Tampon Myths
There’s so much to figure out when you start your period and that journey continues long after your first visit from Aunt Flo.
There’s so many choices now when it comes to period products. Tampons are one of the must popular options, but there’s a lot of tampon myths out there that can put people off even trying them.
We’re here to bust some of the most common tampon myths, so you can make the best informed choice for you and your body…
Tampon myths you shouldn’t believe
Is it true that using a tampon can cause me to lose my virginity?
Your first time having sex is not the same as using a tampon. Putting one thing in one part of your body does not equate to any meaning other than what you give it. Tampons do not take your virginity, it’s as simple as that. The first time you have sex will still be the first time you have sex.
Any person who has their period can use a tampon. Tampons work just as well for people who are virgins as they do for people who have had sex. And even though using a tampon can occasionally cause a girl’s hymen to stretch or tear, it does not cause a girl to lose her virginity. (Only having sex can do that.)
I can flush my tampon down the toilet..
Please don’t flush your tampon!!!!
Tampons don’t break down in the toilet the same way toilet tissue does; tampons are designed to stay in your vagina for up to eight hours and come out whole. They wouldn’t be an effective period-care product if they broke down so easily in the presence of liquid! Flushing tampons and other period-care products down the toilet can not only clog your pipes, but they can end up in rivers and oceans, harming the environment
Wrap your tampon up in a tissue and dispose of it hygienically in a bin.
Is is true that a tampon get “lost” in you?
A tampon CANNOT get lost in your body. Even though your vagina connects your outside parts with the “inside” of your body, there’s basically a dead end at the top of the vagina – it’s called your cervix, and there’s no way a tampon can go past that. The cervix is a barrier between the vagina and the uterus. Nothing can get above the cervix unless it’s liquid or microscopic in size!
Using tampons shouldn’t hurt…
Using a tampon can feel a bit strange the first few times, but if you feel pain or are very aware that your tampon is there, you just mightn’t have it inserted far enough. Wash your hands and try push the tampon further up your vagina using your fingers. If it still doesn’t feel right, remove the tampon and try again with a new one. Applicators make things way easier as well. Also, don’t aim the tampon straight up; angle is towards your back.
Also try different brands and sizes to find a comfortable fit for you and your body – we’re all different at the end of the day.
Tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome
Yes, tampons can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome or TTS in very rare cases. It is caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria normally live on the skin and in the nose or mouth without causing harm, but if they get deeper into the body they can release toxins that damage tissue and stop organs working.
You can cut down on the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome by changing tampons regularly and never leaving one in for longer than 8 hours max.
Read more about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
There’s more clout associated with using tampons
No.
There is no status symbol attached to using tampons. Use what you feel most comfortable with. Some people prefer tampons, others prefer pads. Some use a mixture of both. What you use is a personal choice and says nothing about you or anyone else.
And there you have it, just some of the myths about tampons busted. Have you come across any other tampon myths before?