeding is even weaker, girls should choose lightweight types of tampons. Don’t forget about their regular shifts (every three hours).

Modern tampon

It is an elongated rod with a rounded end on one side and a thread on the other. The latter is intended for removal from the vagina. Absorbent material with a smooth surface for easy placement inside the genital organ. Sold with or without applicators. Applicators are designed to advance the tampon to the required depth. In its absence, this is done with your fingers.

There are several types.

• Lites – small sizes. Designed for use with scanty discharge. Suitable for girls with a hymen.
• Regular – should be used for moderate, normal intensity discharge.
• Super – used for medium intensity discharge. For example, on the 3rd day of menstruation out of 5.
• Super Plus - recommended for use for heavy menstrual flow. But, it cannot be used for uterine bleeding.

It is very convenient to use, although at first there are difficulties when inserting into the vagina.

Harm from tampons for women during menstruation

It is difficult to imagine a modern woman who never uses gynecological tampons. For some reason, we have a misconception that they were invented in the last century. In fact, they were used by the ancient Egyptians 25 centuries ago. Now the technology for manufacturing these hygiene products is completely different and papyrus is no longer used.

It is difficult for a young girl to figure out whether tampons are harmful during menstruation. There are many opinions on this matter, both false and true. Let's look at all the nuances of this issue in order to understand when tampons can be used and when they can harm the body.

Even 20 years ago, tampons and periods were talked about bashfully, so that no one would hear. Now this product can be found in pharmacies and on store shelves. Everyone knows what they look like, but not everyone knows how to use them correctly.

A cylindrical object is inserted into the vagina, and then, after a few hours, it is removed using a thread, which is part of the structure. Its composition is dominated by cotton or cellulose (viscose).

Answering the question about why tampons are harmful during menstrual periods, it is worth noting the dishonesty of some manufacturers. A hygiene product is sometimes impregnated with various liquids to give it color, smell or desired properties. These substances can have a bad effect on the vaginal microflora, which leads to certain negative consequences.

The harm comes more from the manufacturer who decided to save on production. Modern tampons for menstruation are often impregnated with various essential oils and other plant components to which a woman may be individually allergic.

Pros and cons

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of tampons in order to understand the existing risks. Let's start with the positive aspects.

1. Does not cause discomfort during insertion and removal.
2. Hides under clothes and does not stick out like a pad. Can be worn with any clothes.
3. Movements are not restricted in any way; you can sit in any position and run.
4. Compact and takes up little space in your purse.
5. Menstrual flow does not come out, but is absorbed by cotton or viscose. Even when expanding due to discharge, it does not cause discomfort.
6. The blood does not come into contact with air, so the characteristic odor does not appear.

The harm and benefits of tampons are very ambiguous concepts, because they depend on many factors. Often the same hygiene products can have different effects on two girls.

Now let's look at some negative points:

• not recommended for use by girls in the first year of menstruation;
• Toxic substances may be used in the composition of the hygiene product;
• There are cases of toxic shock syndrome;
• an incorrectly selected tampon for menstruation is dangerous due to problems with the absorption of discharge;
• if you forget to change your hygiene product on time (women sometimes don’t notice it and forget), then this is fraught with negative consequences for the body.

This is not a panacea, so it’s worth talking in detail about the dangers of tampons for women during menstruation.

Why has this topic become relevant only now, since tampons have been used for thousands of years? This product has become widespread and accessible to everyone.

In addition, over a couple of decades, production technologies have undergone significant changes, and the chemical industry helps reduce the cost of any product by replacing natural elements.

If cotton is used, then there is nothing to fear. Although opponents of genetic modification claim that the producers do not use natural cotton. It is believed that genetically modified cotton reduces the susceptibility of a woman's reproductive organs to antibiotics. As a result, treatment of bacterial diseases becomes less effective.

Viscose, used for better absorption of menstruation, contains many chemical compounds. It is difficult to predict what reaction might be to such components.

When dioxin is included in a gynecological hygiene product, the question of whether tampons are harmful for women during menstruation should disappear on its own. Dioxin is used to give the product a white color, because then it sells better.

Dioxins have a carcinogenic effect on the body and are also responsible for artificial suppression of the immune system. They accumulate in a woman’s body, because they are extremely difficult to break down. It is believed that one of the causes of endometriosis is the use of dioxins. The lethal dose of the substance is 10-6 g (one millionth) per 1 kg of weight.

Menstrual blood accumulates in the tampon and is found in the girl’s body. Various microbes and bacteria begin to multiply in the blood, which is not very good.

Separately, I would like to dwell on such a disturbing concept in women’s minds as toxic shock syndrome (TSS). When people talk about why tampons are bad, they often talk about the dangers of TSS. The concept arose about 30 years ago. The reason for the panic lay in the rapid proliferation of bacteria due to the use of tampons during menstruation.

Women began to encounter this problem because they used hygiene products incorrectly or suffered from various inflammatory diseases.

Staphylococcus, streptococcus and clostridia are microbes that are present in small quantities on the human body. However, they begin to actively reproduce if a woman does not change her tampon for a long time during menstruation. As a result, the following symptoms appear:

• dizziness;
• convulsions;
• vomit;
• heat;
• rash.

These syndromes require immediate medical attention and should not wait until your period has passed. They develop and intensify very quickly.

Having studied the dangers of tampons, you can easily guess that very often problems arise through the fault of the girl herself. Many problems can be avoided if you are careful and follow all instructions.

First, you need to choose a hygiene product with the correct absorption of menstrual discharge. The level of absorption is indicated by the droplets on the packaging.

1. If there are 1-2 droplets, then the hygiene product is used for scanty discharge.
2. Three drops indicate the need to use the product with a normal volume of discharge.
3. If there are 4-5 drops on the package, then you need to use the product if there is heavy discharge.

The instructions and composition speak volumes. If the composition contains harmful and dubious substances, then it is better to refuse the purchase, no matter how cheap such hygiene products are offered. Read the instructions and follow them. Standard rules for using tampons during menstruation are:

• It is necessary to wash your hands before and after using a hygiene product;
• if necessary, after changing the tampon, washing is carried out;
• in the first days of the cycle there is heavy discharge, so it is recommended to use a tampon together with a pad (just in case) or only pads;
• To protect yourself from bacterial growth, you need to change your hygiene product every 2-4 hours. This time is approximate and depends on the volume of discharge. Is it harmful to use tampons longer? Yes, the more time they are not changed, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

If you regularly use tampons during menstruation, they can begin to irritate the vaginal mucosa, which causes dryness in the intimate area. Therefore, it is recommended to simultaneously use pads during menstruation to give your intimate area a rest.

Dispelling myths

1. The tampon can get lost and harm the body. This is not true, because there is a special cord that you can always pull. It is securely attached so it won't come off. Nothing will penetrate the uterus either, since the passage is too small for this.
2. After childbirth, you should only use pads. Tampons do no harm during menstruation after childbirth, but they simply may not cope with the heavy discharge that occurs in women after childbirth.
3. If you do not use pads at night, it will harm your body.
   This is not true, because at night they become a salvation for any woman.
4. The period in the vagina will be blocked as blood will not be able to flow out. If the hygiene product absorbs as much blood as it can, it will begin to leak. So the harm of tampons in this situation is clearly exaggerated.
5. It can damage the hymen. Research has proven that damaging the hymen with a tampon is only possible if this is done deliberately and persistently, and even then not everyone will succeed. The hymen will not break accidentally.
6. You can rub the cervix, causing irritation. Scientific research has confirmed that this is impossible.

Even if you choose an intimate hygiene product ideally and use it correctly, it is not always worth doing this. There are situations when tampons cannot be used:

• before and after menstruation to absorb normal discharge;
• vaginal dryness appeared;
• due to the special shape of the hymen, a gynecologist may recommend using only pads until the beginning of sexual activity;
• the body is prone to allergic reactions;
• tampons during menstruation are harmful when a woman has inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs.

Advantages

When using tampons during menstruation, the benefits are noticeable: the woman does not suffer from the characteristic odor, since contact of the discharge with air is excluded.

Therapeutic tampons have been developed. They absorb menstrual fluid and have a positive effect on the mucous membranes, soothing them thanks to the herbal extracts included in the composition. The benefits of such products are undeniable.

Hygiene products are invisible. The products can be used with a transparent dress, short skirt, or thong panties.

Tampons are a guarantee of hygiene, which comes to the fore during menstruation.

Menstruation weakens the body, makes a woman defenseless against infections, especially of the genital tract, and classic pads cannot prevent the pathogen from penetrating the mucous membrane. The benefit of tampons when used correctly is to prevent infection of an open wound in the uterus by pathogenic bacteria.

Gaskets

Pads are considered a safer feminine hygiene product during menstruation. And in fact, they have many advantages. Here are some of them:

• Gaskets are easy to attach; do not require replacement as often as tampons;
• allow you to choose individual parameters for protection against leakage, shape, size, color;
• They protect quite well from bacteria without disturbing the vaginal microflora.

In addition, modern manufacturers of pads (Libresse, Cotex, Always, Naturella) are trying to make their products not only reliable, but also invisible to others and comfortable to wear.

Among the disadvantages of gaskets:

• rub the skin;
• they “breathe” poorly;
• sometimes they move out
• peel off and leak.

However, these disadvantages can be compensated for by purchasing pads made of soft cotton with the addition of balms (Libresse), using “breathable pads” (Cotex), as well as choosing the right shape and size.

In general, pads are safer from a medical point of view.

Menstrual cup - drip, instructions for use

A menstrual cup or mouth guard, as it is also called, is a container that looks like a small cap that is inserted into the vagina during menstrual flow. Bowls are usually made from high-quality medical silicone, latex or thermoplastic elastomer - such bowls are used repeatedly. There are also disposable menstrual cups, these are made from a certain type of polyethylene. The function of a menstrual cup is not to absorb menstrual fluid, as feminine pads or tampons do, but only, being a hollow container, to collect it. When inserted correctly, the cup opens in such a way as to fit tightly to the vaginal muscles and ensures tightness on both sides, which means that not only menstrual flow will not leak out, but also water, for example, from ponds or pools will not penetrate inside.

Changing the menstrual cup is indicated once every 5-12 hours, the specific time depends on the day of the cycle, the amount of discharge, and external circumstances. The time it takes to fill the cup also depends on its size, but you need to choose one not as a tampon (depending on the abundance of discharge), but solely taking into account your anatomical features.

Menstrual cup harm and disadvantages of use

• Lack of clinical research - menstrual cups were invented about a hundred years ago, but never gained widespread popularity. It is not entirely natural for menstrual blood to remain inside the reproductive system for a long time.
• The risk of bacterial growth is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, a cup is better than a tampon, which also retains blood inside the vagina, but there is air access, which is why pathogenic microflora can multiply. However, in any case, there is stagnation of blood in the vagina. The vacuum space and lack of oxygen when using a menstrual cup is fraught with the proliferation of anaerobic microorganisms.
• Reflux of blood into the uterus. During menstruation, the cervix opens slightly, and the return of blood into it towards the uterus is fraught with inflammatory processes and endometriosis, which, again, has not been fully studied.
• The use of a menstrual cup is not recommended for virgins, women with an intrauterine device installed, or those with any gynecological diseases. Before becoming the owner of this accessory, it is strongly recommended to discuss it with your gynecologist.