Using a Tampon During Your Flow
When it's time for your period, choosing what collection method for your flow can really be a challenge if there has been a change in your flow or a difference in the type of activities you are doing during your period. If you do more activities that require full-body movement, if you use pads as your primary collection method, you may be looking for an alternative for full-body movement days. Tampons are absorbent tube-shaped layers of material inserted into the vagina to soak period blood for a few hours. Tampons come in many absorbency levels, aka "sizes" like light, regular, super, or even ultra. Choosing a smaller size that can last for a few hours is best.
How To Use A Tampon
So now you've decided to use a tampon during your flow, how do you insert it? Here are some general steps for using a tampon:
Wash Your Hands
Sit on the toilet with your knees apart
Remove the outer wrapper of the tampon
Insert the tampon into your vagina towards your back using the applicator or your finger
Throw the wrapper and applicator in the trash
Depending on your flow, change at least every 4 hours.
Here Are Some Tips for Using a Tampon During Your Period:
Tip #1 - Putting the string of your tampon towards one side of your underwear can help you find it when it's time to change your tampon.
Tip #2 - Use the outer wrapping to place your wrap your soiled tampon in and toss it in the trash.
Tip #3 - You will know if your tampon is in correctly because you will not feel it
How Do I Remove A Tampon?
Wash your hands
Sit on the toilet with your knees apart.
Locate the string (this should be hanging outside, towards one side of your underwear, or the string might press it against your labia)
Gently pull the string until the tampon is entirely outside of your body
Wrap the tampon in toilet paper
Dispose of the tampon in the trash
Wash your hands!
Don't Do's: Tampon Edition
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) - Don't leave tampons in your vagina for more than 6 hours because it can cause a rare but dangerous illness. If a tampon is left in your vagina for a long time, it can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a "cluster of bacterial infections" that can release toxins into the bloodstream. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, disorientation, and shock are a few of the symptoms that can occur.
Don't Wear Overnight - Tampons are unsafe to wear for longer than 6-8 hours. Wear period underwear, pads, or discs/cups in cases of heavier flow.
What Brand of Tampons Do You Use?
- Rael
- Tampax
- Cora
- Honey Pot
You can vote for more than one answer.