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Pad use is more controversial than pad use. Understand

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Tampon or tampon, is a type of feminine pad, inserted into the vaginal canal. It serves to absorb the blood flow of the menstrual period, but its use is more controversial than the use of swabs, because if it is not changed every four hours, it presents a risk of infection, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome.

• Toxic shock syndrome: what is it and what is its relationship to tampon

Also, the tampon is not effective for heavy flows. In contrast, it is not felt by users and provides comfort when used correctly.

Impacts of tampon

The Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden assessed the raw material extraction, transport, production, use, storage and waste management of tampon and tampon. The processing of low density polyethylene (LDPE) - process required in the manufacture of these types of absorbents, has a high consumption of energy.

• Know the types of plastics

But the evaluation concluded that, between the internal and external absorbent, the external one has a greater environmental impact due to the greater use of plastic components. This is not to say that tampons do not also have a significant environmental impact - cotton fiber contributes 80% of the total impact of the production of these absorbents, as intensive cotton cultivation requires large amounts of water, pesticides and fertilizers.

Organic cotton alternative

On the other hand, there are already options for tampons made from organic cotton. Despite being disposable and requiring raw material in their production, organic cotton tampon options cause less impact on the environment and, mainly, on the woman's body. After all, by using an organic cotton absorbent, the woman avoids possible exposure to the endocrine disrupting pesticide glyphosate, used in conventional cotton crops. Learn more about this topic in the articles:

• Glyphosate: widely used herbicide can cause fatal diseases
• What are endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them
• Organic cotton: what it is and its advantages

Can you pee with tampon?

Don't worry about this issue. Using a tampon does not affect urination and you don't need to change it after peeing i. That's because it doesn't block the urethra. The urethra is the opening for the bladder and is just above the vagina.

The urethra and vagina are covered by the labia majora (largest labia), which are folds of epithelial tissue. When you gently open these folds (hint: use a mirror, it's okay to get to know yourself), you can see that what looked like one opening is actually two:

• Near the front (top) of the vagina is a small opening. This is the outlet of your urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Just above the urethra is the clitoris (the female pleasure site);
• Underneath the urethra is the largest vaginal opening. This is where the tampon is placed.

Although the tampon does not block the flow of urine, a little pee can reach the cord of the tampon. Don't worry if that happens. Unless you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), your urine is sterile (bacteria free). You cannot get infected by peeing on the tampon string.

Some women don't like the feel or smell of a wet strand. To avoid this you can:

• Hold the absorbent string to the side when peeing;
• Remove the tampon before you pee and put on a new one after you dry yourself.

How to use tampon

To use the tampon correctly, first choose the one that's the right size for you. If you are new to this type of menstrual product, start with size "P", "mini" or "slim". These are easier to enter.

"Super" and "Super-Plus" are best if you have a heavy menstrual flow. Do not use a model that is more absorbent than your flow demands. This can cause discomfort when drying out the vagina.

Also consider using the applicator. Plastic applicators insert more easily than cardboard applicators, but tend to be more expensive (and not biodegradable).

How to put the tampon

1. Before inserting, wash your hands with soap and water;
2. Stand or sit in a comfortable position. If you're standing, you can put one foot on the toilet;
3. With one hand, gently open your lips around the opening of the vagina;
4. Holding the tampon applicator in the middle, gently push it into the vagina;
5. Once the applicator is inside, push the inside of the applicator tube through the outside of the tube;
6. Then pull the outer tube out of the vagina. Both parts of the applicator must come out.

You should feel comfortable after inserting the tampon and the string should stick out of the vagina. It will be used to remove the pad after four hours of use or sooner, never later.

How often to change tampon

According to the website womens health, it is recommended that you change the tampon every four hours or when it is saturated with blood. You can tell when you're saturated, because you'll see stains on your underwear.

Even if your flow is light, change it within four hours. If you leave it any longer, bacteria can proliferate. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a serious illness called Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome is rare, however. Get medical attention right away if you start to develop a fever suddenly and feel unwell.

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