How to use tampons correctly: how to insert a tampon?

A modern woman with her crazy pace of life cannot imagine how she can do without modern personal hygiene products: tampons, pads, wet wipes. In fact, hygienic feminine tampons are a very ancient means of hygiene. It is known for certain that even in Ancient China, women made cotton balls, and in Ancient Egypt they used papyrus tubes during menstruation. Now tampons have changed significantly, the shape, size and materials have improved.

What are tampons and what types do they come in?

A modern hygienic tampon is a column of absorbent material, 1-2 cm in diameter, which is inserted into the vagina during menstrual bleeding. The tampon must have a thread by which it can be removed.

Cotton, viscose and other absorbent materials are most often used to produce tampons. Absorbability is the main difference between hygienic tampons and therapeutic tampons, which must be loose and release medicine.

Tampons are:

• With an applicator, that is, a special tube into which a tampon is inserted. The applicator is inserted into the vagina and the tampon is pushed out with a special piston. The applicator is removed, and the tampon and thread remain in the vagina. Tampons without an applicator are usually cheaper and more compact, but less convenient and hygienic to use.
• Increasing in width or length. As blood is absorbed, the tampon increases in size. For example, Tampax tampons, one of the old-timers on the hygiene products market, increase in length when filled. The vast majority of other tampons, such as OB or Kotex, expand in width.
• For different types of discharge. Usually this indicator is marked with drops and a name. In Europe, tampons are usually divided into Mini, Normal, Super and sometimes Super plus types. In America, they are usually labeled as S, M, L and XL, respectively.

Features of treatment

In addition to strictly following the instructions for using phytotampons, it is important to take into account some features:

1. The tampon should not be put into the mouth - this violates its sterility.
2. When using the herbal remedy for the first time, it is recommended to administer it for several hours.
3. If the vagina is excessively dry, the product is immersed in boiled water at a comfortable temperature for 5-10 seconds.
4. Phytotampons have a strong bactericidal effect, so heavy vaginal discharge is possible.
5. The procedure for introducing and removing the medicine requires additional hygiene procedures, so it is better to carry it out in the bathroom.
6. Sexual intercourse can be resumed a few hours after removing the tampon and douching.
7. The consumption of alcoholic beverages and potent herbal infusions is strictly prohibited. Their interaction with the components of herbal balls can give an unpredictable reaction and lead to complications.
8. Taking hormonal contraceptives is prohibited.
9. During the treatment period, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

There are many names for phytotampons. The most famous are Beautiful life and Clean Point. These types of medicinal herbal balls have already gained popularity. They have the same effect on a woman’s body, but they contain different medicinal plants. Patients have the opportunity to choose a product taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and its reaction to certain types of medicinal plants. According to patients, Beautiful life tampons have a gentler effect than Clean Point.

How to choose suitable tampons?

To successfully start using tampons, you need to decide on the following parameters:

1. The abundance of menstrual flow - that is, what type of tampon is needed - Mini or Super;
2. No allergy to the material from which the tampon is made;
3. Make sure there are no inflammatory diseases of the vagina and cervix (vaginitis, colpitis, cervicitis).
   When using tampons, especially if they are left in the vagina for a long time against the background of an inflammatory process, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) may develop. This occurs because a filled tampon in the warm and moist environment of the vagina is a kind of incubator for pathogenic flora. Microbes multiply and release their toxins into the blood. TSS is manifested by chills, high fever, loss of consciousness, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rash.

Diseases treated by Chinese herbal tampons

Most medications that are used to treat female genital organs reduce immunity, worsen general condition, cause vaginal dryness, allergic reactions and other unpleasant consequences. Herbal tampons for the treatment of gynecological diseases have a local effect and, according to patient reviews, do not cause discomfort. They are recommended for the following diseases and conditions:

• inflammatory processes in the vagina;
• cysts and inflammation of the ovaries;
• cervical erosion;
• thrush;
• vaginitis;
• dysmenorrhea;
• endometritis;
• cystitis;
• incontinence;
• PMS.

This is an incomplete list of diseases for which medicinal herbal tampons are prescribed. They are applicable both for health courses and for prevention. Cleansing the uterus and vagina, restoring microflora and hormonal levels is a set of measures that helps fight acute and chronic diseases, normalizes the menstrual cycle, and helps get rid of menstrual pain. Some patients write in reviews that the use of Chinese herbal suppositories helped them get rid of fibroids and uterine polyps.

Gynecological phytotampons perform 5 main functions:

1. Bactericidal.
2. Anti-inflammatory.
3. Regenerating.
4. Hormonal.
5. General strengthening.

These functions are determined by special plant components. All medicinal plants that are part of the herbal balls have a targeted effect and represent the following groups:

• Antihypoxants normalize energy metabolism in tissues.
• Phytoncides effectively destroy pathogens and strengthen the immune defense by activating the synthesis of antibodies.
• Antioxidants prevent the aging process, fight free radicals, and maintain the integrity of cell membranes.
• Phytoestrogens are similar in chemical composition to the main female hormones. They prevent the development of neoplasms of endocrine origin and normalize hormonal levels.

Manufacturers are constantly improving the composition of medicinal balls. This expands the capabilities of the drug and minimizes the risk of irritation of the mucous membrane of a woman’s internal organs. The herbal preparation is completely safe and environmentally friendly. It does not harm beneficial microorganisms, unlike traditional medications used in gynecology.

How to use tampons correctly?

If you have never used tampons before, then for the first experience it is better to purchase tampons with an applicator - they are easier and easier to insert.

1. It is better to try using a tampon for the first time in a calm and quiet atmosphere.
2. Be sure to wash your hands before use.
3. To insert tampons, it is convenient to place one foot, for example, on the side of the bathtub. You can also lie on your back or squat.
4. To facilitate insertion, the tampon or applicator can be lubricated with any cream or Vaseline.
5. When using tampons with an applicator, you must insert the applicator into the vagina approximately its entire length. Next, slowly press down on the ejection piston while simultaneously removing the applicator.
6. When using tampons without an applicator, it is convenient to insert your index finger into a special recess on the back surface of the tampon, where the thread is attached. Such a tampon is inserted according to the sensations - “all the way”. As a rule, the length of the index finger is enough for this. Don't forget to straighten the thread before inserting the tampon!
7. After inserting the tampon, be sure to check the outside for the presence of thread.
8. Tampons must be changed at least every 4 hours! Try to use a pad at least once a day.

When should you not use tampons?

1. In the presence of inflammatory processes of the vagina and cervix.
2. After any operations on the cervix (coagulation or plastic surgery) and vagina.
3. In the postpartum period. Read more about using tampons after childbirth.
4. After any abdominal gynecological operations, including laparoscopic ones. In the postoperative period, it is important to assess the amount and nature of discharge, and the tampon absorbs it and hides the true amount.
5. For anatomical anomalies in the structure of the genital organs (vaginal synechia, vaginal duplication, and so on).

Why might a tampon get in the way?

In the vast majority of cases, discomfort is associated with its incorrect use or choice. A normally inserted tampon of the required size cannot be felt by a woman.

If you have any discomfort:

1. Make sure the tampon is deep enough in the vagina. You can push the tampon slightly higher with the index finger of a clean hand or with the applicator from another tampon.
2. Choose tampons that are smaller or longer.

Can a tampon fall out or get stuck in the vagina?

There is absolutely no way a tampon can fall out of the vagina, because the muscular walls of the vagina cover it quite tightly.

A tampon also cannot enter the uterine cavity, since the cervical canal is negligibly narrow for the diameter of the tampon.

There are often situations when a woman cannot remove the hygiene product herself. There are usually three main reasons for this:

1. Thread separation. Sometimes the thread is intact, but the woman simply forgot to straighten it before insertion. In this situation, you need to calm down and go to a quiet, calm place. After washing your hands first, squat down, insert your index and middle fingers into the vagina, push slightly and feel the thread or edge of the tampon.
2. Reflex spasm of the vagina. In this situation, the main thing is to calm down and relax. It is better to remove the tampon at home, in a calm atmosphere.
3. Dry swab. This situation is due to the fact that a dry tampon “sticks” to the walls of the vagina. Removing a recently inserted tampon can be painful. You need to wait 1-2 hours until the tampon gets slightly wet, and slowly remove it by pulling the thread.

Can I swim while using a tampon?

Any water procedures during menstruation are contraindicated. It is acceptable to periodically use a tampon in the last days of light discharge. The tampon should be inserted immediately before swimming and removed immediately after.

Can a virgin use tampons?

Each girl's hymen has its own shape and structure. As a rule, the diameter of the hole in it is about 20 mm. Considering that the smallest tampons have a thickness of no more than 10 mm, it is difficult to damage the hymen with them. Some companies have special small tampons with an applicator for girls.

Can tampons be used if an intrauterine system is installed?

The intrauterine system (IUD) or, as patients call it, the “spiral” is not a contraindication for the use of tampons. However, there have been cases when patients, when removing the tampon, especially sharply, dislodged the IUD in the uterine cavity. The gynecologist should leave the IUD “whiskers” as short as possible and explain to the patient how she can independently check the position of the IUD in the uterus. Read more about intrauterine contraceptives.

Can tampons be used for erosion?

In the presence of simple ectopia of the cervix, without concomitant inflammatory diseases, tampons can be used. It must be remembered that tampons, when changed rarely and constantly used, can provoke the development of inflammation in the eroded cervix.

Alexandra Pechkovskaya, obstetrician-gynecologist, especially for Mirmam.pro

Indications

To protect against unplanned pregnancy, Pharmatex tampons can be used by a woman with the following indications:

1. Breastfeeding period.
2. Irregular sex life.
3. Presence of contraindications to the use of alternative methods of contraception.
4. Premenopausal period, accompanied by irregular menstruation.
5. The period after an abortion.

For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, a vaginal tampon can be used when skipping a tablet contraceptive, in combination with a male condom or intrauterine device for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Reviews of women who used sea buckthorn during pregnancy

Probably the safest remedy for treating hemorrhoids that I know is Sea Buckthorn Oil suppositories. They can be used without fear even by pregnant women and small children. Moreover, among the side effects only allergic reactions, itching and diarrhea are indicated. And this, I want to tell you, is very little for a medicine. Therefore, from the very first purchase, I was imbued with some kind of special trust in them =) And the fact that SIGNIFICANT relief came after the first candle plunged me into complete and unconditional shock. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen something like this where, for such a cheap price tag, a medicine helps so well! Moreover, the chill from them is so pleasant. The effect of pain relief is immediately felt. In addition, they relieve inflammation and swelling. Their antibacterial effect prevents the development of infections in the rectum. They accelerate tissue regeneration and enhance protective properties.

Hippa

What are the dangers of using it after childbirth?

There are many dangers to using tampons after childbirth:

• after a caesarean section, their use leads to the rapid development of complications associated with the outflow of blood from the uterine cavity;
• in the case of pathological childbirth, with ruptures, tampons worsen the condition of the reproductive system;
• if a newborn has congenital infections, this indicates the presence of latent pathological processes in the mother, therefore, tampons will aggravate the condition;
• if colpitis was discovered in the last trimester, it is better to refrain from using it after childbirth.

We pay careful attention to the selection of hygiene products

The choice of tampons after childbirth is somewhat different compared to the choice during the normal period.

There are certain recommendations for choosing a product:

1. First, you should pay attention to the size. After all, a tampon often falls out after childbirth, and the cause of this phenomenon is postpartum changes. Given this fact, one cannot be guided only by previously gained experience.
2. The next factor that you should definitely pay attention to is the surface. In most cases, either cotton or viscose is used. There are also combination products. For example, Chinese tampons, which are best avoided after childbirth. The fact is that, in addition to the above-mentioned materials, various flavorings are also added there, which can cause allergic reactions.
3. Another factor is convenience. To make entry easier, it is better to opt for products with an applicator.