Tampon safety is extremely important if you choose to use tampons as part of your period care. Here is the information you should familiarise yourself with if using tampons.
How to insert your tampon
Tampons provide comfort and safety during your period. If you’re using tampons for the first time, it is common to have to try several times to insert the tampon easily and comfortably so don’t worry. Relax, take your time, read me and keep me nearby in case you need to check over the instructions. We will talk through tampon usage and tampon safety on this page.
1)Wash your hands. Assume a position that works for you. You can sit on the toilet seat with knees apart; stand up with knees slightly bent and separated; or alternatively put one foot up on the toilet seat.
2) Remove the wrapper from the tampon. The cardboard applicator tampon has a ‘twist and push’ design. To use the cardboard applicator, place one thumb at the base of the cardboard applicator, and the other thumb at the top of the cardboard applicator. Gently twist your lower hand to unlock the tampon.
3) Make sure that the string is tied securely and hanging outside of the applicator.
4) Hold the tampon at the base of the applicator between your thumb and index finger. Use your other hand to gently open the vaginal opening gently, and place the rounded tip of the tampon at the vaginal orifice (the same opening from which your period is leaving your body). Remember your vagina is not straight up, but rather slopes towards the base of your back. Slide the external insertion tube completely into your vagina, until your fingers touch your body.
5) Push the internal insertion tube with your index finger inside until it is inside the first tube. In this manner, the tampon will be correctly positioned inside your vagina.
6) Remove both applicator tubes from your body and place them in the appropriate bin. The string will be hanging outside of your body. When the tampon is correctly placed you will not feel nothing. If you feel uncomfortable it means you have not inserted the tampon correctly (it may be that the tampon was not placed at a sufficient depth). Don’t worry, remove the tampon and try again with a new one.
When to change your tampon
An important part of tampon safety is knowing when to change your tampon. You should change your tampon every 4-6 hours. For this reason, it is not recommended to use tampons while sleeping. Why not try one of our eco-friendly night pads instead?
How do you remove a tampon we hear you ask? To remove your tampon, bend your knees slightly with your legs open and relax. Pull the string that is hanging outside your body, in the same direction in which you inserted the tampon.
If you feel discomfort when removing the tampon and/or can see white fibres, it may be that the tampon is not saturated. Always use a tampon with an absorption capacity that is less than your flow.
Always make sure that you have removed the last tampon before inserting a new one. Make sure you remove the last tampon of your period and not use tampons before or between periods.
Absorption Capacities
1 Drop : Mini for days with a light flow (6g)
2 Drops : Regular for days with a moderate flow (6-9g)
3 Drops : Super for days with heavy flow (9-12g)
4 Drops: Super Plus for days with extremely heavy flow (12-15g)
What you need to know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness. It’s very important to know about TSS when it comes to tampon safety.. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and inside the nose and vagina. TSS can appear in men, women and children. The risk of contracting TSS is higher in adolescents and women under 30 years of age. Although it is infrequent, it is important to know about it to know what to do if necessary. Recognition of the symptoms and early treatment are very important. The symptoms that indicate TSS infection are the following:
Sudden high fever (39 degrees celsius or higher), Dizziness, Vomiting, Fainting, Muscle Aches,
Skin Irritations similar to Sunburn. Not all symptoms may be present, just some. In more advanced stages of the illness, the skin can begin to scale. TSS can appear during the menstrual period or a little while later. It can advance rapidly with flu-like symptoms, to a serious illness with fatal consequences. If you have one or more of these symptoms, remove the tampon immediately and see your doctor. Tell your doctor that you have been using tampons and that you are concerned about TSS. You should consult your doctor before resuming the use of tampons. You can reduce the risk of menstrual TSS by using tampons with the lowest absorbency necessary to cover your needs and by changing your tampon regularly every 4-6 hours. You can also alternate with the use of a period pad instead of a tampon at least once a day. If you don’t use tampons the risk of TSS is reduced but not entirely eliminated.
