Contents:
- Medical Video: Tampon Tips
- What's the difference between tampons and sanitary napkins?
- How do you use tampons?
- How often do you have to replace a tampon?
- What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
- Are you still a virgin after using a tampon?
Medical Video: Tampon Tips
Using tampons in Indonesia is not yet common because sanitary napkins are still considered the primary choice for menstruating women. In fact, tampons can be a good alternative for sanitary napkins. Especially if you are a woman who is active and physically dynamic. That is why tampons are widely used by athletes, dancers, or fitness trainers. Before you try a tampon during your period, first read information about the following tampons.
What's the difference between tampons and sanitary napkins?
Tampons and sanitary napkins are women's health products that are used to absorb menstrual blood. Tampons are made of soft cylindrical cotton. In contrast to sanitary napkins placed on underwear and absorbing menstrual blood coming out, tampons absorb menstrual blood from inside the vagina. You also do not need to worry about pads that are shifting, too short, or too thick.
There are various types of tampons available, according to the size and level of absorption. From low to high absorption, you can adjust to your menstrual flow at that time. Do not use tampons with high absorption on the day you flow a little and vice versa.
How do you use tampons?
When you are going to use a tampon, make sure your body is calm and relaxed. If you are nervous or doubtful, your muscles will tighten so the tampon will get harder and harder to enter. After that, follow the steps below.
Wash your hands with soap and clean water and dry them. If this is the first time you have tried a tampon, choose a product with low or moderate absorption. Then, find the position that you think is most comfortable. You can stand on one leg superimposed on the lips of the toilet or squat.
Hold the back end of the tampon with your dominant hand and make sure that the thread or cord attached to the tampon is pointing out of your vagina. With the other hand, open your labia or vaginal lips. This part is the fold of skin around your vaginal opening. Don't be afraid of being mistaken with the urethra or urinary tract because the urethra is so small that a tampon or finger might not be able to enter.
Slowly position the tampon into the labia and push it inward. After the tampon is inside the vagina, use your index finger to make sure the tampon enters perfectly. A thread or tampon strap should be outside your vaginal lips. If the tampon has entered perfectly, you shouldn't be able to feel it. If you feel uncomfortable, that means you haven't installed the tampon correctly. Remove the tampon and repeat with the new tampon.
To replace or remove a tampon, wash your hands and dry them. Gently pull the thread or tampon strap outside your vagina.
How often do you have to replace a tampon?
You are not recommended to use tampons if you are not menstruating or if your menstrual blood rate is very low. You should replace tampons every 3 to 5 hours. One tampon can be used no more than 6 hours. So, avoid using tampons while you sleep at night. If you really want to use a tampon during sleep, don't forget to install an alarm and immediately replace your tampon when you wake up. Using a tampon for too long can increase the risk of fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare disease caused by a bacterial infection, not because of the tampon itself. Generally this syndrome is caused by poisons produced by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph), but in some cases the cause is poison from streptococcus (strep) bacteria group A.
TSS can occur in women who use tampons. Tampons not only absorb your menstrual blood, but also various natural fluids needed by the vagina. Especially if your menstrual blood is a little but you use a high absorption tampon. As a result, various bacteria can grow and multiply, including bacteria that cause TSS.
This disease rarely occurs in women who use tampons. Only 17 of 100,000 women have a risk of TSS each year. However, you should be on guard and understand the symptoms. Usually TSS is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the skin, high fever, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, and muscle or head pain.
Are you still a virgin after using a tampon?
Your virginity will not be lost due to the use of tampons. You will only lose your virgin status through vaginal penetration. You also don't need to worry about your hymen being torn when inserting a tampon. The hymen is a very thin skin tissue that attaches to the vaginal wall, not covering the entire vaginal opening as many people believe. The hymen has openings in the middle that allow menstrual blood to come out. In addition, the hymen is also elastic so that if it can stretch following the tampon or penis. So it's very unlikely that the hymen will tear when using tampons. However, if the hymen is torn because the gap is too narrow or thin, your virginity does not necessarily disappear because the tear is not caused by vaginal penetration.
READ ALSO:
- 7 Mandatory Treatments to Maintain Vaginal Health
- The hymen is not always bloody, and the myths of other virginity
- 12 Facts About Menstruation You Might Not Know
