Tampons: Questions and Misconceptions. What You Need to Know
Tampons, after pads, are the most used period product.
Nonetheless, they have been and in some places still are, surrounded by a number of misconceptions and/or unanswered questions.
In this article, we look at providing a clear answer to some of the most asked questions about tampons, how to use them, and dispose of them.
A few of the questions we answer are:
Does it hurt to insert or remove a tampon?
Should I be able to feel a tampon inside me?
Can a tampon get lost inside me?
How can I take out a tampon if I can't find it?
Can a tampon fall out?
Can I lose my virginity by inserting a tampon?
Will tampons give me toxic shock syndrome TSS?
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
How can I reduce my chances of getting toxic shock syndrome?
How often should I change a tampon?
How much blood can a tampon absorb?
Can you pee with a tampon in?
Can you poo with a tampon in?
Can you flush tampons down the toilet?
Tampon related questions
Does it hurt to insert or remove a tampon?
No, removing a tampon shouldn’t hurt. You might want to try different types of tampons with or without an applicator to see which you prefer.
Sometimes it’s slightly uncomfortable to insert or remove a tampon simply because your vagina is dry, or your flow is very light.
TIP: Using a small amount of water-based lubricant should help relieve the dryness and make it easier for the tampon or applicator to slide in.
If you notice a dry, uncomfortable feeling when removing your tampon, try switching to a lighter absorbency type.
If you continue to experience vaginal pain when using tampons, see your healthcare provider.
Should I be able to feel a tampon inside me?
No. When a tampon is inserted correctly (pushed far enough in) you won’t be able to feel it.
Tampons are designed to be worn in the upper part of the vagina, the part furthest away from the vaginal opening.
If you can feel your tampon, try pushing it in a little further.
Can a tampon get lost inside me?
A tampon can not get lost in your vagina as the cervix (at the end of the vagina) only has a tiny opening to allow blood or semen through
How can I take out a tampon if I can't find it?
If you are having difficulty finding and removing your tampon and are certain it's still inside you, try pushing—as if you were about to poop. It may help if you squat rather than sit or stand. Move your fingers around the inside of your vagina to feel for the tampon and/or string.
Once you can feel the tampon or tampon string, grab it between your fingers and pull it out.
Can a tampon fall out?
When a tampon is properly inserted (pushed in far enough), your vagina naturally holds the tampon in place, even if you are running or doing something active, and as such can not fall out on its own.
If you are pushing hard while pooping, your tampon might fall out.
Can I lose my virginity by inserting a tampon?
Virginity is a cultural idea and is not something physical or medical. People have different definitions and opinions of what "virginity" actually means.
One of these concepts presents the notion that the vaginal opening is covered by a membrane - the vaginal corona, often referred to as the hymen - that is “broken” by vaginal (penetrative) sex.
The vaginal corona can be gradually diminished by basic daily physical activity, not just by inserting things (like tampons, menstrual cups, toys, or fingers) into the vagina, and as such it is wrong to use this as a way of assessing whether a person has had penetrative sex or not.
Will tampons give me toxic shock syndrome TSS?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare condition affecting around 1 in 100,000 menstruating people. It is unlikely that a tampon will give you toxic shock syndrome.
However, it's good to be aware and ensure that you are changing your tampon regularly as wearing a tampon for a long duration of time (over 8 hours) is associated with TSS. The symptoms of TSS start suddenly and can get worse quickly.
Note, although more than half of reported TSS cases are associated with tampon use, it can also affect people of any age—including men and children.
You can learn more about Toxic Shock Syndrom here:
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
- A high temperature (fever) of 102.2F (39C) or above
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, chills, muscle aches, a sore throat, and a cough
- Feeling and being sick
- Diarrhoea
- A widespread sunburn-like rash
- The whites of the eyes, lips, and tongue turn a bright red
- Dizziness or fainting
- Breathing difficulties
- Confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness
TSS is a medical emergency. While these symptoms could be due to an illness other than TSS, it's important to contact your healthcare provider or hospital as soon as possible if you have a combination of these symptoms.
It's very unlikely that you have TSS, but these symptoms shouldn't be ignored.
If you have severe symptoms or your symptoms are getting rapidly worse, then go to your nearest hospital or call an ambulance immediately.
How can I reduce my chances of getting toxic shock syndrome?
Use lower-absorbency tampons and change them more often, and avoid leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
Alternatively, you can use a different menstrual product, like pads, reusable pads, or a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are not considered a TSS risk in most cases.
When to change your tampon
How often should I change a tampon?
The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light pull on the tampon string.
If it starts to pull out easily, then it’s time to change it; if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer.
If the tampon pulls out easily it's probably because it has absorbed as much blood as it should and will struggle to absorb more. Changing it will not only avoid discomfort but also reduce the risk of leaking.
How much blood can a tampon absorb?
A light tampon can hold up to 3 mL of fluid, a regular tampon can hold up to 5 mL of fluid, while a super tampon may hold up to 12 mL.
A normal amount of blood loss per period is between 30 mL to 60 mL. However, if you are repeatedly soaking through a tampon or pad every two hours, this is considered heavy menstrual bleeding and should speak with a doctor to ensure there are no underlying conditions.
Can you pee with a tampon in?
Yes, you can pee with a tampon in.
You don’t need to change your tampon every time you pee, although you might want to tuck the string into your vagina or hold it out of the way so you don’t get urine on it.
This is just for personal comfort—it’s unlikely that would you experience health issues from accidentally urinating on the tampon string.
Can you poo with a tampon in?
Yes, you can poo with a tampon in.
There is no need to remove your tampon if you need to poop. Some people poop while wearing a tampon, while others chose to change their tampon before or after. All of these options are fine and depend on personal preference.
However, when pooping with a tampon in, be careful not to get any poop on the string. Bacteria that live in your intestines can cause bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Because the vagina and rectum are so close, there are a lot of shared bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis can happen when you throw off the balance.
How to dispose of your used tampon
Can you flush tampons down the toilet?
Do not flush tampons down the toilet.
Tampons are made to absorb liquid and expand, so they can clog toilets and pipes especially if the plumbing is old, or if it’s a low-flow toilet, or a septic tank arrangement.
Although a new study from Thames Water reported that 1 in 5 people in the UK admit they have flushed tampons, wet wipes, or sanitary products down the toilet, without thinking of the consequences.
It’s estimated around 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million sanitary pads, and 700,000 panty liners are flushed every single day in the UK. However, most tampons are not biodegradable, and even those that do not break down in the wastewater system make clogs highly likely.
For your plumbing and the environment, the safest option is to wrap the tampon (and applicator) in toilet paper and throw it in the trash.
References
- Hornor G. Genitourinary assessment: An integral part of a complete physical examination. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2007 Jun 30;21(3):162–70.
- American college of obstetricians and gynaecologists. Your first period (especially for teens. FAQ049. May 2015.
- Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). Case definitions for infectious conditions under public health surveillance. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1997; 46(RR-10):39.
- Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). Toxic Shock Syndrome (other than streptococcal) (TSS) 2011 Case Definition.
- Mitchell MA, Bisch S, Arntfield S, Hosseini-Moghaddam SM. A confirmed case of toxic shock syndrome associated with the use of a menstrual cup. Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology. 2015;26(4):218-20.
- American college of obstetricians and gynecologists. Your first period (especially for teens. FAQ049. May 2015.
- Menstrual bleeding patterns among regularly menstruating women. Am J Epidemiol. 2012; Dasharathy SS, Mumford SL, Pollack AZ, Perkins NJ, Mattison DR, Wactawski-Wende J
- Fraser IS, Critchley HO, Broder M, Munro MG. The FIGO recommendations on terminologies and definitions for normal and abnormal uterine bleeding. Semin Reprod Med. 2011 Sep;29(5):383-90.
- Over 24 million people admit they have flushed tampons, wet wipes or sanitary products down the toilet, Thames Water Website