If you have been thinking of switching to tampons but are sceptical about using them, you are not alone. There are so many myths and misconceptions going around about tampons, that sometimes even the wisest of women fear using even the best of tampon brands. Despite such convenience, protection and benefits of using tampons, many still deter from using them believing in those surprisingly common myths. There are so many questions that must come into your mind like, are tampons safe? Can you lose your virginity using them? Are they painful to use? Can you use a tampon while sleeping? And so on.

Well, fret not. In this article, we will try and debunk those myths and provide you with the right answers to all your questions, doubts and fears using the best tampons.

Myth 1 You must never use a tampon while sleeping.

There is no correlation between a tampon and being awake or asleep. Since most tampons can typically be safely used for up to 8 hours, you can very well sleep with a tampon in. You simply need to take care that you use a fresh tampon right before you go to bed, get a good sleep of about 7-8 hours and then remove the used tampon first thing when you wake up in the morning. To be safer, it is best to check the instructions given at the back of your preferred tampon brand. However, it is just a matter of knowing how to use a tampon well.

Myth 2

You must not use a tampon when you get periods for the first time.

This is not true. Remember that tampons are just like pads for periods in the sense that they can be used at any age and to manage any of your periods, even your first. This misconception is mostly vested in personal choice of menstrual hygiene products. Many women find tampons intimidating to use as unlike pads, they need to be inserted inside your vagina to make them work. Being complicated to use, some choose to not pick them up first for their first period and stick to pads only, They may move on to tampons later in life after they have become more confident regarding menstruation and the use of menstrual products in general. You can make use of those tampon brands which offer tampons with cardboard or plastic applicators that help you easily insert them inside your vagina.

Myth 3 Tampons can lead to endometriosis.

This myth finds its root in the cause of endometriosis which happens when the menstrual blood flows back and upwards into the fallopian tubes. While there are many different reasons why that can occur, there is no reason for it to occur with the use of tampons. Though some believe that tampons can block the cervix leading to the blood being redirected backwards, this cannot happen with tampon usage. This is because tampons are designed to absorb fluid. They soak up period blood as soon as it comes in contact with its highly absorptive fibres and retain it. So, tampons can certainly not let the blood flow backwards.

Myth 4 Tampons can cause your vagina to stretch out.

No. This is not true. Tampons are quite thin so they cannot possibly stretch out your vagina. Moreover, vaginas are already quite stretchy structures as they can even give birth to babies so using a tampon during periods cannot make much of a difference down there.

Myth 5

You need to change your tampon every time you have to pee.

Women usually worry about using a tampon while peeing and believe that you have to change your tampon every time you urinate. But just like the best period pads, those aren’t necessarily connected. A tampon needs to be inserted in your vagina whereas you pee from your urethra so you can certainly not wet it while peeing. However, make sure that the string attached to the rear end of the tampon doesn’t get wet in the pee stream as it can irritate you. You need to change your tampon whenever you feel that it is full, though you must not wear it longer than 8 hours anyway. Also, do not use super tampons if you have a lower flow, just so it doesn’t get full easily. All menstrual products, whether pads, cups or tampons must be changed at regular intervals.

Myth 6

A tampon can get lost in your vagina.

No. A tampon can't wander off and get lost in your vagina. It may accidentally go higher up in the vagina but stays there as there’s a gate at the other end called the cervix which would not let it through. It is a small opening to only allow blood to pass through it. So, if you wonder where your tampon goes; it doesn’t go anywhere but stays put in your vagina and cannot get lost in your body.

Myth 7 Tampons can cause TSS.

Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS is a dangerous but fairly rare health condition. It is not caused by tampons but by staphylococcus aureus which is a strain of bacteria. The myth about tampons causing TSS came into being due to the unthoughtful use of highly absorbent tampons or super tampons. These tampons are supposed to be used only for very heavy period flow. But many unfortunately use them even if they have low to medium period flow as well just so they can delay changing their tampons. This is a very unsafe practice. Whether you are using the best period pads, menstrual cups or tampons, you must always change them regularly, maximum in about 6-8 hours.

In reality, TSS can occur with the use of any menstrual products and even in their absence, if proper hygiene is not maintained. But remember that it is treatable if identified at an early stage.

Myth 8 It is better and safer to use organic tampons as compared to regular tampons.

There is no scientific evidence suggesting that organic tampons are better than regular tampons in any way. You must always choose the best tampon which suits you perfectly and provides optimum period protection.

Myth 9

You must not wear a tampon while swimming.

You can wear a tampon even while swimming or when sitting in water. It may absorb some amount of water but it is safe and completely normal. However, you must change your soiled tampon once you come out from the pool.

Myth 10 Tampon makes you lose your virginity.

No. Virginity is a social construct which is only related to intercourse so your tampon cannot take it away. The right question to ask here is if a tampon can break your hymen. And the answer is that as a tampon is very small, it doesn’t break your hymen but only stretches it by entering into a space that already exists.

Conclusion

Now that we have cleared your doubts and put your fears to rest by debunking these myths you can now happily use tampons during your periods. You can choose from many reputed and safe tampon brands that offer quality tampons that are efficient and comfortable.