what is the risk of using a tampon ?

Answer 1

Commercial tampons [e.g. Tampax] 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 many 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].

NOTE - Most TSS cases were NOT down to women leaving tampons in for too long, they were down to manufacturers not testing new super-absorbent materials in their tampons correctly and continuing to sell their tampons long after they found out they were killing people. There is a proven link between TSS and tampons, more so with commercial tampons. I have known three people who have gotten TSS from tampon use, as well as seen some of the case studdies from the 1980's - trust me, it is not something you even want to read about, let alone get yourself!

There are far safer options, as well as options that are greener, cheaper, more convenient, body-positive and ethical - such as pads, menstrual cups and 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 on safer menstrual options:

http://www.divacup.com
http://www.keeper.com
http://www.mooncup.com
http://www.lunette.fi
http://www.softcup.com
http://www.lunapads.com
http://www.gladrags.com
http://www.natracare.com
http://www.jadeandpearl.com


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

There's only one "bad" thing as far as tampon use goes. TSS (toxic shock syndrome) TSS), a serious illness originally linked to the use of tampons. TSS is a systemic illness, which means that it affects the whole body. It can be caused by one of two different types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes - although toxic shock that is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria is rarer. These bacteria can produce toxins - proteins that act as poisons. In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them - such as changing tampons more often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation. Although it can be serious, it's a very rare illness. If you're concerned about toxic shock syndrome, the smartest thing you can do is to read and learn about it, then take some precautions.

Answer 3

Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if left in longer than 8 hours. Some tampons have to be changed more regularly than that. Not to mention it getting full and possibly leaking if left in.

Answer 4

As long as you change them often (maybe every 4 to 6 hours during the day, some people think it's bad to use them overnight but I think it's fine if its not all the time) you should be fine. Toxic shock syndrome was something people got hysterical about in the 80's, supposedly one of the ways women got it was not changing them for a really long time. That's why it's mentioned in the info inside the box, but I've never heard of anyone getting it though and I'm not even sure if they ever proved there was a link .

Answer 5

It puts you at risk for developing toxic shock syndrome. I don't know what that is exactly but I don't want it. You should look it up on the internet or something. Ask your doctor too.

Answer 6

Just make sure you change it atleast every four hours. Look up tss online and get educated. Tampons are better than pads!

Answer 7

Exceptionally low. Just change out every 3-4 hours at most.

Answer 8

as far as i know there is no risk and i've been using them since i was 14, and i am now 18. all the gossip that it causes cancer and can make you lose your virginity is not true.

Answer 9

http://beinggirl.com/en_US/pages/home.jsp