Tampons are one of the most widely popular menstrual hygiene products used by menstruators all over the world. Women choose menstrual tampons for their great convenience and exceptional protection from period blood leakage and staining. But unlike sanitary napkins, which rank number one in popularity as far as period products go, they need to be inserted inside the vagina to make them work. This is a major reason why many menstruators feel discouraged or fear trying tampons. This is unfortunate because they are the most effective menstrual products and using them for protection during your periods can greatly help you to stay comfortable, active and worry-free. So, let us change that. This article will help you to learn the right way to use and dispose of tampons and guide you for their safe and proper usage.
What are Menstrual Tampons
Tampons are commonly available and used disposable period products. Just like any other menstrual hygiene product, they are too utilized to absorb period fluid and prevent its leakage and, thus, staining. Menstrual tampons are made using highly absorptive natural materials like cotton or rayon (obtained from wood pulp) fibres. These fibres are tightly compressed into dense fiber-rich and small cylindrical structures known as tampons. When you insert a tampon inside your vagina, it absorbs the period blood and swells up to fit snugly inside. It acts like a small plug that continues to absorb the fluid until full without slipping out.
Just like pads, tampons also come in different sizes, which are essentially their absorbing capacities. So if you have low period flow then you can choose small or mini tampons and similarly super tampons for heavy periods. Regular-size tampons are used for normal or medium levels of period flow.
Using Menstrual Tampons
Given they need to be used invasively, many women find tampons intimidating to use. This is why many menstruators settle for sanitary napkins. But be assured that using a tampon is not rocket science. With the right guidance and enough practice, you can surely master using them with ease. You only need to use your fingers to insert a tampon inside your vagina. You can also make use of tampons that come with attached cardboard or plastic applicators which make it even easier to correctly guide the product inside.
Once in, a tampon soaks up period fluid and prevents its leakage thus protecting your clothes, bedsheet, mattress etc from blood stains.
However, if you are not confident of your tampon insertion skills yet, you can also use a period panty, panty liners or a pad along with it for extra protection. Once you get used to tampons, you would find that they make a lot of difference. You would feel much more comfortable, confident and worry-free after you begin using tampons during your periods.
How to Use Menstrual Tampons- Inserting and Removing Tampons
If you wish to use tampons for managing your periods, it is necessary to pick the right absorbency of tampons for your period flow. To begin with, always choose the lowest absorbency tampons available and see how long they can last you. Going from here, you can decide whether you need to upgrade to a tampon with higher absorbing capacity or continue to use the current one.
Follow these simple steps to insert a tampon for use:
- First off, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, it would be best if you have trimmed your nails for the process, especially if you are a beginner.
- Sit comfortably on a toilet seat or chair with your legs wide apart. You can also be squatting or propping up a leg on a chair. All these positions are good for easily inserting a tampon inside the vagina.
- Now remove the covering of your tampon and simply using your fingers gently push it up into your vagina. If your tampon comes with an applicator, you can use it to guide the tampon inside.
Remember:
- It is always easier to insert a tampon in your vagina when you are relaxed as tense muscles tend to restrict its insertion and may also cause pain.
- Tampons that come with applicators are the best tampons for first-time users as they make it a lot easier for you to insert them inside.
- These tips can get you through the process of using a tampon correctly. However, if you are still unsure about it, you can always ask your mother, elder sister, an older friend or anyone else you trust, who has experience of using tampons.
- Also, always remember to regularly change your tampon, preferably every 5-7 hours.
Removing a tampon after you have used it is quite easy too. Menstrual tampons come with a small string attached to one end which can be gently tugged to pull out a used tampon. You do not need to worry about it breaking as it is strong enough for the job. Once you have taken out the used tampon you must wrap it up in tissue paper and dispose of it in a garbage bin. Never try to flush a tampon as it can swell up absorbing water and thus clog the toilet.
Why Use Menstrual Tampons
The following are some key benefits of choosing tampons:
- As they are extremely small, you can easily carry them in your purse.
- For the same reason, they are easy to dispose of too.
- You can find a suitable tampon for any kind of flow from tampons for light periods to tampons for heavy periods.
- They are very discrete so you can wear all kinds of clothes.
- They offer exceptional leakage protection, so you don’t have to worry about staining
- Once properly inserted you won’t even feel them inside.
- You can play any sport or even swim while using a tampon.
Conclusion
While some menstruators prefer sanitary pads, others like to use tampons. It is a matter of preference, comfort and convenience. However, menstrual tampons are known to be exceptionally comfortable, highly efficient, very discreet and provide a huge degree of freedom, so you don’t have to compromise on your active lifestyle. Hence, once you learn how to properly use a tampon, we are sure you will never look back and use any other menstrual hygiene product. So, take help from this comprehensive guide and learn to use tampons well so you can enjoy hassle-free, dry and comfortable period days always.