During puberty, girls experience their first menstrual period. Some of them have no one to talk to about it or they are simply ashamed to talk about it. They read about tampons on the Internet or ask their girlfriends. What exactly is a tampon and how to use it? Here we suggest!
When young girls start menstruating, many questions swirl in their heads. They often look for answers on the packaging of hygienic products, but not all of them are there.
What exactly is a tampon? Well, it is a piece of absorbent material whose task is to absorb menstrual fluid. Tampons are usually made of fine cotton, which is pressed into a convex shape in such a way that it can be easily inserted inside a woman’s body.
There are many myths about tampons, and as we know – myth has little to do with truth. A lot of girls and even adult women do not know how to choose the right tampon and what is worse, how to use it at all. Let’s start with the fact that tampons can be used by every woman who has started menstruating. Of course, as long as she is able to freely apply this hygienic measure and feels quite comfortable after its placement. However, there are still false stories circulating that tampons should not be used by virgins and young girls – nothing could be further from the truth. Since the first period, the folds of the vagina become quite stretchy, so you can freely try to apply a tampon. It can happen, however, that some young women feel a little pain when inserting a tampon, and they also encounter resistance that prevents them from applying it properly. This is mainly due to the tense and stressful feeling of using this method of protection during menstruation.
A tampon, just like sanitary pads, should be chosen according to its absorbency. It should be changed approximately every 4 hours. If you have heavy periods it is obviously worth changing this hygienic product more often or use one with higher absorbency. The maximum time between tampon changes is 8 hours. It may also happen that after this time you may feel resistance when pulling out the tampon, this means that it is better to use smaller tampons. What is the reason for this resistance? It is because the tampon has not soaked in enough. Many women also use tampons while they are sleeping, so remember to take them out as soon as you wake up, within a maximum of 8 hours.
When a tampon is applied correctly there is no question of discomfort. Tampons are absorbent and designed not to cause discomfort. If you do feel a tampon, it is most likely inserted too shallowly. You should remove it and insert a new one.
It all depends on the correct application of the tampon, because when it is correctly inserted it holds the vaginal muscles and the absorbent agent becomes immobile, but when you pull the string it can be easily removed. There is no chance that it will move too deep because it is anatomically impossible.
Tampons do not restrict movement and are not visible under clothing, so they are perfect for sports. You can even go to the pool during your period if you apply a tampon. You don’t have to worry about it when you use the restroom because the tampon is positioned so it doesn’t interfere with urination.
It is very rare for the tampon string to break. If it does happen, you should gently remove the tampon with your fingers. Of course, you should wash your hands thoroughly first. And when we are not able to remove the tampon ourselves, it will be necessary to consult a doctor.
Read also: Menstrual cup – an alternative to pads and tampons. Why is it worth using it?
Main photo: Karolina Grabowska/ pexels.com
