Tampons?
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Tampons?
| Wed, 07-23-2008 - 4:28pm |
For as long as I've had my period I've used pads. I had a bad experience with tampons when I first started my period. It hurt really bad to remove it (looking back it was probably not fully absorbed). Anyway, that scared me away from them.
I would like to try them once again (convenience, comfort, etc.) but am worried about TSS (toxic shock syndrome). I don't know much about it but I know it can be caused by tampons. I have a very light flow due to BC but I'm tired of wearing these uncomfortable pads. I Know lots of women wear tampons without a problem. I was hoping someone could shed some light on me about TSS. Do I really have anything to worry about?
Thanks!

Hi there,
The risk of TSS is low. The main reasons why someone would get it are:
1) They constantly use an absorbency that is too high for what they need;
2) They leave it in there too long (i.e. past the eight hours maximum that they recommend); or
3) They forget it's in there, and find out it's there a few days later when they suddenly have a funky smell (and yes, it does happen!)
In the tampon packs you will find an info sheet that will let you know what the symptoms of TSS are.
Your best bet with trying tampons is to start out with a lower absorbency, and use an ultra thin pad for back up in case of leakage. This will give you a chance to work out just what you need and when, without having the anxiety of leaking everywhere. If your period is light on the pill, you probably don't need anything higher than a regular tampon on your heavier days, and a light tampon on the last couple.
If you tug on the string, and you feel the tampon move easily, that's a good indicator it's ready to be removed.
The best types of tampons to try out to start with are slim tampons or applicator tampons. applicator tampons help you work out the angle that you need to insert your tampon without having to use your fingers too much to start with. Slim tampons are easier to insert than standard tampons, since they are narrower, but they are still just as effective for protection.
Hope that helps