Tampon

 

1.1 Before tampons and sanitary pads are invented
In Ancient Greece in the 10^th century before feminine napkin and tampons were invented.  Women use sheep’s wool, cotton, rag, rabbit fur, knitted pad to hold up their monthly cycle; Ancient Japanese women use paper cuttings from origami as menstrual pad; Hawaiians felt comfort to use local fern; African women use grass and in Indonesia, menstruating women ply vegetable fibers as a menstrual pad.

1.2 Development of tampon
The discovery of cotton made out of wood pulp during the 18^th century was purposely for men not for women, when nurses in France used cotton as bandages to stop blood from war victims.  It is cheaper and easy to dispose of. Manufacturers then started the first commercial use of disposable pads called the Southball pad.  In the US the idea was developed by Johnson and Johnson which they called Lister’s Towel: Sanitary Towel’s for Ladies.

1.3 When were tampons invented?
Who invented tampons?
Dr. Aveling and her Vaginal Tampon-Tube were released in 1879, where the very first tampon was described as an applicator contraption made of a small unsilvered glass vaginal instrument with a wooden rod.  In 1931, Earl Haas, a physician in Colorado developed the cardboard applicator tampon, the menstrual tampon which is what women are currently using.  The scheme is from his female friend who inserted a sponge into her vagina to manage the menstrual leak, Earl then invented a disposable device to replace the menstrual pads.

2.  What is a tampon
2.1 How do tampons work
Tampons are a medical device that is regulated by FDA.  It absorbs and soaks up menstrual flow during the monthly cycle.   It is a little plug made of cotton that can be inserted and fits in the vagina.  Some of the tampons have applicators made of plastic or cardboard paper.  

2.2 How do you choose your absorbency?
The tampon absorbency chart is the universal guide based on FDA absorbency guidelines for all tampon brands.  In the chart, you will find that mini tampons should hold up to 6 grams of liquid.

3.  Raw materials
3.1 What are tampons made of
Tampons are made of 100% pure cotton, 100% pure rayon, or a combination of the two.

3.2 What chemicals are used to manufacture tampon
Some tampon manufacturers used chlorine to bleach the raw materials.  However, the bleaching process leaves a chemical break down called dioxin.

3.3   How are tampons created?

• Raw Material
100% pure cotton, or 100%pure rayon, or a combination of both fibers are fed into the fiber mixer to lose fiber and to remove all impurities to make them hygienic.
• Web Formation
Cleaned fibers are mixed and blended evenly to form a web depending on the tampon absorbency.
• Tampon Formation
A nonwoven fabric cloth shaped like a tampon covers the web to form the tampon
• Attaching string
The cord or string is then attached in the middle, sewed from the top until the end of the tampon, leaving enough length string hanging for easy pull
• Preparing Applicator
The tampon is now set to the applicator
• Packing
Each tampon is individually wrapped in either film or recyclable paper to  secure product quality and to avoid bacteria contamination.

3.4 Parts of the tampon

4.  Inserting a tampon
4.1 How to put on a tampon correctly

Make sure your hands are washed clean before holding the tampon.
a.  Point the top of your tampon in your vagina at 45 degrees angle specifically towards your lower back b.  Slowly insert half of the applicator into your vagina. If you are inserting it correctly, the tampon should go in smoothly.
c.  Once you notice that your fingers hit your vulva or the opening of the vagina, it means you have inserted the tampon applicator correctly.
d.  Then push the top end of the applicator using your pointer finger to insert the cotton part of the tampon.
 If you feel uneasy when you sit or walk, the tampon might not be inserted far enough.  You need to remove it and insert a fresh and new tampon.

4.2 How to put in a tampon
You can sit on the toilet and spread your legs with knees facing apart.  Suppose you prefer to stand position. Put one foot on top of the toilet seat.

4.3 How to put a tampon in for beginners
For beginners, you can take a deep breath then relax your muscles before you insert the applicator. This will help to put the tampon in the right position.

 5. Best Tampon Brands
 
  •Kotex Tampons

The compact size and the packaging of Kotex tampons are one of its advantages, it is easy. 
It is easy to insert for the applicator is not bulky.  You will not notice that you are even wearing it. People are just annoyed when it comes to distinguishing which absorbency is because the color almost looks the same.  Kotex is made of Polyethylene film and Polypropylene fibers printed with colorants

Cost per box of 40 units is $9.27 = $0.21 cents per unit

 

  • Tampax Pearl Tampons

It contains, cotton, rayon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene fiber finishes. It expands like a butterfly shape when while absorbing liquid.  The applicator is a bit bigger than Kotex Tampon.  I would not recommend this for beginners.  Their anti-leak guard string does not stop leaks.

That would be depending on the user’s super heavy flow.  It can hold up to 3.4 tsp of liquid before the leak.

Cost per box of 188 units is $37.88 = $0.19 cents per unit

• Playtex Sport Tampons

Ingredients are Rayon and/or cotton fiber, polyester or cotton string, polysorbate 20. Playtex applicator is just about the right size and the contoured grip is very convenient to use.  It can hold up to 3.4 tsp of liquid.

Cost per box of 80 units -$19.55 = $0.24 cents to per unit

 

 

 • Lola Tampons

100% organic cotton tampons, and that’s it, no other ingredients added.  You can only order via subscription on their website.  You can select and mix the quantity and the size you want per box.  Then choose your frequency, indicate how many boxes you want to be delivered to you each month. that is one good thing about Lola. Their sizes are light, regular, super, and super plus.  It can hold up to 3.2 tsp of liquid.

Cost per box of 50 units -$8.50 to $10 = $0.17 cents to $0.20 cents per unit

 

• Seventh Generation Tampon

The plastic applicator is of plastic and is made of 95% plant-based materials.  The components are Certified organic tampon cotton, water- repellant string wax, and cotton.  The applicator does not have a grip.  But it depends on how you hold the applicator.  It can hold up to 3.5 tsp of liquid.

Cost per box of 16 units $6.99 = $0.17 cents to $0.44 cents per unit

Q & A
1. Do tampons hurt?
If Tampons are inserted correctly in the vagina, you should not feel any pain or discomfort, but if it seats low near the pelvic, that would make you feel irritated and uncomfortable. You can correct the insertion by pulling the tampon out and reinsert correctly, or gently push it back deeper. Remember to wash your hands before doing so.
Removing tampons does sometimes hurt especially when it's not fully saturated with blood. The fibers on the tampon rub in the vaginal opening which causes your vagina to hurt. It is time to choose a lesser absorbency tampon.
 
2. How long can you leave a tampon in?
You need to change your tampon every 4 hours and no more than 8 hours, depending on absorbency.

3. Can you sleep with a tampon in?
If you sleep not more than 8 hours, it is safe to sleep with the tampon in.  Or you can also change the tampon when you woke up to pee in between your sleep.  If you sleep for 9 hours straight, I would recommend you use night pads instead of a tampon.

4. Can you swim with a tampon?
Yes, it is much safer and ideal to wear a tampon if you have a period, rather then using a sanitary pad. 

5. Do tampons get stuck inside you?
No, because the vagina where you place the tampon does not have any opening going to the uterus, there is a cervix that serves as a barrier between your vagina and uterus.

6. Can a tampon string break?
No, our tampon cord or string is perfectly sewn from the top until the end of the tampon. It can carry from 2kg to 3kg of tension liquid.

7. Can you use tampons for vaginal discharge?
No, tampons are designed for the menstrual period when used in the vagina. We highly suggest you visit your Gynecologists to examine vaginal discharge.

8.  Can tampon fall out when you poop?
If the tampon is properly inserted, it will not fall out. Because the vagina is holding it up. But for hygiene purposes, it is better to change a tampon every time you poop.

9. Is it safe to use tampons after giving birth?
It is not recommended to use tampons after giving birth due to fresh cuts and wounds around the vagina.  You may use a sanitary pad during 1st trimester of your post-natal period, or you may consult your OB gynecologist during a post-natal checkup to seek advice when it is best to go back into using a tampon. 

10. Can a tampon get lost in the uterus?
No, because the vagina where you place the tampon does not have any opening going to the uterus, there is a cervix that serves as a barrier between your vagina and uterus.

11. What if you need to pee, do you need to change your tampon each time you pee?
No, because tampon is placed in the vaginal hole where your menstruation is released, while your urine or pee is released from your urethra, so there are two different holes. It would be best if you placed the string aside so it will not catch any urine.

12. Are tampons flushable?
Organic tampons that are made of %100 kinds of cotton can be flushed.  Tampons with polyethylene film, polypropylene, and other ingredients are not flushable.