A question for girls....?

Question

-sorry guys, i know u hate the period questions-

is using a tampon really safe? i know of TSS and all that, but stopping the flow, i mean isnt it like unnatural?

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]. In the case of Rely, the main tampons that were behind the TSS outbreak they did not test the tampons before selling them, in both cases they paid off doctors to support their claims, and went to extreme measures to prevent successful law suits.

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 because they continue to use harmful manufacturing methods. TSS is rare, but it still exists and what you also have to remember is that statistics lie - for a case of TSS to be officially recognised it has to be diagnosed, reported and then has to fit into certain specifications; for example it is only recorded in official statistics if three of the patients major organs have to have shut down.

I have known three people who have gotten TSS from tampon use, as well as seen some of the case studies from the 1980's - trust me, it is not something you even want to read about, let alone get yourself!

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.


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.

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. Thus tampons are in fact stopping the flow; they prevent not only blood but also discharge leaving the body that discharge is there to wash excess bacteria and dirt from the vagina.

-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

It doesn't stop the flow, it catches it before it comes out. Tampons are safe, just follow the instructions. DOn't use them if you are not bleeding. Change them every 6 hours (or sooner if you can). Don't wear them to bed, instead you can give your body a break and wear a pad. If you feel something funny or notice anything out of the norm after a period, go to the doctor if you're worried. There are women in the 40's that use tampons 95% of the time and TSS hasn't been an issue. It's on the box to just let you know if you are abusing the use of tampons it's not a great idea!

Answer 3

If you use tampons it is recommended that you change the tampon at least every 4 hrs. The tampon absorbs the fluid, it does not stop the flow.
I have been using tampons for 30 yrs and have never had a problem. When my period gets lighter towards the end I stop using the tampons and use a thin pad or a thicker mini pad.

Answer 4

You aren't stopping the flow--you are just collecting the results of it, before it exits your body! TSS exists, but it is really rare. Just don't leave a tampon in for more than about 6 hours, and you will never have any problems with TSS.

Answer 5

hey hun....tampons are safe as long as you read the guide lines and use the absorbency that's right for you...having said that, we all know that there are more clots at the beginning of your period when the flows at it's heaviest so if you like you can wear pads the first few days to make sure you pass the most of your blood or clots and then you can wear a tampon the last few days if that's more convenient for you....i have to say that i have never had a period were i could wear tampons the whole time due to cramps and such so i am glad that pads have came a long way as far as less cotton and more protection for those like me that loves ta mix and match!...so you just use whats right for you hun...love daisy

Answer 6

depending on what you do with the tampon, and how long for, it is or is not safe. The flow doesn't stop, it just fills up the cotton, and once full, it flows around it. Which is why you should, uh, re-apply? every hour to hour and a half. Not good to use these on heavy days. You'd be changing them every half hour. Natural would be sitting on a bunch of rags for days until the bleeding stops I guess. I opt for modern techniques. Anything left in there for too long could cause infection, so that's why they have instructions.

Answer 7

Tampons don't stop the flow, they absorb it. The only difference between a tampon and a pad is whether it's absorbed before it leaves your body or after. Yes, used correctly they are safe; that means changing your tampon frequently enough that it doesn't become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Answer 8

it's safe as long as you change your tampon on a regular basis and you use the least absorbent tampon possible for your flow. tampons need to be changed at least every 4-6 hours.

if you are uncomfortable using tampons, there are alternatives out there. you could use pads. there are also these cup-like things called "instead." you insert them into your vagina and they catch the flow. i've never tried those, as they sound messy and potentially embarassing.

if you want more detailed advice, please talk to your doctor or someone at planned parenthood.

Answer 9

Yes it's safe - and you don't stop the flow, it just gets absorbed before it leaves the body. You can go swiming and do more with tampons, because you don't have to worry about a pad clumping or shifting; plus menstrual fluid gets an odor when it hits air... Just remember to change it and use the lightest absorbancy for your flow.

Answer 10

I use tampons. I love it. I will never go back to pads. For me, they are very comfortable. There is nothing wrong with trying tampons. If you dont like it dont use it and u would be able to continue using pads again.

Answer 11

It's not so much stopping the flow as it is absorbing it. The only difference froma pad is that the absorptive material is inside you. Just follow the directions and change it regularly and you shouldn't have problems.