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A Gynecologist Busts 9 Common Myths About Tampons

A Gynecologist Busts 9  Common Myths About Tampons imageA Gynecologist Busts 9  Common Myths About Tampons image

By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology

As a gynecologist, I love helping my patients understand their bodies and how they work. It’s important for us to educate ourselves and take charge of our health. Sometimes, in an effort to research an illness or health concern, we find unreliable sources online, and end up with information that’s not only wrong, but sometimes even dangerous. I’m glad you came to the right place.

When it comes to tampons, I’ve probably heard it all! So here are nine common myths I’ve heard over and over, and the medically accurate facts to bust them.

Do you know the truth about tampons? Let’s find out.Hello

MYTH: You shouldn’t sleep with a tampon in.

FACT: Your vagina has no clue if you’re awake or asleep (it’s always dark in there!), so it’s fine to sleep in a tampon. Just follow the recommendations for safe use by only using a tampon for up to 8 hours. That means you’re fine to put a new tampon in before you go to bed, then remove and replace it when you wake up. Learn more about how long you can leave a tampon in here.

MYTH: Tampons take away your virginity.

FACT: That’s not possible. A tampon is just a tool for period protection. It has nothing to do with virginity – which is about sex. The concern is mostly based on whether a tampon will affect the hymen, which is a thin, stretchy rim of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. A tampon is small enough to fit through most vaginal openings without affecting the hymen, but the hymen can change shape or “break” with age, weight, and even normal physical activities, not just sex. You can learn more in this guide - Do Tampons take your Virginity.

MYTH: Tampons can get lost inside you.

FACT: A tampon can go higher in your vagina, and the string can even get tucked up in there, but it’s not lost. It’s in there. That’s because your cervix is a barrier between your vagina and your uterus, so basically, your vagina is a dead end.

MYTH: Tampons cause TSS.

FACT: Tampons don’t cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS); it’s caused by a strain of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. TSS is very rare, but also very treatable, especially when it’s identified early. Learn more about Toxic Shock Syndrome and tampons

MYTH: You shouldn’t use a tampon with your first period.

FACT: There is no age requirement for using tampons. Once you have a period, you are old enough to use tampons (and the vagina will be big enough to use a tampon without fear of injury or unusual pain). If you’re new to periods or to tampons, just make sure you know how to use them correctly and safely. Expecting your first period or new to periods? Check out this guide for your first period and menstrual cycle.

MYTH: Tampons increase your risk for endometriosis.

FACT: Tampons have no effect on endometriosis. There’s still more to learn about the causes of endometriosis, but one cause is related to menstrual flow going “backwards” out of the fallopian tubes. Some people think a tampon could block the cervix and send the period blood “backwards” into the uterus and out of the fallopian tubes. Not possible. Tampons can’t block the cervix, and if they get full the overflow goes out the vagina, not back into the uterus.

MYTH: You should change your tampon every time you pee.

FACT: You urinate (pee) from your urethra (pee hole). Your tampon is in your vagina (which is behind the urethra). You can pee without getting your tampon wet. When you pee, it’s a good idea to move the tampon string to the side or back so it doesn’t get soaked by your urine stream (a wet string can be annoying). Just change your tampon when it needs to be changed based on your flow, not your bladder. Learn more about what you can (and can’t) do with a tampon.

MYTH: Tampons stretch out your vagina.

FACT: Not a chance. Vaginas are stretchy to begin with. If a baby can come out of a vagina, a tampon can easily go in without changing anything.

MYTH: Organic tampons are safer than non-organic ones.

FACT: There is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are any safer for your vagina. The risk for TSS is the same whether organic or not. Tampax makes tampons with a 100% organic cotton core (Tampax Pure Cotton) as well as conventional tampons because it’s nice to have choices. If living an organic lifestyle is important to you, then organic tampons may be the right choice. But if you don’t use organic tampons, don’t feel anxious or guilty. The safety profile is no different.

There you have it, 9 common myths about tampons busted by a gynecologist! You have to watch this video to see the other busted myths about tampons:

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Gynecologist Busts 9 Common Myths about Tampons | Tampax®
Is it bad to sleep with a tampon? Can a tampon get lost inside you? Get the medically accurate facts to these 9 common tampon questions.
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