They’re compact, they ensure greater physical freedom when you have your period (you can wear that fave bodycon dress of yours without a worry!), and are also super-effective. Tampons are great, aren’t they? But they can also be SUPER-infuriating (and could really mess with your health) if you are making these mistakes!
1. Not washing your hands before insertion
While all of us wash our hands after inserting a tampon, sometimes we forget that it is equally (if not more!) important to wash our hands before inserting it as well. This not only guarantees the cleanliness of the tampon but also ensures that the germs picked up elsewhere are not contaminating it.
2. Wearing tampons with thongs
Do not wear tampons with your thongs. We repeat: DO NOT. This is because when you do so, the string of the tampon remains exposed and therefore sweeps up bacteria, which leads to vaginal infections. This can ALSO happen if you do not change your tampon frequently.
3. Not inserting it far enough
This mistake can (and will!) make you super-uncomfortable. Tampons are great only if used right. So once it’s inside, if you feel like something is wrong, it probably is! Make sure the tampon is inserted deep into the vagina and is properly positioned. You would know it is rightly inserted when you can’t actually feel a thing. If it’s not inserted far enough, you will face “deep” discomfort! It may also worsen your cramps.
4. Not using tampons of the right absorbency
While it is well known fact that not changing your tampon for long hours may result in bacterial infection, it is a lesser-known fact that using a tampon with super-high absorbency can cause vaginal dryness and can even lead to vaginal ulcers. You need to find a tampon that is of the right absorbency suited to your flow. Test out tampons of varying absorbency rates – it might take a few tries to figure out what is just right for you, but it’s worth it.
5. Keeping it unpacked
Although tampons do arrive in a wrapper that keeps it protected from dust, there are chances that you might damage it (because of wherever it may end up in your tote!). DO NOT use a tampon that has been exposed like this because the cotton would have collected little bits of particles that absolutely don’t belong in your vagina.
6. Not changing it often enough
One of the most common mistakes is not changing your tampons regularly (every 3-4 hours). This rule applies for even those days when your flow is light. Make sure you don’t ignore this rule as a tampon inserted for longer periods increases the risk of TSS and other bacterial infections.
7. Using it overnight
Using a tampon overnight is something many people do – our advice is you don’t! If you do happen to have a tampon with VERY high absorbency levels (8+ hours), it can be used overnight – but there is a risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which can be caused by over-soaking and over-long use of the same tampon. So give yourself a break, and use a sanitary napkin instead to sleep peacefully through the night – without risk or worry.
8. Wearing it when you aren’t actually menstruating
Yes, you might be expecting your period to start any day (or even any minute) now, but don’t wear a tampon in anticipation! It can lead to severe vaginal dehydration because the tampon will soak up your normal fluids and cause a great deal of discomfort and even pain. Just use a light pad or a panty liner instead – and also follow this rule for the day after your period ends, when you’re tempted to wear something “to be on the safe side”.
Images: shutterstock
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