Tampons Usage And Hygiene During The Period

Tampons are convenient and safe feminine- hygienic products for menstruating women and adolescent girls. The use of tampons has been reported to cause bacterial infections for hundreds of women.

The infection was identified to be toxic shock syndrome (TSS). So for certain successive periods, tampons were removed from stores.

Relation with TSS:

1. The toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal disease caused by infection with a bacterium named; Staphylococcus aureus.
2. It produces a toxin that creates poisoning effect in the body.
3. It mostly attacks women, especially during their menstrual period.
4. It also occurs in non- menstruating women.
5. The tampons are not really the cause of the infection.
6. The bacterial source was never found in the packaged tampons.
7. But, it may be the conditions prevailing during the usage of the tampons, which will promote the release of toxins.

Problem with the tampons:

The infection by Staphylococcus aureus is closely associated with the usage of high absorbency tampons. Scientists initially believed that, usage of synthetic tampon fibers were the culprits. But this has been proved to be wrong.

The super- plus- absorbency tampons provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. The science behind this is;

1. The tampons absorb blood.
2. It expands.
3. The higher the absorbency, the greater the expansion.
4. This makes the tampon adhere to the vaginal wall.
5. When the tampons are removed, small pieces of the vaginal- wall lining may be torn away along with it.
6. This leaves out small openings for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

About TSS:

• It is a serious disease.
• It is treatable, if detected early and with prompt medical attention.
• The onset is rapid and characterized by certain symptoms.
• High fever, diarrhea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, and sunburn- like rashes are some of them.
• If kept untreated, the body can go into kidney failure, shock, or liver collapse.

Other problems:

TSS is not the problem associated with tampons alone. Deodorant tampons have been linked with yeast infections and vaginitis. It is better to avoid tampons while having yeast infection.

There had also been cases, where it was forgotten to be removed. This may lead to excessive absorption, and creates difficulty in removing. In such cases, it is take the help of an expert or a doctor.

Prevention to avoid TSS:

The following simple tips may help to minimize the risk of getting TSS.

1. Use of lowest absorbency tampons.
2. Try to make adjustments according to the variation in the blood flow.
3. If the tampon shows a white area after use, switch over to a lower absorbency type.
4. Tampons to be replaced frequently, approximately in every 4- 6 hours.
5. Tampons are less recommended for use at night.
6. Tampons should be alternated with sanitary napkins during a menstrual period.
7. Avoid using tampons when the menstrual flow is minimal.
8. Care has to be taken, while inserting the tampons.
9. Prevent scratching or irritating of the vaginal wall during inserting.
10. Plastic applicators have harder edges that may increase the possibility of irritation.
11. Wash the hands well with water and soap, before and after handling tampons.

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