Wrapped up in the opaque cloth of societal taboos and norms are the blood-stained days and nights of women. Attributing its birth from the Latin word ‘mensis’, which translates to month, menstruation can be defined as the vaginal bleeding that transpires as a part of a menstruator’s monthly cycle. The usage of various menstrual products and cultural attitudes surrounding menstruation have often given rise to myths surrounding the usage of certain period products such as tampons.
The myths and taboos related to period products have been around for a while. They have shaped the way we think about and choose period products and have often given rise to myths such as tampons making one lose their virginity amongst others. Here are some myths related to tampons, debunked :
Myth : You shouldn’t lay down with a tampon in.
Fact : Your vagina remains unaffected by the fact whether you’re conscious or snoozing, so it’s perfectly fine to rest in a tampon. Utilizing a tampon for 4-6 hours depending on your flow and the absorbency of the tampon is always a best practice. Make sure to change your tampon periodically and never leave it in for more than 8 hours to avoid toxic shock syndrome.
Myth : Tampons take away your virginity.
Fact :A tampon is only an apparatus for period insurance. It has nothing to do with virginity – which is about sex and also a social construct itself. The worry is generally founded on whether a tampon will influence the hymen, which is a slender, stretchy edge of tissue that encompasses the vaginal opening. A tampon is too little to fit through most vaginal openings without influencing the hymen, however the hymen can change shape or “break” with age, weight, and even ordinary proactive tasks, not just sex.
Myth : Tampons can get lost inside you.
Fact : The string can get tucked up in there when the vagina goes higher however it’s not lost. It’s in there. That is on the grounds that your cervix is an obstruction between your vagina and your uterus, so essentially, your vagina is an impasse.
Myth : First Periods and Tampons don’t go hand in hand.
Fact : There is no age prerequisite for utilizing tampons. When somebody has a period, they are able to utilize tampons (and their vagina is large enough to utilize a tampon unafraid of injury or uncommon torment). In case you’re new to periods or to tampons, the process can be intimidating and you might have a lot of qualms about taking the first step. You can consider speaking with someone who has used them before in your family or friend circle or go through FAQs and blogs which are medically verified and curated by physicians on the websites of leading tampon brands/speak to your healthcare provider directly about any questions or concerns you have.
Myth : Tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Reality: Tampons don’t cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS); TSS is extremely uncommon, yet in addition truly treatable, particularly when it’s recognized early.
Myth : Tampons increment your danger for endometriosis.
Fact : Tampons have no impact on endometriosis. There’s even more to find out about the reasons for endometriosis, however one reason is identified with feminine stream going “in reverse” out of the fallopian tubes. A few people figure a tampon could obstruct the cervix and send the time frame blood “in reverse” into the uterus and out of the fallopian tubes. Unrealistic. Tampons can’t impede the cervix, and in the event that they get full the flood goes out the vagina, not back into the uterus.
Myth : : You should change your tampon each time you pee.
Fact : You (pee) from your urethra (pee opening). Your tampon is in your vagina (which is behind the urethra). You can pee without getting your tampon wet. At the point when you pee, it’s a smart thought to move the tampon string aside or back so it doesn’t get splashed by your pee stream (a wet string can be irritating). Simply change your tampon when it should be changed depending on your menstrual flow and how long you have had it inserted.
Myth : Organic tampons are more secure than non-natural ones.
Fact : There is no evidence that natural tampons are any more secure for your vagina. The danger for TSS is similar across both products. Tampax makes tampons with a 100% natural cotton center (Tampax Pure) just as regular tampons since it’s ideal to have options. If you want to explore a sustainable period product, organic tampons might be a good option. However, your comfort and a product that works best for your body takes precedence and all of us have our own preferences/experiences with different period products so don’t hesitate to choose the option that works best for you !
Myth : Tampons loosen up your vagina.
Fact : No way. Vaginas are stretchy regardless. In the event that an infant can emerge from a vagina, a tampon can undoubtedly go in without changing anything.
We hope the article could clarify some common misconceptions surrounding tampons. If you want to try using tampons but are hesitant, we encourage you to conduct further research and engage in more tampon talk with people around you and your healthcare providers
References:
http://msp.org.fj/girl-empowered/tampon-myths-busted/
http://msp.org.fj/girl-empowered/tampon-myths-busted/
https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/gynecologist-busts-9-common-myths-about-tampons/
Himasweeta Sarma is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Hindu College, Delhi University. An avid reader and a believer in the power possessed by words to change the world.
Prarthna Phukan is currently pursuing PGT – MS ( Obstetrics & Gynaecology) at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. She has completed MBBS at Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
Editor :
For over ten years I have worked as a Public Health Professional with people of all ages within non-profit organizations, social service organizations, educational institutions, hospitals and clinics to train, educate, promote, manage, design and implement public health programs to meet the needs of the communities I served. I have worked for organizations such as, Planned Parenthood, The Southern Nevada Health District, Kaiser Permanente, the City of Berkeley’s Public Health Department, and most recently Upstream USA. In these positions I was responsible for managing health education projects and people. In addition to being a people manager, I conducted and evaluated needs assessments,assisted in the development of curriculum, content, and training presentations for diverse audiences on a variety of public health topics. One of my main responsibilities was to conduct in-person, and live web-based public health education training presentations.I have a Master’s Degree in Public Health with a specialization in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Communications, and Minor in Sociology. I love helping to empower people of all ages to take charge of their health, and lead healthier, happier, more informed lives. In my spare time, I love cooking, reading, traveling, and watching & listening to all things related to true crime.
Tanya C Jaikaran, MPH