Using a tampon for the first time might feel daunting. There is a lot of information and misinformation on how to use them and the potential risks, which can make it hard to know what is true.
\nIf you have ever worried about using a tampon for the first time or are not sure if you are using it correctly, you are not alone. This blog can help answer any burning questions about how to use tampons safely and effectively.
\nTampons are just one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Tampons are made of soft, compressed cotton or cotton blends.
After inserting the tampon directly into your vagina, the tampon’s job is to absorb the menstrual blood.
\nTampons should not be worn for more than 8 hours at a time. It is also important to wash your hands before and after changing a tampon; this helps reduce the spread of any bacteria.
\nMost advice says it is best to change your tampon every 4–8 hours. However, some people might feel the need to change their tampon more frequently than that.
\nEveryone is different, and there are different tampon absorbency levels for you to try and see what works best for you.
\nFor example, on day one of your period you might be bleeding more heavily than a few days later. You can pick a different absorbency level to match your flow.
\nOn tampon packaging, you commonly find the flow indicated in a number and also in symbols; usually, the higher the number or the more blood drop symbols, the higher the absorbency.
When you are on your period, you want to feel at ease while you sleep without worrying about how long your tampon has been in.
\nThe most important thing is that you must remove the tampon you have been using just before you go to sleep and insert a new one.
\nMake sure you change your tampon as soon as you wake up.
\nIf you are not a morning person and can be a bit sleepy or forgetful, you could set a label on your alarm, “change tampon”, to help you remember.
\nWant to sleep more than eight hours? Same.
\nSometimes eight hours is not enough, especially when you might be feeling more tired during your period.
\nSo if you think you will sleep longer than 8 hours, it would be best to opt for a pad, a menstrual cup, or period underwear, as these methods need to be changed less frequently.
You can do lots of things with a tampon in; that is what makes them a popular choice.
\nTampons are leak-proof, so as long as you have the right absorbency level for your flow, you can swim without worrying about menstrual blood leaking into the water.
\nNow, there are many shark-related myths. If you are swimming in the ocean, don’t listen to the rumors; scientists say that while sharks can detect any kind of bodily fluid, there is no evidence that period blood would cause them to attack.
\nSo no chance of any kind of Jaws remake. Phew!
\nSome people ask whether you can shower with a tampon in. The answer is yes, but it is also okay to shower without a tampon in and allow a free flow of blood, and place a new tampon in after showering.
\nOthers might prefer to shower with a tampon in. There is no right answer. It depends on whatever works for you, your body, and your routine.
Yes, you can. Menstrual blood comes out of your vagina, which is connected to the uterus. Urine comes out of the urethra, which is linked to the bladder.
\nIf you want the tampon string to be pee-free, you can hold it to the side whilst you pee; that way, it is less likely to get pee on it.
\nBut either way, even if pee does get on the tampon string, nothing will happen. Some people like to change their tampon when they pee.
\nAgain, it’s all down to personal preference and what feels good for you.
If your tampon is inserted correctly, you should not be able to feel it, which can sometimes mean forgetting about it.
\nIf you leave a tampon in for too long, it can cause a greater chance of infection, because bad bacteria have had more time to grow inside your body. However, this is not always the case.
\nWhen you realize you have left your tampon in for too long, be sure to remove it, washing your hands before and after.
\nLeaving a tampon in for a prolonged amount of time can cause several different health symptoms which can vary in severity, such as bad or increased vaginal odor and new or unusual discharge.
You might have heard about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) before. It is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection.
\nTo put it into context, in a UK population of around 60 million, there are about 40 cases reported each year, half of which are associated with using tampons.
\nIt can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound, so anyone can get it, not just people who use tampons.
\nSymptoms develop quickly, and if you experience any of the symptoms, you must seek urgent treatment. Be on the lookout for symptoms that were listed above.
\nWith early diagnosis, TSS antibiotics can be used to kill the bacteria. You don’t develop immunity to TSS once you’ve had it, so you can get it more than once.
If you have any symptoms that are out of the ordinary, you should seek medical assistance.
\nPotential symptoms include:
It is always best to be on the safe side and ask a medical professional if you have any concerns about a possible infection or a change in symptoms.
\nIf you have a busy day ahead and feel you might forget about changing your tampon, you can set reminders on your phone or in your daily planner.
\nMany people worry that a tampon could get lost inside your body, especially if you have left it in for too long.
\nThis is not possible, because your vagina holds the tampon firmly in place and it expands inside you as it absorbs the blood. Your cervix (at the top of your vagina) is too small for a tampon to pass through.
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