Are tampons safe?

Question

Today is the first time i used a tampon, it hurt alot when i first inserted it but after a while it felt ok. I prefer using it because pads made me feel really uncomfortable. However now my sis keep telling me that tampons are dangerous it would land me in hospital and that's why they are so unpopular. What should I do?

Answer 1

Don't keep them in for too long, it could cause Toxic Shock Syndrome, also known as TSS, the symptoms are nausea, headaches, etc.

Answer 2

Actually, tampons are far more popular than maxi pads. I kjnow extremely few people that use pads.

There is a small percentage of people who can have an allergic reaction to them. This is generally a reaction to the bleach they use in making them (they are a beige color naturally so they bleach them so that they don't look "dirty") but this is rare. Most people use them on a regular basis with no negative effects.

I am one of the people who can't use tampons (at least not on a regular basis) because I get sick, but it is not life-threatening. The life-threatening type of sickness is extremely rare. If you use it and you start to feel sick after a while, simply stop, and give your doctor a call to see what s/he has to reccomend for you.

However, it really shouldn't hurt when you use it. Clear instructions for insertion should be found on the package. It's generally not necessary to use a tampon if you are not in the "heavy" part of your period. If the vagina is dry because there isn't a lot of the "blood" fluid, it will hurt to move the tampon in and out, because there is no lubrication of any kind. If it hurts because of dryness, try using a maxi pad until your period gets heavier.

If you have any real concerns, ask your doctor. S/he will be able to help you much more than any stranger on the internet.

Answer 3

What your sister is talking about is an infection called Toxic Shock. Several years ago they were putting a synthetic fiber in all tampons that put women at risk for developing Toxic Shock. This fiber can still be found in the ultra absorbent varieties. For this reason, it's a good idea to use only regular or junior tampons...NOT super or super + tampons.

It is possible to still get an infection from tampons, but it is not likely. For this reason, you should never leave a tampon in more than 8 hours. It is recommended that you change your tampon at least every 4-8 hours.

Answer 4

Tampons have been shown to have a connection to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal disease caused by bacterial infection. The U.S. FDA suggests the following guidelines for decreasing the risk of contracting TSS when using tampons:

Follow package directions for insertion
Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow
Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours
Consider alternating pads with tampons
Avoid tampon usage overnight when sleeping
Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome
Don't use tampons between periods

Answer 5

Tampons are probably more popular than pads. They aren't messy and feel way more comfortable! Most tampon boxes come with a warning about TSS, Toxic Shock Syndrome. It happens to less thsan 1% of people who use tampons. It can be avoided by not keeping a tampon in for more than 7 hours and making sure you are using the correct absorbency. Symptoms include a sudden fever with possible vomiting and sweating. However, I wouldn't worry about it!

Answer 6

A very small percentage of women who uses tampons may get Toxic Shock Symdrome, which is when you leave your tampon in for much longer than it's supposed to. You can also try alternating the use of tampons and pads - say when you sleep at night, use a pad instead to give your vagina a chance to relax!

*** Quoted from mayoclinic.com:
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges.

In 1980, an outbreak of toxic shock syndrome occurred that mostly involved young women who had been using a particular brand of superabsorbent tampons. The cause of the outbreak seemed to be toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.

While the infection often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Other risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds and surgery.

Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently.

Answer 7

Your sister is speaking of Toxic Shock Sydrom, which is very rare and happens only if you leave your tampon in for a long period of time and it leaves bacteria to develope. You can die from it but that is no reason whatsoever that women shouldn't use tampons. Just make sure you change it every few hours and you will be fine. Your sister was just concerned for your health. They are very popular and safe and girls often use tampons rather than pads for sports so I'm sure your friends use tampons too.

Answer 8

Your sister is referring to toxic shock syndrome. This is caused by bacteria that used to be found in the material that tampons are made of. It is a very very serious infection that you can die of.

These days, the tampon manufacturers have stopped using those kinds of materials in the tampons and the occurence of toxic shock syndrome has been significantly reduced. However, I would suggest that you only wear them for a short period of time (never ever sleep with a tampon in), with breaks using pads in between.

Answer 9

The only thing to really worry about with tampons is a rare, but serious, condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) bacteria. Most people have a natural immunity to the bacteria, but some who don't or have compromised immune systems are at risk. The best way to keep yourself safe is to change your tampon frequently (every 6 hours or less) and you should have nothing to worry about.

Answer 10

Now you just tell your sister if they are so unpopular why are there so many brands and they are still selling them?
They are perfectly safe, as long as YOU make sure of it!! Only buy tampons of the size that fits your flow (some brands sell combo packs). And do not leave the same one in "all day" (yuck, right!?)--and don't use one at night, use a pad at night.
I think your sister is thinking of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). I actually knew a woman that died of it, she was my friend's aunt--she was using "Rely" tampons (they don't make them anymore)--they advertised they were super-absorbant, only needed one all day, etc.

Answer 11

There is upset that commercial tampons contain rayon and asbestos, and therefore are not so safe. However, most health food stores carry 100% cotton tampons and they work great. They cost a bit more, but in the long run I would suspect they are worth it.

Also, if its uncomfortable you may have the wrong size. Start with the slender or junior size.