by Most girls find it more comfortable to use sanitary napkins (pads) and may not even think about using other available sanitary products. This is mostly because most of the available products are used by inserting it inside the vagina, due to which there is a fear of rupture of the hymen layer, which acts as a proof of the virginity of the woman.
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Sanitary napkins or pads are easily available, but they also have some drawbacks. Due to constant friction or rubbing, the outer skin of the vagina becomes irritated, red and itchy with rashes. Although sanitary napkins are cheaper than other products, they cannot be made from the same material again (non-biodegradable) and they are also harmful to the environment. Nowadays, there are also eco-friendly sanitary napkins made of jute and cloth and you can use them.
The use of tampons as an alternative to sanitary napkins. So let’s know how to use tampons and its advantages and disadvantages.
What is Tampon ?
A tampon is a small cotton plug that absorbs menstrual blood. You have to insert it into the vagina and it expands (opens like a flower) to absorb the blood, it has a small thread that stays outside the vagina, so you can easily take out the tampon. Tampons come with different absorbency levels for heavy or light flow and you can choose the one that suits you.
Another convenient aspect of using tampons is that they are easy to carry. They are no bigger than your index finger and fit easily in your pocket. tampons come in all sizes and with absorbency. You can buy them from chemists and general stores.
How is it’s shape ?
If this is your first time learning how to use a tampon, it’s best to use a “skinny” size tampon. When your menstrual flow is moderate to heavy, it is easier to insert it into the vagina as it allows the tampon to slip in more easily.
How to use tampons ?
1) Wash your hands with soap and water. With dry hands, open the tampon. If the tampon accidentally falls on the floor, throw it away and use a new tampon.
2) Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to insert it into the vagina by standing with one foot on the toilet seat or bathtub, while some find it more comfortable to do so while sitting.
3) After choosing a position that’s comfortable for you, hold the tampon in the hand with which you write and the applicator with your index finger, making sure the thread is facing out.
4) With your other hand, open the labia (the skin around the vagina) and extend the tampon inward.
5) Extend the tampon inward until your fingers touch your body.
6) Once the applicator or outer tube is in your vagina, use your index finger to push the inner tube as in Figure 3.
7) Make sure that the thread remains outside your vagina. Afterwards, grasp the thread and slowly pull it down to remove the tampon.
8) Wash your hands with soap after inserting and removing the tampon
If the tampon is inserted correctly, you won’t feel like it’s inside. If you’re feeling uncomfortable in any way, you may have inserted the tampon incorrectly or the tampon may not go far enough into your vagina. If this happens, remove the tampon and insert a new tampon. Don’t worry, remember that skill comes with practice. If you can’t do it in the first attempt, you will definitely be able to do it in the second attempt. It is better to try than to be disappointed.
If you are not able to insert the tampon vaginally after several attempts, make an appointment with a doctor and try to find out the reason. Your vaginal opening may be too small to make it difficult for you to insert a tampon. Although this occurs in only 2% of teens, it can also be a problem.
Using a glass can also be helpful when you try to insert a tampon for the first time. You can also use a vaginal lubricant on the end of the tampon to help it go in.
The price of tampons ranges from Rs.80 to Rs.300-500 or more. The price depends on its brand.
Advantages of Tampons
1) Tampons are very small in size. You can easily carry them in your pocket and use them in the bathroom.
2) You do not feel wet when there is a lot of bleeding.
3) By using tampons, one can easily do running, horse riding, swimming etc. anywhere, which is not an easy task using pads.
4) You don’t feel like being inside them. Whereas the feel of the pads and the worry of replacing them is always there.
Side Effects of Tampons
1) As its advantage, that it is not felt to be inside, sometimes turns into its disadvantage too. Because when this happens, women often forget to change it, which can lead to infection.
2) Sometimes it becomes the cause of dangerous infection like toxic shock syndrome.
3) Although normal sized tampons are suitable for use, they are not suitable for some women with heavy bleeding. Or sometimes it gets bigger than the required size.
4) The biggest drawback of tampons is that inserting them into the vagina is a bit difficult and sometimes even painful. And sometimes its wrong use can also cause a lot of damage.
Thanks for reading this article
Also Read | What is Menstruation ? | Myths about periods | Do’s and Don’ts during periods and more
