Individuals usually attain their periods at the age of 10 or 12. Periods or menstruation is a natural phenomenon that involves the process of shedding the uterus lining, which results in bleeding through the vagina. It is usually a monthly process and requires proper maintenance of menstrual hygiene. Tampon is one of the common period care products that come with several benefits. However, it is important to know a few things about it.
What Is A Tampon?
A tampon is a small, cottony, and cylindrical-shaped menstrual product designed to absorb the period fluid. Since the vagina acts as a tunnel to pass the menstrual fluid, the tampon is meant for inserting into it. This is to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the chances of leakage.
Tampons are suitable for everyone, especially swimmers as they absorb the menstrual fluid within the vagina itself.
Do You Need To Attain A Specific Age To Use Tampons?
There is no age bar for using a tampon. Girls usually start menstruating at the age of 10 or 12, and it is safe for them to use tampons. Whether you are in your pre-teens or 40s, you can use tampons as per your choice.
Common Myths About Tampons
As the tampons are supposed to be inserted into the vagina, there are some common myths about their usage:
- You may lose your virginity after using tampons: This is one of the most common myths regarding tampons. It may happen that your hymen tears up while inserting the tampon, however, the hymen can also break while playing sports too. Stereotypically, it is considered that if your hymen is broken, it means that you have lost your virginity. But, losing virginity is related to sexual intercourse only.
- Tampons will stretch out your vagina: Vagina is flexible and can regain its shape. It comes back to its original shape even after childbirth, where the baby is big as compared to a tampon. So, a tampon would not stretch out your vagina permanently. It will just stretch according to the size of the tampon when inserted and will retain its shape.
- It will always hurt while inserting the tampon: You just need to maintain the appropriate angle while inserting the tampon. You may feel a little discomfort for the first time, but once you get a hang of it, it will be a comfortable process.
How To Use A Tampon?
Now that you have gained knowledge about tampons and are clear with all your doubts, let us know how to insert tampons.
- Sit on the toilet seat and spread your knees far apart or sit like a frog or stand and place one of your feet on a higher surface, like a toilet seat.
- Insert the tampon gently into your vagina and push it inside with the help of your finger, making sure that the thread or string stays outside.
How To Remove A Tampon?
You should remove or change the tampon after every 3-4 hours.
- When removing a tampon, take the comfortable position that you did at the time of inserting it.
- Gently pull the string attached at the end of the tampon.
How To Dispose Off A Used Tampon?
In order to discard your used tampon, wrap it in toilet paper or put it in a disposable bag before throwing it in the dustbin. You should never flush the tampon as it can cause blockage in pipes.
Conclusion
There is no age bar for using a tampon for any menstruating individual. You can prefer to wear them at any age. They are favorable during sports activities as they are rash-free and leak-proof. You can go swimming with no worries while wearing tampons as the fluid won’t spread over. You might be a little skeptical about using them, however, once you get a hang of inserting and removing them, you are good to go. Lastly, you should be mindful while discarding a used tampon; never flush it, just bin it.
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✍️ This article was curated by Komal Gupta
