i need all the info on tampons.i heard good things about it and negative.i am on the fence with this topic?

Answer 1

Tampons prevent normal vaginal self-cleaning functions by preventing the vagina from flushing out excess bacteria and dead skin cells. Tampons give bacteria a warm, moist and pores place to multiply, menstrual blood is a differing pH to normal vaginal environment and menstrual blood is very nutritious so already adding to risk of increased bacterial growth. Tampons, in particular length-ways expanding tampons, leave fibres within the vagina to carry on giving bacteria a place to multiply. Commercial tampons these contain chemicals, as well as potential risk to general health these chemicals interfere with normal vaginal pH that in turn affects normal bacterial balance within the vagina. Tampons do not just absorb menstrual flow but also discharge, this then dries out the delicate mucosa that makes up the vaginal walls, leading to vaginal splitting. Commercial tampons are made from synthetics that can irritate and cut the mucosa within the vagina more so than cotton, sponge or cloth tampons.

Tampons, particularly length-ways expanding tampons, can increase menstrual cramps by expanding into the cervix and adding to bloating when they expand – tampons can increase menstrual flow and menstrual cramps in that they negatively affect vaginal health, an unhealthy vagina equates to problem menstruation.

In the past there have been two very serious issues with tampons; TSS outbreak in the 1980's and dioxin scandal in the 1990's;

- Within the 1980's tampon manufacturers started using super-absorbent materials, they did not test these materials prior to putting these tampons on the market. When people started contracting TSS as a result rather than take these tampons off the shelf manufacturers further pushed promotions and these tampons were not removed until the government stepped in to take them to court, they won so the tampons were removed and tampon regulations changed – manufacturers tried five years later to use these same materials in diapers.

- Within the 1990's it was discovered that tampons manufacturers were using chlorine gas bleaching, a by-product of this was dioxin a highly dangerous toxin best known from Agent Orange. Thousands of people complained, diaper and sanitary pad manufacturers stopped using this bleaching, tampons manufacturers did not and tried to battle findings by putting pressure on scientists they funded to support them. The government later stepped in to ban this bleaching method – manufacturers continue to use unnecessary bleaching processes.

Tampons are a risk no matter how long they are left in for, a lot of people seem to think they are safe as long as they don't leave them in for too long, the more often you change a tampon then the lesser the risk because the lesser the time you are allowing bacteria to multiply within the vagina, but the risks still stand no matter how often you change a tampon.

A lot of women also do not realise they have problems with tampons, this is because chemicals within commercial tampons can add up over time within the body which depending on what chemicals are used they could be increasing risk of cancer and immune system problems – there are laws protecting tampon manufacturers so they do not have to tell their customers what chemicals they use, these chemicals are unnecessary and there is a bad history behind these chemical treatments.

A lot of people also think that TSS is the only risk, it is not by far, and more common problems are increased menstrual flow and menstrual cramping, and vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. TSS is rare, however not as rare as official statistics make out; the majority of TSS cases are tampon related not as a result of misuse but as a result on tampons affect on vaginal health.

On a purely personal note I used tampons from my first period, I have menorrhagia [excessively heavy periods] so had to use super absorbent tampons and pads and change every half an hour to an hour. I had constant bacterial and yeast infections, it was not until I started to use a menstrual cup did I realise my vaginal infections were a direct result of using tampons – I went 3-4 years using a menstrual cup without one single infection, cups were also a lot cheaper and more convenient because I did not have to change all the time and could use cups at night or before my period was due.

I know women who have had TSS, two people I know personally had TSS, not because they left tampons in for too long but simply just because they were using tampons. Tampons, in particularly commercial tampons are the most harmful out of over twenty different menstrual options and the only menstrual options to have caused fatalities, many fatalities, and commercial manufacturers continue to use manufacturing methods that add to the risks. This is exactly why so many women refuse to use tampons, because it is an unnecessarily high risk.

There are other factors to consider as well;

-Environmental cost. A woman will use on average 12,000 tampons in her lifetime, manufacturing uses natural resources (only 30% of trees harvested used in commercial tampon manufacturing, and commercial manufacturers do not use organic cotton), commercial tampon manufacturers promote there tampons are being flushable when they are not, manufacturing adds to pollution, extra energy is needed during manufacturing for bleaching.

-Social cost. Commercial tampon manufacturers make whiter-than-white tampons to play on menstrual taboos about menstruation being dirty, and they make discreet wrappers to imply menstruation is embarrassing or scented products to imply menstruation is smelly.

-Cost. Even with the new lowered taxation tampons are still very expensive because they are a luxury item. The health and environmental factors add to the costs of healthcare and environmental organisations having to repair the damage done.

Links on tampons risks;

http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://www.life.ca/nl/46/maxi.html
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html
http://www.varsity.utoronto.ca/archives/120/oct12/feature/warning.html
http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/359/Kohen.html
http://www.vaginaverite.com/menstruation/tamponsafety.html
http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/tampon_warning.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/features/tampons_003834.htm
http://www.keeper-menstrual-cup.com/keeper_articles.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7307365&dopt=Citation


Books on tampon risks;

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.

Answer 2

I've used them for 26 years. They made my life a lot easier. It's very important not to leave them in and forget them. If you have a lot of allergies, you may want to use unbleached, rayon-free, such as Natracare, or some other health food store brand. They're more expensive, but you're putting it inside your body, anything you put in the vagina can be absorbed into the blood stream. Before I started using the Diva Cup (reuseable internal protection) I used only natural tampons, because the regular ones were starting to irritate me. I've bought only natural for my daughter, and should never have used anything else.

NEVER, never use deodorant tampons. Use only the lowest necessary absorbancy in any case. For me this meant having a box of super or super-plus, and a box of regular. I'd use the super absorbancy for the beginning of the period, then it would taper off pretty fast after 2 days, and I'd use the regular. This is a TSS prevention recommendation too.

Always remember to remove them, especially the last one. They say not to use them overnight, but I used to because otherwise I'd have to wear a diaper, just put one in right before bed, then change it as soon as you get up. Also, after the heaviest nights of your cycle are done, gravity might keep you from bleeding at night, so maybe you won't need one. That's how it worked with me. You'll get to know.

Can't think of any more to say, unless you have some specific questions. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have always been using tampons and have NEVER had any problems with them. For one thing, you can barely feel them (which makes it easy to forget that you're wearing them), and you can do lots of things that would be impossible with a pad: swim, wear white pants and thongs, etc (except have sex).
I know some women are afraid of Toxic Shock Syndrome, but this used to happen because of bad materials used for making tampons. In the old days, the contained some sort of fabric that caused TSS when wearing a tampon for too long. But now, these fabrics aren't used anymore, and the risk of getting TSS is very slim to none.

For me personally, there have been times when I was wearing a tampon for over 10 hours (though 8 hours is the recommended maximum time before you change it). And nothing has ever happened to me. Perhaps the only disadvantage of tampons is that if you pick the wrong size (too small), the blood may start seeping through and stain your underwear, depending on the blood flow. But it's usually just a very small amount, nothing that will stain your pants.
I recommend changing the tampon every 5-7 hours. That way, you can get through the day using only 2 tampons, and if your flow isn't that strong, you can wear pads at night. By the way: wearing a tampon at night isn't as dangerous as some women think. They think leaving the tampon is for such a long time span may give them TSS. It's all bullshit. A cousin of mine actually forgot about her tampon once and left it in for 2 whole days, and she was fine.

Answer 4

As long as you change them at least every 6-8 hours and you only use the absorbency that you need, they're kind of great. As long as you take those precautions, TSS is not a concern. A hint is if the tampon's difficult to remove, you probably don't need that absorbent of one. If your tampon's uncomfortable, then it's probably inserted wrong, but you'll get it with practise and with reading the directions on how to insert it.

Yes, tampons are great, because they allow you to do things like swim and take a bath. Also, once you get the inserting down, they are more comfortable than a pad. And if you have a really heavy flow, you can double up, with a pad and a tampon!

Answer 5

Tampons are awesome. They're extremely comfortable and they offer a lot more flexibility than pads. They're easy to put in. If you feel tense, try taking a deep breath to relax your muscles, especially the ones of your pelvis. They last longer than pads, on average, but that depends on how heavy your flow is. Just be sure to change them regularly, so you don't end up with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Another hint: I find plastic applicators way easier and more comfortable than cardboard. Tampax Pearl is a good brand.

Answer 6

regrettably i've got in no way babysat previously in my existence yet something handed off at my paintings the different day. i grew to become into wearing my jewelry the different day and the lady had her daughter. The daughter started saying "shiny" like 4 cases. i did no longer comprehend what she grew to become into talking approximately. I looked away and that i think her mom looked away too and next element i comprehend she grabs my earring and quite much rips it precise off my ear. My god, that toddler had some strenght there. on the way out, she shop screaming "shiny" so I gave her a Hershey's kiss in a silver? wrapping. I merely had to share that.

Answer 7

quite honestly if you use them safely there is nothing wrong but some people forget them and that can lead to TSS ( TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME) which may lead to death it is okay to use them once in a while like not for your entire period like change it like every 2-4 hours and DONT go to bed with it you should be fine
if you want more infor ask a pharmacist or your doctor
i hope i helped

Answer 8

my docotr told me at an early age that if God wanted me to have a plug in me he would have put it there..becasue when you use a tampon..your blood flow isn't the natural way it should be.