Tampon: Applications & Health Benefits

Once a woman enters childbearing age, female menstruation begins and does not end again until menopause, which for most women begins around the third trimester of life. In the meantime, most women attach greater importance to having a clean and hygienically safe supply during their menstrual period, enjoying the greatest possible flexibility and, if possible, not being restricted in their regular daily lives. Next to disposable pads, tampons are the most popular hygienic supply during menstruation.

What is a tampon?

A tampon is a compressed cotton or gauze pad used to absorb fluids. Tampons are small hygiene items made of pressed cellulose that is inserted into a woman’s vagina during her period to absorb the menstrual blood that escapes. The tampon is removed again with the aid of a retrieval strap and disposed of in the trash. Tampons are always individually wrapped and should only be inserted with washed hands. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbency levels to accommodate both the different anatomies of women and the different stages of menstruation. The absorbency of the tampon is indicated on the package, and most manufacturers offer four different absorbencies. For younger women and weaker menstrual days, small tampons are suitable.

Shapes, types and types

Tampons from different manufacturers are basically the same in shape and structure, since they serve one and the same purpose. Nevertheless, there are various differences, such as insertion aids, especially for younger women, tampons with lactic acid additives to strengthen the vaginal flora and counteract fungal diseases, or “little wings” that act like a net and prevent menstrual blood from dripping out better than tampons without this aid. Basically, however, all tampons are cellulose with a cloth retrieval band.

Structure, function and mode of action

They also differ only slightly in structure. Tampons have a rounded tip at the front end to facilitate insertion into the vagina. The return ribbon is at the back end and is not inserted into the vagina with it. The tampon usually has grooves that run from front to back or even like a spiral to help keep blood in the tampon. If the tampon is fully soaked, the blood will leak out of the vagina. As a precaution, the menstruating woman should therefore always wear a panty liner or thin pad. Inside the woman’s body, the tampon soaks up blood, causing it to wash up. It then adapts to the woman’s body and cannot slip out. However, the tampon can be forced out of the body, similar to childbirth, should the retrieval tether be torn off.

Medical and health benefits

The benefits of a tampon are many, but they also provide a medical and health benefit in that they support a woman’s hygiene. Unlike disposable pads, they do not allow blood to leak out of the body, but instead pool it while still inside the body. The woman has to carry the sticky, unpleasant, bloody excretion around with her until the next pad change. From a psychosocial point of view, this is a great benefit for menstruating women, as they can feel safe and unattached, even during their period. Visits to the swimming pool or sauna are then also no problem, as the blood would represent a possible risk of infection for other bathers. However, the use of tampons also involves risks and dangers. Rarely, the so-called “Toxic Shock Syndrome” can occur, a reaction to the foreign body, which is accompanied by high fever and must be treated immediately. It is mentioned in every instruction manual of a tampon. Further, tampons can be forgotten and another one inserted, which can lead to massive complications. The tampon must then be removed by a gynecologist. In addition, the retrieval tether can break off. Under no circumstances should the tampon remain in the woman’s body! Inflammations, symptoms of poisoning and massive allergic reactions to the foreign body can be the result. However, when used correctly, the tampon offers the greatest possible protection and flexibility, which is why it is used by most menstruating women in most countries of the Western world.