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| *Consider alternating pads with tampons | *Consider alternating pads with tampons | ||
| *Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome | *Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome | ||
| *Don't use tampons between periods |
*Don't use tampons between periods | ||
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Revision as of 00:34, 13 December 2003
A tampon is a disposable absorbent plug that a woman inserts into her vagina during her menstrual period to absorb the flow of blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States regulates tampons as medical devices.
Design and Packaging
Tampons come in various sizes, which are related to their absorbency ratings and packaging. The shape of all tampons is basically the same; cylindrical. Tampons sold in the United States are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Tampons are sold individually wrapped to keep them clean, although they are not sterile. They have a string for ease of removal, and may be packaged inside an applicator to aid insertion.
Tampon applicators may be made of plastic or cardboard, and are similar in design to a syringe. The tampon rests inside a hollow tube, which has a narrower tube nested inside one end of it. The open end of the applicator is placed and held in the vagina, then the woman presses the narrower tube in with her fingers. The narrow tube slides into the wider tube, pushing the tampon through and into the vagina.
Tampons are also sold without applicators; these are simply unwrapped and pushed into the vagina with the fingers.
Absorbency Ratings
Tampons come in several different absorbency ratings, which are consistent across manufacturers in the U.S.
- Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under
- Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams
- Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams
- Super plus absorbency: 12 to 15 grams
- Ultra absorbency: 15 to 18 grams
Toxic shock syndrome
Tampons have been shown to have a connection to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal disease. The FDA suggests the following guidelines for decreasing the risk of contracting TSS when using tampons.
- Follow package directions for insertion
- Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow
- Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours
- Consider alternating pads with tampons
- Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome
- Don't use tampons between periods