Tampons – everything you’ve always wanted to know
Whether you’ve just started using tampons yourself or are helping your daughter, it remains daunting for most women. We’ve put together a list of questions and answers to help you find those facts that won’t appear on the package.
20 frequently asked questions about the use of tampons
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Can tampons be used for discharges other than menstrual fluid?
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Can tampons or sanitary pads cause venereal diseases or AIDS
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Which tampons to choose - with a cardboard or plastic applicator?
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Do tampons prevent clots from being removed naturally by the body?
20 frequently asked questions about the use of tampons
Wondering if tampons are safe? Can swimming with a tampon cause infection? Check the most frequently asked questions and find out the answers to them.
1. How often should I change a tampon?
If you’ve chosen the right absorbency, on average, you should change your tampon every four hours. If you do this more often, you might want to try a higher absorbency. The maximum is eight hours and if the tampon is still a little dry and you feel resistance when removing it after this time, you can switch to a smaller size.
When you use a tampon overnight, you should insert it just before going to bed and remove as soon as you wake up. This time, too, should not exceed eight hours. If you are planning to sleep more than that, use Always sanitary pads instead – or set an alarm to insert a new tampon.
2. How do you know when to change a tampon?
A good way to check if a tampon needs changing is to pull the tampon string slightly. If it starts to pull out easily then it should be changed, and if it doesn't, it usually means you can leave it in a little longer. It is also a signal to change if the tampon has started to leak. However, remember not to keep it in for more than 8 hours.
3. Can tampons be used for discharges other than menstrual fluid?
No, only use tampons during your period. A little vaginal discharge is normal and you can use Always panty liners to protect your underwear. If you are concerned about abnormal vaginal discharge between periods, speak to your GP.
4. Is it normal to faint while putting in a tampon?
It's not common, but it could happen when you do it for the first time. If you feel faint when inserting a tampon, take a break and try again later. Make sure that your body is relaxed, but don’t worry if it takes some time to get used to the right technique.
5. Can you feel a tampon inside you?
Not when it is inserted the way it should be. Tampons are designed to fit without any discomfort, let alone pain. If you feel some, it is most probably because the tampon hasn’t been inserted far enough into the vagina. It’s best to remove that tampon and insert another one.
6. Can a tampon get lost inside of you or fall out?
No. Once you’ve inserted a tampon properly, it is held by the muscles at the entrance of the vagina and its walls. It cannot move further than a certain point because the opening is too small, so there is no risk.7. Сan a tampon get stuck in you?
No. Although your vaginal muscles hold the tampon, you can still take it out easily when pulling the string. If you feel resistance, relax and try again. If this feeling persists, your menstrual flow must have been lighter than you thought and was not enough to make the tampon soft and flexible – so you may want to leave the tampon in a little longer. But if you’ve passed the eight hour mark, you’ll need to remove the tampon – even if it is still a bit dry.8. What if the withdrawal string breaks?
This is extremely rare, but if it happens, you can simply reach the tampon with your fingers. After washing your hands, take the same relaxed and comfortable position you used to insert the tampon and remove it.
If you can’t do it yourself, try and see your doctor immediately. Remember, you need to remove your tampon within eight hours from the moment you insert it.
9. Can you use tampons if you do sports or dancing?
Tampax tampons offer the perfect protection for athletic activities since they don’t restrain your movement and are invisible. You can even swim during your period. Experts do recommend moderate exercise during menstruation to reduce menstrual cramps, so tampons play an important part in sports practice today.
10. Do you need to remove a tampon when going to the bathroom?
No, you don’t need to. Once a tampon is inserted, it shouldn’t bother you when you need to use the bathroom. You could hold the string to one side to avoid it getting wet.
11. Can you take a bath or shower with a tampon in?
Yes, you can. You can even swim in a pool or sea wearing a tampon.
12. Do tampons absorb water while swimming?
A tampon while swimming may absorb some water, but will still be absorbent and will collect the menstrual flow. It is important to remember that the tampon is inserted before entering the water and replaced just after the time spent in the water or during a long break from swimming.
13. Can swimming with a tampon cause infection?
You will not get an infection by swimming with a tampon inside, but you should change as soon as possible after swimming and rinse and dry your wet swimsuit to avoid a vaginal yeast infection.
14. Can you be allergic to tampons?
Tampax® is very thorough when it comes to testing its products, so the risk of allergy is extremely low. But everyone is different, and a small number of people may be sensitive to materials that most people find okay.
15. Can tampons or sanitary pads cause venereal diseases or AIDS?
No. Tampax tampons and Always sanitary pads are packed very carefully to make sure they are free of dangerous microorganisms or viruses.
16. Should I wear a sanitary pad in addition to a tampon?
If you are not sure how often you should change your tampon (up to 8 hours maximum) or do not know which absorbency level to choose, you can also use sanitary pads in the beginning. They will provide additional protection.
17. Which tampons to choose - with a cardboard or plastic applicator?
This decision is up to you. Some women prefer cardboard applicators and others prefer plastic applicators. It all depends on your preferences and which tampon is easier to apply.
18. Does the use of tampons cause ovarian cysts?
There's no evidence to prove that the use of tampons causes ovarian cysts.
19. Do tampons prevent clots from being removed naturally by the body?
Menstrual blood normally clots in the uterus and these clots dissolve before moving to the vagina. If you are wearing a tampon, the clots will either stick to or be absorbed by the tampon.
20. Can you lose your virginity by using a tampon?
Tampons can be used by virgins and those who have had sex. Using tampons may (but does not have to!) cause the hymen to stretch or tear, but this does not cause a loss of virginity.
Find out how to prepare for your period