Sanitary towels and tampons can cause infections

• April 26, 2024

The Information Center on Women's Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services , launched a series of important alerts regarding the care that must be taken during the period of menstruation.

To the question of when a doctor should be consulted about the menstrual period, the experts of the organism pointed out:

1. If you are 16 years old and have not yet started menstruating2. If your period has suddenly stopped happening3. If you bleed for more days than usual4. If you bleed excessively5. If you suddenly feel sick after using tampons6. If you bleed between periods (even if it's only a few drops)7. If you have severe pain during your period

Risks of the use of towels and tampons

Although each woman decides for herself what is comfortable for her, the sanitary pad should be changed as frequently as necessary and before it is soaked by the menstrual flow.

In the case of tampons they should be changed often (at least every 4 to 8 hours). Be sure to use the tampons of lowest possible absorbency that correspond to the flow and not use the high absorbency during the mildest days of the period, it is vital. Otherwise, a woman may be at risk of suffering Toxic shock syndrome (TSS , for its acronym in English).

The TSS It is a rare disease, but it can be deadly. Women under 30 years of age, especially adolescents, are at greater risk of suffering TSS . Experts believe that using any type of tampon, whether cotton or rayon, is more risky than using sanitary napkins.

The only way to reduce or avoid the risk of TSS It is not using tampons, or alternating with sanitary napkins during menstruation.

Red spotlights

For its part, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you go immediately to the doctor if any of the following symptoms occur while you are menstruating and using tampons:

1. High fever that appears suddenly

2. Muscle pains

3. Diarrhea

4. Dizziness or fainting

5. Rash similar to sunburn

6. Sore throat

7. Redness in the eyes

Video Medicine: Should You Stop Wearing Tampons? (April 2024).