Myths about the use of tampons and feminine towels

• April 24, 2024

Dr. Rodrigo Ayala Yañez, gynecologist-obstetrician of the National Institute of Perinatology answers some doubts and myths that exist around the use of feminine pads and tampons during the menstrual cycle of women.

Can you lose your virginity, using tampons? Strictly speaking, the definition of virginity can not be lost through the use of tampons. The situation could depend on how closed the hymen of the woman in question is. (The hymen is a kind of tissue layer at the entrance of the vagina) The hymen can have differences from woman to woman. There are women who have a very closed hymen, which could be a pathology, and there are other types of women who have a perforation. If a tampon generates bleeding, it could hurt the hymen, but usually requires an object of much greater diameter for a hymen to break, which in the end is what medically determines virginity.

The hymen in some women is so sensitive that it is broken even riding a horse.

Is it safe to swim with a tampon on? Yes, there is no contraindication. The only recommendation is that when swimming in pools or at sea, it is possible that the water contains bacteria and contaminants that represent a greater probability of infection, so it is advised that once the swimming is finished, replace the buffer with new one.

What are the benefits of using tampon compared to feminine towels? The main benefit is the comfort that the woman can feel when using one or the other and her adaptability. There are women who feel more comfortable or more secure with the tampon as opposed to using a feminine towel. From the strictly medical point of view there is no specific difference or indication by which one is recommended over the other. Unless there is some condition in the woman, for example that there is a lot of sensitivity around the vagina, and that is irritable to the towels.

Infections

Is it true that towels with plastic mesh cause greater vaginal infections? No, nothing verifiable has been established yet. The plastic meshes do not generate infections, but they can cause irritation with greater incidence, at the time that the woman has secretion or sweating, the plastic rejects them. There is a greater chance of irritation and if it is not treated it can generate an infection.

If it does not generate problems, there is no contraindication to not use them.

¿Is it true that the use of panty protectors daily, can cause a vaginal infection? There is a greater predisposition. The vagina is a natural cavity that needs some opening so that there is a constant flow of secretions that are generated inside. The protective pantyhose is supposed to be designed to absorb secretions. The fact of not changing them frequently could favor the appearance of infections, if the product has the necessary absorption characteristics and is changed continuously it does not have to generate infections.

The number of change panty protectors a day depends on the hormonal phase in which the woman is.

How often should sanitary napkins and / or tampons be changed during menstruation? It depends on the amount of blood. There are patients who can have important hemorrhages and in these cases the tampons are not enough to control it, so they should resort to sanitary napkins.

If a woman is menstruating, she should change the towel at least 2 or 3 times a day, but there are women who change it up to 6 times. In the case of the use of the tampon, minimum should be changed twice a day, but It is recommended that women's towels be worn at night to let the secretions flow naturally and rest the body .

Is the use of tampons recommended for the first menstrual cycles? Yes, there is no problem while the woman is comfortable, because there are still many women who, due to myths and the fear of losing their virginity, decide not to use them. From the medical point of view, there is no contraindication for its use.

Can I have toxic shock syndrome if I use a tampon for more than 8 hours? It depends on the amount of flow of the woman, and if in her case she already had some previous infection that could increase. For example, factors such as humid climates, or very hot climates, could contribute to enter a state of infectious shock.

The tampons are designed to withstand 8 to 12 hours of use, but it is recommended that you do not leave more than 4 or 6 hours.

Hygiene and habits

What would be more recommendable and hygienic, using towels or tampons? Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the event that a doctor has patients who have heavy bleeding or some other type of problem we recommend using feminine towels to see if there is bleeding or secretions that have not been noticed.

But the tampon can be a good option if a woman does not have problems, but you have to remember that finally it is a foreign body in the body and can be forgotten.

What size of tampon should I use? It will depend on the flow you have. It is variable, but there is no significant difference. The psychological issue is the problem, because if you use a super absorbing tampon you might think that you can leave more time, and it is not.

Do towels with ions really remove colic, are more absorbent, and reduce stress? I do not know any concrete studies that prove it. Ion motion balances peritonial conditions, but does not really cause a significant change in the transfer of functions.

80% of women suffer from a genital disease and it is said that more than half of them are due to the use of poor quality sanitary towels, is that true? A lot has to do with their habits and the management they give them. Almost all women will have a genital infection at some point in their lives, it does not only depend on towels, but also on hygiene, daily habits and risk factors that may expose them. The clothing materials they wear are also a factor; if you wear underwear that does not allow for the right sweating you may be more likely to develop an infection.

Is any specific material recommended for feminine towels? The less percentage of plastic would be better, although it also has to contemplate the factors that fit each woman more. Materials that do not allow respiration of the skin and mucous membranes are less recommended.

Hygienic habits are the most important factors for good health. The frequent change of the tampon is very relevant. Women should know their body in terms of the amount of secretions they present. Be aware that not because someone recommends a type of towel or tampon , this means that it is the most suitable for your body, all women are different. You should get to know the products of the market and take into account that you should not skimp on them because your health depends on it.

Video Medicine: Tampons Vs. Pads (April 2024).