Tampons are medical devices that are used to prevent the flow of menstrual blood during menstruation. Most often, tampons are made of cotton or artificial silk and have a cylindrical shape. There are two main types of tampons: with or without an applicator, which makes it easier to insert them. According to the amount of blood they can absorb (absorption), tampons are divided into several groups: Tampons with low absorption – absorb around and below 6 g; Tampons with moderate absorption – absorb 6 to 9 g; Super absorbent tampons that absorb 9-12 years; Tampons with super plus absorption, absorbing 12-15 g; Tampons with ultra absorption, absorbing 15-18 years. Tampons are inserted into the vagina under the conditions indicated on the package. It is important for lighter periods not to use tampons with a higher degree of absorption and to change them every 4 to 8 hours. It is recommended that the tampon not remain in the vagina for a period longer than 8 hours. There are several myths and questions about tampons that scare girls and women and which we should debunk: 1. Tampons can cause loss of virginity – the hymen or the so-called. hymen is a membrane located at the entrance to the vagina in girls who have not had sexual contact. Insertion of a tampon in virgin girls does not result in loss of virginity, as this is a broad concept, related to different cultural understandings, and “loss of virginity” is usually taken to be the first sexual intercourse. 2. The tampon can penetrate deeper and remain in the vagina – it is a muscular tube with a length of 8-12 cm. The probability that the tampon will penetrate to a depth where you cannot remove it is small and there is no reason for such worries . If the tampon stays in the vagina for a longer time and cannot be removed, it is recommended to seek medical help. 3. Tampons are not suitable for the first period (menarche) – it doesn’t matter if you use tampons for the first or second period. The emergence of this myth is probably due to the more specific and difficult way of inserting the tampon, which is why many girls at their first period prefer to use sanitary napkins. 4. We must feel the tampon when inserting it – if inserted correctly, the tampon should not be felt. In the presence of sensations, he should push a little further inside. 5. Wearing tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome (TTS) – tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours. Wearing highly absorbent tampons for longer than 8 hours increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome. TTS is an extremely rare condition that occurs often, but not exclusively, among women who use tampons during menstruation. The causative agent is a bacterium of the Staphylococcus aureus type, and the syndrome begins suddenly and is manifested by high fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition. 6.Changing a tampon when urinating is imperative – tampons do not need to be changed with every act of urination, as they do not prevent the flow of urine through the urethra. However, when defecating, changing is recommended, as there is a risk of bacteria entering the rectum to cause infections. 7. Using tampons is painful – sometimes inserting a tampon can cause pain due to vaginal dryness and tightening of the vaginal muscles. In these cases, the use of a water-based lubricant is recommended. Normally, wearing a tampon should not cause pain. In the presence of such, it is appropriate to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. Tampons are a convenient, painless and commonly used method of getting through your period. Wearing a tampon when changing it regularly is safe and should not cause fear in women.