Table of contents:
- What's the difference between tampons and pads?
- How do you use tampons?
- How often should you change tampons?
- What is that Toxic Shock Syndrome?
- Are you still a virgin after using tampons?
Using tampons in Indonesia is not yet common because sanitary pads are still considered the main choice for women who are menstruating. In fact, tampons can be a great alternative to pads. Especially if you are a woman who is active and physically dynamic. That's why tampons are widely used by athletes, dancers, or fitness trainers. Before you try tampons during your period, consider the following information about tampons.
What's the difference between tampons and pads?
Tampons and sanitary napkins are women's hygiene products that are used to absorb menstrual blood. Tampons are made of soft cotton that is cylindrical in shape. In contrast to pads that are placed on underwear and absorb the menstrual blood that comes out, tampons absorb menstrual blood from the vagina. You also don't have to worry about pads that slide, are too short, or too thick.
There are various types of tampons available, depending on the size and level of absorption. Starting from low to high absorption, you can adjust to your current menstrual flow. Do not use a tampon 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 that your body is calm and relaxed. If you are nervous or in doubt, your muscles will tighten, making it harder for the tampon to fit in. After that, follow the steps below.
Wash your hands with soap and clean water and pat dry. If this is your first time trying tampons, choose a product with a low or moderate absorbency. Then, find a position that you think is most comfortable. You can stand with one leg resting on the lip of the toilet or by squatting down.
Hold the back end of the tampon with your dominant hand and make sure that the string or string attached to the tampon is pointing out of your vagina. With the other hand, open your labia or vaginal lips. This area is the fold of skin around your vaginal opening. Don't be afraid to mistake the urethra or urinary tract because the urethra is so small that it is impossible for a tampon or finger to enter.
Slowly, position the tampon into the labia and push it in. Once the tampon is in your vagina, use your index finger to make sure the tampon is properly inserted. The tampon string or string should be outside your vaginal lips. If the tampon is perfectly inserted, you shouldn't be able to feel it. If you feel uncomfortable, it means that you haven't inserted the tampon properly. Discard the tampon and try again with a new one.
To change or dispose of a tampon, wash your hands and dry them. Gently pull on the tampon string or string that is outside your vagina.
How often should you change tampons?
It is not recommended that you use tampons if you are not menstruating or if you have very low menstrual flow. It is recommended that you change your tampon every 3 to 5 hours. One tampon can be used for no more than 6 hours. So, avoid using tampons while you sleep at night. If you do want to use a tampon while you sleep, don't forget to set an alarm and change your tampon immediately when you wake up. Using tampons for too long can increase the risk Toxic Shock Syndrome which is fatal.
What is that Toxic Shock Syndrome ?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare disease caused by a bacterial infection, not by the tampon itself. Generally, this syndrome is caused by toxins produced by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph), but in some cases the cause is a bacterial toxin Streptococcus (strep) group A .
TSS can occur in women who use tampons. Tampons not only absorb your menstrual blood, but also various natural fluids that are needed by the vagina. Especially if your menstrual blood is low but you are using a tampon with high absorption. As a result, various bacteria can grow and multiply, including the bacteria that causes TSS.
This disease rarely occurs in women who use tampons. Only 17 out of 100,000 women are at risk of developing TSS each year. However, it's a good idea to be alert and understand the symptoms. Usually TSS is characterized by the appearance of a skin rash, high fever, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, and muscle or head pain.
Are you still a virgin after using tampons?
You won't lose your virginity by using tampons. You will only lose your virgin status through vaginal penetration. You also don't need to worry that your hymen will tear when you insert the tampon. The hymen is a very thin skin tissue that sticks to the vaginal wall, not covering the entire vaginal opening as many people believe. The hymen has an opening in the middle that allows menstrual blood to come out. In addition, the hymen is also elastic so that if it can stretch to follow the tampon or penis. So it is very unlikely that the hymen will tear when using a tampon. However, if the hymen is torn because the gap is too narrow or thin, your virginity will not disappear because the tear was not caused by vaginal penetration.
