Are you having trouble putting in tampons because it feels painful? Most likely the case is that you are not relaxed! Just repeat after me relaxxxxxxx! Okay… good. Still with me? Okay another factor is that you may not be pushing the tampon in far enough. It is best to push a tampon till it reaches the cervix, otherwise it could be very uncomfortable for you to move around with one on. Another reason a tampon could be painful for you to insert or wear is maybe a vaginal infection, STD, or maybe there is an injury around your vulva or the inner walls of your vagina. If you think that this is the case bring this to the attention of your doctor immediately.
Common Myths About Tampons
True or False
- A tampon can get lost in your body.
- False. A tampon CANNOT get lost inside your body because it has NOWHERE to go. The cervix has a very tiny opening and a tampon is to big to go through it. Another reason a tampon cannot get lost in your body is because the muscles beneath the vaginal walls are very strong and hold the tampon in place until you remove it. It is physically impossible for a tampon to get lost in your body.
- You lose your virginity if you insert a tampon.
- False. According to medical science, a women cannot lose her virginity unless an erect penis is inserted into her vagina.
- You can do so much more physical activities like gymnastics, horseback riding and water sports if you use tampons.
- True. Unlike pads, you can swim in tampons without worrying about leaks. Many athletic women are encouraged to use tampons during their periods.
- Tampons “plug up” the flow.
- False. A tampon absorbs menstrual fluid.
- I started my period, but I am to young for tampons.
- False. If you have started your period you are NOT too young to use tampons.
Tampon Usage
Many women prefer to use tampons because they are so comfortable and they can do regular daily activities without worrying about changing their soggy pads. You should change your tampon every 4-8 hours to prevent leakage and Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS, (explained further down). Choose the correct absorbency for your flow (if you have a heavy flow then you should use a super absorbency tampon, but if you have a light or moderate flow, you should use regular or junior absorbency tampon).
There are many different kinds of tampon applicators and they all have their trade-offs. Plastic applicators are easier to insert and are more comfortable for some women. Cardboard applicators aren’t as comfortable to insert, but they are better for the environment. Last but not least, the non-applicator tampons could be rather uncomfortable for some women to insert, but they are easily disposed of and are very compact. It is your personal decision of what kind of tampon applicator you should use.
Wearing a tampon at night could be risky if you sleep for more than 8 hours. I recommend not wearing tampons overnight. Instead, use pads at night to reduce the chance of leakage and the possibility of TSS.
Risks of Using Tampons
Tampons are generally safe for the user. However, if you wear a tampon for more than an 8 hour period, you could face an increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The symptoms of TSS are:
- A sudden high temperature (102 degrees F/38.9 degrees C or higher)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A sunburn-like rash
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Fainting or feeling faint when standing up
If you think you have TSS, immediately remove the tampon you are currently wearing and contact a doctor! TSS can be a fatal disease if it isn’t treated properly or as soon as the signs are detected. Just tell your doctor that you were using a tampon and you think that you have TSS.
NEVER WEAR A TAMPON FOR ANY OTHER USE EXPECT FOR ABSORBING MENSTRUAL FLUID!
How To Insert & Remove A Tampon
NOTE: The following was directly taken from http://www.beingirl.com/en_US/teen/younger/pages/p_tampax_howto.jhtml.
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Most of us will try to use a tampon at some time, so it’s important to know how to insert a tampon the right way. It might seem tricky at first, but after trying several times, insertion becomes as easy as putting on a glove.
The key is to RELAX! Worrying about it may make you tense, making insertion even harder. Read the package instruction leaflet carefully, and practice inserting a tampon during your period when your flow is moderate to heavy. Then the tampon should glide in easily. Lubricating the rounded end of the tampon applicator with a water-based gel for the first few tries can also be helpful. And by the way, don’t use a petroleum-based jelly, use a water-based lubricant.
These instructions should make first time insertion easier:
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Tips on Tampon Use
Tampons are a comfortable, effective way to handle menstrual flow. Girls and women should follow a few simple guidelines for proper use of tampons:
- Wash your hands before and after changing a tampon.
- Use tampons only during menstruation, not for absorbing vaginal discharge.
- Change tampons regularly, every 4-8 hours. ALWAYS remove a used tampon before inserting a new one.
- Tampons don’t need to be changed every time a woman goes to the bathroom. Just move the cord out of the way to keep it dry and clean. (When you urinate, pull the string to the back or side, when you defecate, pull it to the front.)
- Always remember to remove the last tampon you use at the end of your period.
Other sites for more information on tampon usage.