What are tampons and how are they used?

Tampons are a popular method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period.

Use them safely and for some of us they give us the ability and freedom other products don't.

Periods shouldn't hold anyone back.

What are tampons made out of?

Mondays tampons are 100% organic cotton

But that's not always the case. Most tampons are made of conventional cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two.

Whatever your tampon is made of it is very important you understand how to use them correctly and that the risks of not doing so can be serious.

Tampon safety tips

Make sure you follow the guidance

Have any questions or concerns then talk with your doctor or a health care professional about whether tampons are right for you. If you use tampons, then always make yourself aware of the health advice.

Tampon Safety Tips

Important information anyone using tampons needs to know:

1. Follow directions. Even if you have used tampons before, read the instructions in the package or read here online how to insert a tampon

2. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria.

3. Only use tampons when you have your period. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or for any other reason.

4. Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.

5. Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed. If you can wear one tampon up to eight hours without changing it, the absorbency may be too high.

6. Contact your health care provider if you have pain, fever or other unusual symptoms. If you have discomfort, pain or other unexpected symptoms like unusual discharge when trying to insert or wear a tampon, or if you have an allergic reaction, stop using tampons and contact your provider.

7. Know the signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and how to reduce your risk. See below the section on TSS.

Use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow

Absorbency guide is an industry standard, whichever tampon you use

Always use a tampon that has an absorption capacity that is less than your flow. It's better to use a pad or pantyliner in combination with a tampon than using a higher absorbency.

If you feel discomfort when removing a tampon and you can see the white fibres, it may be that it is not saturated enough and thus too high an absorbency.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

What is TSS?

TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrom) is a rare but very serious illness that can lead to death. The symptoms of TSS can develop quickly - early recognition and treatment of these symptoms can usually prevent serious illness.

Early symptoms and signs of TSS are similiar to the flu and may include a sudden fever (usually 39°c / 102°F or more), vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or feeling like you are going to faint when standing up, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn.

If you have any of these symptoms during your period or soon after your period, remove the tampon and seek medical attention immediately. Let the practitioner know you have used a tampon recently.

How to reduce the risk of TSS

Tampons themselves do not cause TSS, however tampon use has been associated with an increased risk of TSS

Precautions for Tampon Use :

1. Use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary for your comfort and level of blood flow

2. Wash your hands before and after inserting / removing a tampon and avoid handling the tampon more than necessary before insertion. Use only one tampon at a time

3. Do not insert a tampon if it hurts to do so

4. Change your tampon as often as you need, but it must not be left in longer than 8 hours

5. The removal of a tampon should be easy, if the tampon is dry and difficult to remove the absorbency is too high or the tampon has not been left in long enough.

6. Remove the used tampon before you insert the next one and do not forget to remove the last tampon at the end of your period

7. Only use tampons when you have your period. Do not use tampons when you think you are going to get your period - use a pad!

8. If in doubt speak to your doctor about using tampons, especially if you have recently given birth, had a C section, a miscarriage, an abortion or any operation on your reproductive system

Questions?

Get in touch with your doctor and ensure you have the full medical professional advise about your period care that you deserve.

Have other questions about Mondays and/or our products then please...

Get in touch