tampon(women’s health)

First tampon in your safe period (women’s health)

You may feel nervous about using a tampon for the first time. It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if you have any unanswered questions about tampons.

It’s totally up to you! Think about your lifestyle and what will best fit your needs. It’s also helpful to try different products, or ask a friend or family member what works for them.

It’s common to use different things at different times during your period. For example, someone may use tampons during the day and pads at night. You can also wear a pad or pantyliner (a thin pad) while you’re using a tampon or cup, for backup protection in case of leaks.

Tampons are little plugs made of cotton that fit inside your vagina and soak up menstrual blood. Some tampons come with an applicator that helps you put in the tampon. Tampons have a string attached to the end, so you can easily pull them out.

Tampons and cups can’t get stuck, get lost inside you, or move to another part of your body. The muscles in your vagina hold them in place (without you even knowing!), and they stay inside your body until you take them out. Most people can’t feel tampons or cups at all when they’re in the right spot. You can wear tampons and cups in the water, and during all kinds of sports and activities.

Many people like the convenience of products that you use once and throw away, like tampons and disposable pads. These are usually easier to find in stores, too. Others choose reusable protection, like menstrual cups or fabric pads, because they can save money and they’re better for the environment.

Relax. It’s much easier to insert a tampon when you’re relaxed. It usually takes a few tries before being able to comfortably insert a tampon, so don’t worry. Refer to the instructions and diagrams so you know what to do.

A tampon is actually made up of 2 parts – the tampon itself that you insert into your body, and the plastic applicator you use to insert it. The Sport® applicator has a smooth tapered barrel that contains the tampon within it, attached is a smaller tube below called a plunger. Below is a picture of the parts of a tampon with applicator:

How to use tampons

Tampons come in different “sizes” (absorbencies), like light, regular, and super. It’s best to use the lowest or lightest absorbency that lasts you a few hours. Some tampons come with applicators – small sticks made of cardboard or plastic that help you put the tampon in your vagina. And some tampons don’t have an applicator, so you just put them in with your finger.

• -Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart.
• -Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have.
• -Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you’re relaxed. Using tampons with smooth, rounded applicators may make it easier. You can also put a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the tampon or applicator. If you’re having trouble, ask someone you trust (like your mom, sister, or another person you trust who has used tampons) to show you how to put the tampon into your vagina.
• -Throw the wrapper and applicator in the trash – don’t flush them.

• -It’s best to change your tampon every 4–8 hours. Don’t leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours. You can wear a tampon overnight, but put it in right before bed and change it as soon as you get up in the morning.
• -Tampons have a string at one end that hangs out of your vagina. You take the tampon out by gently pulling the string. It’s easier to take your tampon out when it’s wet from absorbing the max amount of period flow it can.
• -Wrap used tampons in toilet paper and throw them away in the trash – don’t flush them.

If a tampon is in your vagina for a long time it can cause an illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is really rare, but dangerous. If you’re using a tampon and have vomiting, a high fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, a sore throat, dizziness, faintness or weakness, and a sunburn-type rash, take the tampon out and call your doctor right away. To help prevent TSS, use the lowest absorbency tampon you can and change your tampon every 4–8 hours or as often as needed.Putting in a tampon usually doesn’t hurt, but it may take some practice in the beginning. Try different kinds until you figure out what you like best, but don’t wear tampons unless you’re actually having your period.

If putting in a tampon is very painful, talk with a doctor or nurse about it. You may have a medical condition, or it may be that your hymen is covering the opening to your vagina. Either way, a doctor or nurse can help you figure out why it’s causing pain and figure out what to do about it.

Question basically arise while using tampons make you lose your virginity or not?

Contrary to one particularly unhelpful myth, using tampons does not make you “lose your virginity.” Tampons might stretch the hymen (the thin membrane that usually stretches when you have sex), but the hymen should not tear. The hymen only partially covers the vaginal opening and is intended to stretch and bend. Even if your tampon use does stretch the membrane (which can happen during other activities, too, like frequent horse-riding), it doesn’t mean you’re not a virgin.

Another myth is that the hymen completely covers the vagina. Rest easy, your hymen does have an opening for tampon insertion and for your period to leave your body.

The hymen normally will expand if you relax, but if you force a tampon through it while tense, your hymen may rupture. This can happen while doing sports, too.

If any doubt regarding topic you can comment and ask me .

Dr. Shivani Bhardwaj