Tampons 101

After a few cycles, most girls start thinking seriously about tampons, and from experience the tampon is probably seemingly the most intimidating of generic feminine hygiene products. But there's no need to be afraid! In this post, we'll cover all the basics and go into detail. From insertion to TSS to common questions, this post will tell you the facts, and hopefully help you with tampons!

Note: Please, please, please read the FAQ at the end, it is very important!

Tampons 101


When To Use A Tampon:


Tampons triumph in the convenience department, hands down!

Tampons are great for:
. Swimming
. Thongs and swimwear
. When you need to wear tight uniforms (ex. ballet, figure skating, etc.)

Not-so-great for:
. Sleeping
. Light days (unless the light tampons are suitable for the flow)
. Discharge (Never, ever, ever use a tampon for discharge)
. When you are not on your period (Never use a tampon when you aren't on a period)

How To Use A Tampon:


You've read the instructions on the box over, over, and over again. Close to useless? I agree. Here are the real tips for tampon insertion. (Extra tips in the FAQ section!)

1. Wash your hands. You do not want what's on your hands going into "down there".

2. Relax for a few minutes. This is the key. When you are nervous, tense, and biting your nails like crazy, the muscles "down there" tense up as well. This will make insertion much harder, and even near impossible. Just chillax, don't think too hard, and tell yourself that you can do it because you can!

3. Unwrap the tampon, and choose a position. You could try standing with one leg on the toilet, sitting with your knees far apart, or even lying down with your knees bent and shoulder width apart. If you need to, feel free to use a mirror to see what's going on.

4. Push the plunger until the white tip of the tampon starts to peek out. That way it's in the front area. Also, pull on the string a bit to make sure it's hanging outside the end of the tampon and is securely attached to the tampon.

5. Hold the tampon correctly. Use your thumb and third finger to hold the applicator grip. Your index (2nd) finger will be on the end of the smaller tube, called the plunger. The plunger will be what actually pushes the tampon inside of you.

6. Angle the tampon towards your lower back or small of your back. This angle might be different for some girls.

7. Slowly, push the applicator in until your fingers on the grip are touching your body. It's important that it's in far enough, because not having it in enough may be uncomfortable. If it's hard, try twisting the tampon left and right a bit to ease it in.

8. Push the plunger with your index (2nd) finger, until the end is touching the applicator.

9. Gently pull out the applicator, ensuring that the string is hanging outside your body nicely. Dispose of the applicator and wrapper.

And voila! You've got a tampon in!

If you do happen to mess up, don't worry! Just use a new tampon and try again. You'll be a pro after several uses.

Removing A Tampon:


Ah, piece of cake!

1. Wash your hands.

2. Try getting into the position that you were in when you inserted the tampon.

3. Gently pull the string with steady pressure at the same angle you used to put it in.

4. Dispose of properly.

How To Shop For Tampons:


Absorbency


When trying your first tampon, use a junior, light, small, slim, or slender tampon with light absorbency. The applicators are usually smaller and easier to insert when you first start.

Once you get more experienced, you can use regulars, supers, etc. to suit and handle the flow. Only use the tampon absorbency right for your flow. Having a higher absorbency of tampon increases the risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).

All tampon absorbencies are regulated, and the usual categories of tampons absorb (in terms of grams of fluid):
. Light: 6 grams or less
. Regular: 6-9 grams
. Super: 9-12 grams
. Super Plus: 12-15 grams
. Ultra: 15-18 grams

Applicator Types


. Plastic: This is the most commonly seen applicator because they are sleek and smooth, making them easier for first timers and comfortable. However, these produce the most waste.

Tampax Pearl Lites

. Cardboard: These tampons have applicators made of cardboard. They are more environmentally friendly because they produce less waste and can be degraded into the soil, but more unexperienced users find these uncomfortable and stiffer. However, many experienced tampon users use these without discomfort.

Tampax Cardboard

. No Applicator Tampons: These tampons have no applicator. They are used just like a regular tampon, but you use your finger to put them in, and they do have a string to pull out. Some first-timers find them intimidating, and well, gross. However, these produce the least waste and lets you have more control on how deep you insert them.

No-Applicator Tampons

. Half-Applicators: These tampons are usually plastic, but they are not full-sized. The tampon inside is full-sized, but the applicator is one that you must pull out to expand to a full-sized applicator. These are easy to hide, carry around, and put in your pocket, but still create waste relative to normal plastic applicators.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)


Toxic Shock Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening infection that occurs when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Streptococcus bacteria enter the body. TSS is very uncommon, but it can happen. Untreated, TSS could cause liver or kidney failure, seizures, bleeding, and even heart failure. However, TSS is very simple to avoid, and if you follow good tampon habits, you will be safe.

How To Avoid TSS
. Only use tampons with minimal absorbency needed to manage your flow
. Never leave a tampon in for up to 8 hours
. Alternate with sanitary napkins
. Change the tampon frequently
. Store tampons in a cool, dry place where moisture cannot create a breeding ground for bacteria
. Wash your hands before and after tampon insertion and removal

Symptoms: If any of these symptoms arise when you are wearing a tampon, remove the tampon immediately and go to a doctor immediately.
. High fever (102 degrees F or higher, or 38.8 degrees C)
. Rapid drop in blood pressure
. Fainting or lightheadedness
. Vomitting
. Diarrhea
. Headaches
. Sore throat
. Aching
. Confusion or mental changes
. Thirst
. Decreased urination
. Fatigue
. Sunburn-like rashes
. Redness, blood-shot eyes
. Tenderness

If treated soon and effectively, TSS will be curable.

Very Important FAQ: Feel free to comment any questions, and I will answer them and add them to this list!


Q: Can a tampon get stuck or lost inside of me?
A: The only reason that a tampon would get stuck is that you are tense (the muscles seize up) or it's dry "down there", but there's no way that it will get stuck if you use a tampon properly. As for getting lost, there is no where for the tampon to go other than out! The cervix is the only opening, but it's far too small.

Q: Will a tampon make me lose my virginity?
A: No, a tampon will not make you lose your virginity. The only way to lose your virginity is to have sexual intercourse, which is very different than using a tampon for feminine hygiene.

Q: I can't put a tampon in. Is it possible that I'm physically unfit to use tampons?
A: If women can give birth to a child or even twins, they are very capable of using a tampon. Most likely, you are tensing up your muscles, which can make insertion close to impossible. However, you may also have a hymen blocking the opening, in which case you should see a doctor.

Q: Which "hole" does the tampon go in?
A: The tampon goes in the vagina, the middle of three holes, hypothetically. The first near the front is the urethra, the middle is the vagina, and the last is the anus.

Q: Why can't I wear a tampon when I'm not on my period?
A: The tampon does not have any blood to absorb, so it's very dry, which will make it stick onto the walls of the vagina. Removal will then be very painful, and may even damage the skin "down there". Plus, using a tampon while not on your period is not the intended use.

Q: Can I use tampons for discharge?
A: No, because your discharge is the vagina's way of cleansing itself, so using a tampon will not let the vagina clean itself. Also, tampons are not meant to manage discharge in the first place.

Q: The tampons hurt to remove. What can I do?
A: 1. Try to relax, and ease the tampon out at the same angle that you used to put it in.
     2. The tampon may not have absorbed enough fluid to be removed easily. Maybe wait another few minutes, or try switching to a lower absorbency next time.

Q: Any tampon insertion tips?
A: 1. Use KY Jelly or any other water-based lubricant to help the tampon glide in. (Do not use petroleum jelly or Vaseline, because they can breed bacteria and cause infections.)
     2. Relax! This is the most important!
     3. Try different positions.

Q: Can the string fall off?
A: Strings are usually sewn throughout the entire tampon, so the chances of one falling out are extremely slim.

Q: What should I do if the string falls off?
A: I know this sounds nasty, but if the string falls off, you'll have to reach into your vagina with your fingers and get it out. If you cannot do it yourself, go to the doctor the same day. '


Q: Benefits of tampons?
A: Tampons are less noticeable than pads, feel like they're not there, allow you to wear more varieties of clothing, and are a good choice for active athletes, especially swimmers and dancers. Tampons give you more freedom than pads.

Q: Are tampons safe?
A: As long as you use them properly, use the correct absorbency, and change at least every 8 hours, tampons are safe. (For more safety tips, go to the TSS section.)

Q: Is it possible to be too young to use tampons?
A: As soon as you have your period, you can use tampons. However, as you are physically capable to use a tampon at any age, make sure you are mentally mature enough as well to insert, remove, and be responsible and safe.