How to Use Tampons: Safe Use Guide

How to Use Tampons Safely

Tampons, like pads, menstrual cups, and leakproof period underwear, collect and absorb the blood that comes from your vagina during your menstrual cycle. About 70 percent of menstruating women in America use tampons sometimes, and the number is ever-growing. Though this female hygiene product is growing in popularity, improper use can be harmful. And, so is this safety guide for using tampons.

For those who are unfamiliar with tampons, it is a little absorbent cylinder (usually cotton) that fits inside your vagina. It soaks up the blood and tissues that come with menstrual blood and prevents most of it from leaking onto your clothing. Using the attached string, you can easily pull tampons out of your vagina and dispose of them when you change to a new tampon or when your cycle ends.

Are Tampons Safe?

For safety purposes, you are advised to use tampons made of natural and safe materials. These are available as scented and unscented options. You must choose only FDA-approved tampons or other female hygiene products.

Organic tampons feature absorbent fibers that are usually made without using a bleaching process, while regular tampons are usually bleached.

Instructions to use Tampons Safely

Tampons come in different sizes, such as light, regular, and super. Health experts recommend using the lightest and lowest absorbency that lasts several hours depending on how heavy your flow is at that time.

Here are the safety guide and tips to use tampons:

• Follow Labeled Directions

Always read the label and usage instructions carefully. Make sure you follow all usage directions and other information when using a tampon. Even if you have used tampons before, these directions may vary slightly from product to product and depending on the application method, so it is always important to look over them before using.

• Insert When Relaxed

Insert a tampon into your vaginal opening only when you are relaxed and comfortable position such as sitting on the toilet. If you want, you can apply a little amount of lubricant on the tip of the applicator or tampon.

Don’t hesitate to ask your sister, mother, friend, or someone who already uses tampons. After all, your health and safety is important to them and they will be happy to help.

• Change Tampon Frequently

As per the FDA’s recommendation, you must change a tampon every four hours, if you have a heavier flow. During heavy menstrual flow, you can use a super size tampon, super-plus, or ultra tampon.

If your blood flow is fairly light, you can change it up to every eight hours. For lighter flow, you can use a smaller tampon with a smaller tube, such as a light or junior size. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours.

Remove by gently pulling on the tampon string attached.

• Beware of Unusual Symptoms

If you feel pain, discomfort, or other unusual symptoms after or while using tampons, you must seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.

These symptoms may indicate that you need a break from tampons. These symptoms include pain, fainting, sudden fever, diarrhea, vomiting, odors, etc.

Rarely, women may experience a sunburn-like rash that could be a sign of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). If you notice any of these signs, remove the tampon and contact your physician right away. 

Before inserting a tampon in your vagina, wash your hands well and sit in a relaxed position. Do not flush tampons; instead, wrap them in toilet paper and dispose of in the trash as they may clog plumbing systems.

Words from ONDRwear about our Period Underwear

When used appropriately, tampons are a safe, clean, and effective way to manage your periods. While you have many other alternatives, tampons can have advantages over pads. It makes you feel comfortable and confident all day long while swimming, playing sports, or doing anything else. To prevent leaks through a tampon or pad, try our leakproof underwear!