Menstruating women have several options when it comes to dealing with their periods, and often tampons provide the most convenience. Wearing tampons is normally painless (most women do not even feel it once it has been inserted), and it is possible to swim, participate in sports, and do just about any other physical activity with a tampon in. This page will show you how to use a tampon safely and easily.

• Tampons are intended to absorb blood from the menstrual flow so that wearers can go about their day-to-day activities without worry of embarrassing leakage. While maxi pads are used to line undergarments, tampons are instead inserted directly into the vagina so that no blood is released. Tampons are generally quite safe, and are used by millions of women. http://www.tampax.com/questionsanswers2.php?topic=8

A stroll down the feminine protection aisle will likely reveal a slew of tampon varieties. This can get confusing, and you may need some help making a choice:

1. Tampons are labeled according to absorbency levels; "light flow" or "slender" tampons are slimmer than "regular," while "super" tampons are intended for heavy flows (and are usually the thickest).
2. Cardboard applicators are made of cardboard, and are often flushable and biodegradable. http://www.tampax.com/products.php?id=3
3. Plastic applicators are made of flexible plastic, and are somewhat smoother than cardboard (but can be more expensive and not as environmentally friendly).
4. Applicator-free tampons, also called digital tampons, are inserted with the finger without an applicator. http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/periods/tampons.html#Types%20and%20Sizes

1. Try to relax
2. Wash your hands
3. Stand up with one leg raised (you can rest your foot on the toilet or bath tub if you'd like)
4. Hold the tampon near the center, with your fingers over the large half of the applicator
5. Use your other hand to gently pull your vaginal lips apart
6. Carefully insert the tip of the tampon into the vagina, tilted back slightly, and slide it up a few inches (it may help to twist it a bit as you go)
7. Use your forefinger to push up the end of the applicator with the string hanging out
8. Once it has been pushed all the way up, remove the applicator (be sure to get both tubes)
9. You should notice the string hanging down from your body http://www.tampax.com/howtouse.php?topic=1_5

Tampons have been associated with a bacterial infection known as toxic shock syndrome, or TSS. This can be fatal if left untreated. Exactly how tampons cause this infection is unknown, but it is extremely rare.

• To help prevent TSS, it is important to change your tampon frequently (every 4-8 hours), and avoid leaving it in for extended periods of time. Only use as high an absorbency level as you need, and use maxi pads on extremely light flow days. If you have ever had a staph infection or a serious strep infection, it is best to refrain from using tampons.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/toxic-shock-syndrome/DS00221/DSECTION=prevention

Disclaimer:

This page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see a physician for any medical concerns.