Tampons are one of the most convenient menstrual products on the market, but if you've just started your period, the thought of using internal tampons can be intimidating! However, tampons are safe and a very popular product for menstrual blood because they offer greater freedom of movement. You just have to understand how they work and get comfortable with the idea of using them!

What are tampons?

Tampons are small cotton devices that are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual blood. Some tampons come with an applicator to help you insert them, while others come without an applicator. Tampons usually have a string attached to the end so you can easily remove them.

When did the first tampons appear?

“In 1945, The Journal of the American Medical Association published the first substantial research on tampons. Some of the new, popular applicator tampons were made of absorbent cotton, explained study author Robert L. Dickinson, while one was made of cotton yarn and another of crepe paper, bound with a mesh of yarn. All had a waterproof string thread and “an inserter that could be easily placed at any depth using a cardboard tube.” In Germany, around the same time, gynecologist Judith Esser-Mittag was developing a digital tampon (i.e., without an applicator) that would come to be called the OB tampon — and which would enjoy massive popularity in many parts of the world,” writes Ashely Fetters, in The Tampon: A History

The benefits of tampons have been recognized for centuries: the ancient Egyptians were the first to use tampons! They were made from soaked papyrus. In ancient Rome, women made their own tampons from wool, and in Indonesia, they were made from plant fibers or grass.

What are tampons made of?

Today, FDA-approved tampons are made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The absorbent fibers used in commercial tampons today are made using a bleaching process that doesn't involve elemental chlorine, which prevents the products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment).

In general, tampons have several parts:

• A piston applicator
• The tampon that absorbs blood
• A string for removal

Not all tampons come with an applicator. Instead, all are intended to be disposable products, meaning they are thrown away after use. Applicators can be made of cardboard or plastic.

How do I choose the right size of a tampon?

Tampons come in a variety of absorbency levels, from mini to super . Whether you choose light, normal, or super, the size indicates the absorbency level, and when choosing your tampon size, make sure to always choose the lowest absorbency needed for your menstrual flow that day.

So, there are several sizes to choose from and it may take some trial and error to find the right size. The important thing to know is that the right size is the one that absorbs your flow without leaking and at the same time, that you can't feel inside. However, when you feel the tampon, it may not be inserted far enough.

The flow can vary greatly between the first and last day of your period, so it's recommended to have several sizes, just in case.

Types of pads

• Mini tampons are suitable for days with light menstrual flow, for example at the beginning or end of menstruation.
• Normal tampons are suitable for light to medium flow.
• Super tampons are suitable for heavy flow.

Today you can find tampons on the market with or without an applicator.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Although it is associated with the use of tampons during menstruation, Toxic Shock Syndrome can affect anyone, of any age and gender. The symptoms appear suddenly and evolve rapidly: when diagnosed, it must be treated immediately because it is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.

People who use tampons during menstruation are more likely to develop this syndrome, and although the mechanisms are not fully understood, they may be linked to the presence of highly toxic ingredients that act as hormone disruptors. But you can read our article dedicated to this topic to learn more!

How to use tampons safely

The first few times you use a tampon can be awkward, but if placed correctly, the tampon provides comfort and security.

How to insert a tampon

If you're using a tampon without an applicator (and less plastic, easier to carry) start by washing your hands and checking that the tampon is completely sealed.

Remove and discard the packaging according to the instructions on the package and untie the tampon string. Place your index finger at the bottom of the tampon and hold the sides with your thumb and middle finger. Whether you are sitting (on the toilet) or standing, remember to relax and breathe. With your free hand, you can gently hold the vaginal opening open.

Then, insert the tampon with the full length of your index finger, gently, aiming for your lower back. When the tampon is in the right place, you won't feel it at all. And if you do, push it in a little further. Leave the string hanging outside your body and wash your hands.

How do I know I inserted the tampon correctly?

If the tampon is used correctly, you shouldn't feel it at all. If it's not inserted correctly, you'll feel discomfort or even pain. So always make sure you're inserting it at the right angle and pushing it in far enough.

What do I do with the thread that remains outside?

The thread on the tampon is essential for removing it when necessary. You can leave it hanging out without any problem. Do not insert it into the vagina.

How to remove a tampon

Okay, it's time to remove your tampon. How do you do that? First, relax your pelvic muscles and body. You can sit on the toilet or stand with one leg supported, if that's easier. Removing it is simple: just pull the string of the tampon.

What you need to know: A tampon can't get lost in your body and it can't slip through your cervix into your uterus! The cervical opening is way too small. It only allows menstrual blood to come out, but it's not big enough for a tampon!

What is the difference between regular and organic tampons?

If you were wondering what the difference is between regular cotton tampons and 100% organic cotton tampons, well, there are several!

Most of the time, we don't ask ourselves what a tampon is made of. Those who do know, however, know that regular tampons can contain toxic ingredients that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, endocrine disruptors, fragrances, and pesticides. Yes, it sounds pretty scary... and rightly so! But have you ever wondered why the ingredients are important?

Your vagina is extremely absorbent, and in direct contact with these ingredients, the risks for:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Thyroid diseases
• Irritations and allergies
• Various infections
• Menorrhagia
• Endometriosis
• Diabetes

The chemicals, plastic, and toxins in most menstrual products, including tampons, cause vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and infections.

Gynecologists recommend organic cotton tampons, free of perfume, chlorine, or dyes. And the good news is that ENROUSH tampons contain only one ingredient: 100% organic cotton. They are free of plastic, perfume, chlorine, pesticides, GMOs, and other toxins.

ENROUSH organic tampons are made of 100% organic cotton, which has no side effects on health or the environment. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and is a sustainable agriculture that benefits natural resources and biodiversity.

Myths about tampons

A tampon can get lost or stuck in your body

False. A tampon cannot get lost inside you! Once you insert the tampon and until you take it out, it stays in one place. It cannot pass through the cervix and it cannot get lost inside you. Furthermore, the tampon cannot reach the uterus because the opening of the cervix is too small for a tampon. However, if you have difficulty removing a tampon, for any reason, do not hesitate to consult a doctor urgently.

Tampons don't get stuck! If you feel it not moving when you pull the string, it's most likely not full yet or your vaginal muscles are too tense. When you want to remove it, it's important to relax.

It's not good to use tampons at night.

False. A tampon can be worn overnight and you can sleep with one on without any problems. However, the general recommendation is not to wear a tampon for more than 8 hours - ideally between 4-6 hours. Just make sure to change your tampon right before bed and right after you wake up! And if you plan on sleeping in the morning, choose an organic overnight pad instead.

A tampon that is too small does not provide me with protection.

False. Because more absorbency isn't always the best choice! Why? High absorbency tampons are only meant for days when you have a heavy flow. But if that's not the case, it's recommended to use tampons with less absorbency and change them regularly.

Plus, regardless of size, the 100% organic cotton tampon's fibers are super absorbent, with evenly distributed absorbency. It will hold your menstrual blood until you change it, and when choosing your size, remember to find the right absorbency level for your menstrual flow. If this is your first time using a tampon, choose ENROUSH Mini , as it will be the easiest to insert, but if your bleeding is average to heavy, choose ENROUSH regular.

You have to change your tampon every time you go to the toilet.

No, you don't! Although you may feel discomfort, you don't need to remove it every time you go to the toilet: the vagina, urethra, and intestines are separate organs, each with its own opening. So, the choice is yours.

Tampons defile and cannot be used during the first menstruation

False. You can use tampons when you have your first period, or menarche. The hymen is elastic and is perforated or only partially covers the vagina, to let menstrual blood pass through. So, a tampon cannot "devirginize". But more than that, virginity is a social concept and not a thing (more precisely a piece of skin) that you "lose" - and I wrote more about virginity in this article !

Tampons increase cancer risk

False. Tampons cannot increase the risk of cervical cancer, as it is caused, in over 90% of cases, by the HPV virus. However, using a tampon incorrectly, using tampons that contain dioxin, perfume, chlorine and hidden substances, or using a tampon for a longer period of time can increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. But as long as you use them correctly and choose a single ingredient - 100% certified organic cotton - you have nothing to worry about.

It's dangerous to wear a tampon for more than 4 hours

False. Internal tampons can be worn for up to 8 hours, and it all depends on your flow. Typically, a tampon is normally changed every 3 to 6 hours for a medium to heavy flow, and a mini tampon for a light flow, once every 6-8 hours.

So, the flow is the only thing that determines when you need to change your tampon. How do you check if it needs to be changed? Simple! You can gently pull on the thread of the tampon, and if it moves easily, it means it is full enough. If it does not move, it is not yet saturated enough and you can leave it in.