Is it ok to use internal tampons for menstruation?

Question

i am 14 an since 2 months ago i started using o.b. (if you heard of them). what are the complications that can appear?

Answer 1

Commercial tampons are the most harmful out of over twenty different menstrual options because of the unnecessary manufacturing methods used as well as the general risks from tampons – commercial tampons are also the only option to have caused and contributed to deaths both within the TSS outbreak in the 1980's and Dioxin exposure in the 1990's - in both cases manufacturers knew the health risks but continued to manufacture and promote special offers regardless [the idea that if they were dangerous they wouldn't be on the market is mute if you know the history].

There are far safer options, as well as options that are greener, cheaper, more convenient, body-positive and ethical - such as menstrual cups, cloth pads, sponges, or free-flow.

Unfortunately very few people are aware of the risks or willing to educate themselves of the risks due to menstrual taboos, taboos companies take advantage of to strengthen customer base, and menstrual product manufacturers are also largely covered legally in terms of manufacturing methods and what they can tell to the public.

Note - Risks of tampons are there no matter how long they are left within the vagina for; the risks are simply higher the longer you leave them in. TSS cases are rarely a result of misuse of tampons.

Tampon risks;

-Tampons prevent the vaginas self-cleaning process keeping bacteria, yeast and dirt inside the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.

-Tampons absorb discharge that dries out mucus membranes within the vagina leading to vaginal splitting that can contribute to vaginal infections, as well as irritation due to friction and dryness.

-Tampons provide bacteria and yeast with a pores, warm and moist environment filled with menstrual blood that cause bacteria to multiply due to both being nutritious and a different PH to the normal vaginal environment, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.

-Fibres can be left within the vagina allowing excess bacteria to remain within the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.

-Commercial tampons are made from super-absorbent materials that further dry out the vagina and increase bacterial growth, which can contribute to vaginal splitting, irritation, vaginal infections and TSS.

-Commercial tampons contain chemicals and bleach that interfere with vaginal PH, which in turn effects balance of bacteria and yeast, which can contribute to vaginal infections and TSS.

-The vagina is a major orifice of the body and made of mucus membranes that easily allow chemicals to pass through, chemicals in commercial tampons may be toxic and have the potential to be paraben’s (information on chemicals used is restricted by laws protecting manufacturers).

-Manufacturing of commercial tampons adds to environmental problems, including pollution, environmental factors such as these contribute largely to human health.

-Effect on general vaginal health that tampons, particularly commercial tampons, have can cause heavier menstrual flow as well as increased menstrual cramping.

-Tampons expand with fluid they absorb, this can contribute to menstrual cramping and discomfort due to bloating.

-Certain brands are made to expand lengthways as well as widthways expanding into the cervix furthering menstrual discomfort.

-Toxic Shock Syndrome is the better known risk, it can be minimised by using safer options such as pads, menstrual cups, or healthier tampon options such as organic, sponge or homemade options, risk is also minimised by using lower absorbency and changing often – note TSS is rare, however the statistics on TSS are understated, and unnecessary manufacturing processes of commercial tampons significantly increase the risk.


Links on tampon risks and issues:

http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://www.seac.org/tampons
http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro
http://bloodsisters.org/bloodsisters
http://www.life.ca/nl/46/maxi.html
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html


Links for safer menstrual options:

http://www.natracare.com – Organic tampons and organic pads
http://www.jadeandpearl.com – Sponge tampons
http://www.lunapads.com – Cloth pads
http://www.gladrags.com – Cloth pads
http://urban-armor.org/urban-armor - Cloth pads
http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm - DIY cloth pads
http://www.divacup.com – Bell-shaped silicone menstrual cups
http://www.keeper.com – Bell-shaped rubber menstrual cups
http://www.softcup.com – Diaphragm-shaped plastic menstrual cups


Books on tampon risks and issues:

The Sanitary Protection Scandal: Sanitary towels, tampons and babies' nappies – environmental and health hazards of production use and disposal – Alison Costello, Bernadette Vally, Josa Young.
Whitewash: Exposing the health and environmental dangers of women's sanitary products and disposable diapers – Liz Armstrong, Adrienne Scott.
The Price of a Life: One woman's death from toxic shock – Tom Riley.
Soap Opera: The Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble - Alecia Swasy.
Capitalizing on the Curse: The Business of Menstruation - Elizabeth Arveda Kissling.
The Curse: Confronting the Last Unmentionable Taboo: Menstruation - Karen Houppert.
Everything You Must Know About Tampons - Nancy Friedman.
Women and Tampons: Index of New Information, With Authors and Subjects - Valerie J. Gibson.
The Wise Wound: Menstruation and Everywoman - Penelope Shuttle

Answer 2

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is one of the main complications.
The symptoms are - a sudden high fever (temperature), vomiting, a sunburn-like rash, diarrhea, fainting or feeling faint, muscle aches, dizziness, and confusion. People can die from TSS, so if you think you might be suffering from this, consult your doctor immediately.

This can be avoided by changing the tampon regularly, every 4-6 hours. Information about TSS should be included in the box you purchased.

Here's one site to help learn more information - http://www.toxicshock.com/

Answer 3

sorry, what is O.B? Can you explain please.
and ofcourse you can use tampons internally...thats what they are for! Were you never taught this at school?Is it complications with using tampons or O.B you are asking about? Your question isnt very clear Im afraid.

Answer 4

There shouldn't be any complications, just make sure you change them atleast every few hours if your flow is heavy. Also there is a very very small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (tss), but that is only if you dont change your tampons atleast every 8 hours and make sure you only use the absourbency that you need.

Answer 5

people say you may have fertility problems in the future, but you know what i have been using tampons since i was 14yrs old, and i am now 24yrs old, and i have had 3 sons. the risks arent very big at all, it just makes you feel more comfortable during that bad time of month.

just change them regularly, and it is recomended not to sleep with them, so use a pad at night, but other then that feel comfortable u deserve to.

and yes o.b. are my favourite they hardly ever leak with heavy flow!

Answer 6

For one you can get TSS or "toxic shock syndrome" which is a staph infection caused by dirty hands or old blood/dead tissue remaining inside the vagina and infecting the reproductive areas causing fever, or worse...personally, I don't use tampons because I don't think they're safe...and embarassing (they don't absorb very well!). I think menstrual blood should flow freely from the body, not "corked-up" to cause problems...

I'm 30 and have NEVER EVER used a tampon in my life!!

Answer 7

None if you change your tampon regularly, if you do not then you can get TSS or toxic shock syndrome. And by the way all tampons are used and inserted internally, I believe you meant pads which are worn in your panties on the external part of your vagina.

Answer 8

well i use tampons to and im not sure of your question but i know if u use sented tampons u can get a blater infection and a kidney infaction and u will have to urinate every few mins and it is a pain in the *** and you will be put on a bunch of different meds for it i have used tampons since i was 12 just change them regulary and dont get the sencted ones

Answer 9

Make sure you change it every 4 to 6 hours during the day or you could get TSS toxic shock syndrome which can be fatal. but you should be fine i have been using them day and night for 5 years and have been completly fine and helathy

Answer 10

Ok as long as you use tampons to suit your flow. Keep your hands clean and use pads at night to avoid TSS although its very rare.

Answer 11

That is what they are made for...just change them often, & switch to panti liners when it lightens up.
I always wear a panti liner with a tampon anyway...