Tampons: What You Need to Know

Tampons have been a preferred choice for many menstruating women due to their ease of use, discreetness and convenience. They are small, absorbent products designed to be inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. For a long time, they have been widely used and deemed effective. However, recent studies have raised several concerns about toxic chemicals and metals found in some tampon brands, thereby highlighting a hidden health risk that deserves attention. 

What Is Tampon?

Tampons are small cylindrical products made of rayon, cotton or a blend of both, designed to be inserted into the vagina during periods to absorb menstrual flow. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate different flow levels, and several brands offer tampons with or without applicators for insertion. Tampons' main advantage over pads is their easy internal use, which facilitates greater freedom of movement, particularly during physical activities like sports or swimming. 

However, people may often wonder, "Does a tampon break the hymen?" or "Can tampons break the hymen?". It is important to have the correct information set when using these products. 

Remember that the hymen is a thin membrane that covers the vaginal opening partially in some women. Inserting the tampon can thus stretch the hymen or tear it, but it does not occur in all women. Also, whether or not it tears the hymen, remember that it has no bearing on a woman’s virginity or sexual activity.                

How to Use a Tampon

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can insert a tampon with safety and ease:

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands properly before touching the tampon to prevent introducing bacteria into the vaginal area. 

Get into a Comfortable Position: Stand with one leg elevated or sit with your knees apart and find a position where you feel relaxed and comfortable. 

Locate the Vaginal Opening: The tampon must be inserted into the vaginal opening, not the anus or urethra. The vaginal canal is located just below the urethra and above the anus.

Insert the Tampon: If the tampon has an applicator, hold it by the grip and after that, push it gently into the vagina until the outer tube is well inside. Next, press the plunger to insert the tampon, then slowly remove the applicator.

Check for Comfort: Ensure that the tampon fits comfortably without causing discomfort or pain, as these may indicate that it has not been inserted far enough.   

Change Regularly: It is important to change tampons every 4-8 hours. This helps prevent leaks and reduces the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. 

Removing and Disposing of a Tampon

To remove the tampon, gently pull the string attached to the base. You should be able to slide it out easily. However, if it feels stuck, try to relax your muscles and then pull it gently. After removal, wrap it in toilet paper and dispose of it in a trash can.

Are Tampons Safe?

Tampons are generally considered safe when used with proper care and precautions. However, concerns about chemicals and toxic metals have often raised questions about their safety. Not all tampons contain these harmful chemicals, and several reputable brands take care and precautions to ensure that their products are free from toxins. Thus, while buying tampons, try looking for organic ones made from 100% cotton and devoid of dyes, harmful chemicals, or fragrances.

Toxic Metals and Chemicals in Tampons

In recent times, several investigations have indicated the presence of potentially harmful substances and toxic metals like lead, aluminium and mercury, along with chemicals like pesticides and dioxins in certain tampon brands. Such substances can enter the body through the vaginal walls, thereby leading to different kinds of health complications over time. 

This risk primarily arises from the materials used in manufacturing the tampons and in the processing techniques involved. For example, some tampons may have cotton treated with pesticides, and bleaching processes may leave behind small traces of dioxins. 

These substances may be present in very small quantities. However, their cumulative effect, if used for an extended period of time, is concerning. This is especially true for those women who rely on tampons continuously throughout their menstruating years.