Tampon 262663 226052422 2008-07-16T16:48:06Z Rachel Pearce 486788 /* Absorbency ratings */ ce: grammar {{for|the commune of Réunion|Le Tampon}} [[Image:Tampon with applicator.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A tampon with applicator]] [[Image:Elements of a tampon with applicator.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The elements of a tampon with applicator. Left: the bigger tube ("penetrator"). Center: cotton tampon with attached string. Right: the narrower tube.]] [[Image:Tampon.JPG|thumb|Digital tampon (tampon sold without applicator). (The ruler shown is in [[Metre#SI multiples|cm]])]] A '''tampon''' is a plug of [[cotton]] or other absorbent material inserted into a [[body cavity]] or [[wound]] to absorb bodily fluid. The most common type in daily use (and the topic of the remainder of this article) is a usually disposable plug that is designed to be inserted into the [[vagina]] during [[menstruation]] to absorb the flow of [[blood]]. In the [[United States]], the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) regulates tampons as medical devices. ==History== As a medical device, the tampon, (from the [[French language| French]] for ''plug'', or ''stopper''<ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/tampon Definition and etymology of tampon]</ref>) has been around since the 19th century, when [[antiseptic]] cotton tampons treated with [[salicylic acid| salicylates]] were used to stop the bleeding from bullet wounds<ref><u>Manual of the antiseptic treatment of wounds</u>, by William Watson Cheyne, Published 1885, J. H. Vail, p 107 - 109</ref>, and there have been reports of modern menstrual tampons being used for the same purpose by soldiers in the [[Iraq War]]<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/military/tampon.asp Tampons to the Rescue], Snopes.com</ref>. The tampon with an applicator and string was invented in [[1929]] and submitted for patent in [[1931]] by Dr. [[Earle Haas]], an American man from [[Denver, Colorado]]. Tampons based on Dr. Haas' design were first sold in the U.S. in [[1936]] by [[Tampax]]. Later, the expansible tampon was invented in [[1974]] (patent in [[1976]]) by world-renowned [[Obstetrics and gynaecology|OB/GYN]], Dr. [[Kermit E Krantz]]. ==Design and packaging== Tampons come in various sizes, which are related to their absorbency ratings and packaging. The shape of all tampons is basically the same; long rounded cylinders. Tampons sold in the [[United States]] are made of [[cotton]], [[rayon]], or a blend of the two. Tampons are sold individually wrapped to keep them clean, although they are not [[sterilization (microbiology)|sterile]], nor are tampon companies required by law to list the ingredients in them. They have a string for ease of removal, and may be packaged inside an applicator to aid insertion. Tampon applicators may be made of [[plastic]] or [[cardboard]], and are similar in design to a [[syringe]]. The applicator consists of a bigger tube and a narrower tube. The bigger tube has a smooth surface and a round end for easier insertion. Some applicators have a star shape opening at the round end, others are open ended. The tampon itself rests inside the bigger tube, near the open end. The narrower tube is nested inside the other end of the bigger tube. The open end of the bigger tube is placed and held in the vagina, then the narrower tube is pushed into the bigger tube (typically using a finger) pushing the tampon through and into the vagina. If not inserted at a 45 degree angle it can cause discomfort and make removal difficult. Digital or non-applicator tampons are tampons sold without applicators; these are simply unwrapped and pushed into the vagina with the fingers. Stick tampons are also available. Probiotic tampons are available in [[Europe]]. These tampons can help prevent or cure vaginal infections, like Bacterial Vaginosis and/ or Candida, by strengthening the natural microbiotic vaginal [[flora]]. These tampons include probiotics, or three strains of lactic acid bacteria, which naturally occur in the healthy vagina. The vaginal flora of a healthy woman is dominated by lactic acid bacteria, which produce lactic acid as part of their metabolism. The lactic acid makes the vagina acidic, about pH 3.8 to 4.2. Most pathogens do not thrive in such an acidic environment. Therefore, lactic acid bacteria are part of the human female's first line of defense against infection.{{Facts|date=June 2008}} It is usually not necessary to remove a tampon before [[urination|urinating]] or having a [[defecation|bowel movement]]. {{IPA|}} ==Absorbency ratings== [[Image:Tamponlable.jpg|thumb|right|2 water drop marks mean that the absorbency is between 6 and 9 grams.]] Tampons are available in several different absorbency ratings, which are consistent across manufacturers in the U.S.: *Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under *Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams *Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams *Super plus absorbency: 12 to 15 grams *Ultra absorbency: 15 to 18 grams *Mega absorbency: 19+ grams In the UK absorbencies range as follows: *Lite (light flow) 6g and under *regular (light to medium flow) 6-9g *Super (medium to heavy flow) 9-12g *Super plus (heavy flow) 12-15g *Super plus extra (very heavy flow) 15-18g ==Brands== Some common tampon brands include: *[[Kotex]] *O.B. *Natracare *[[Playtex]] *[[Tampax]] *[[Seventh Generation Inc.]] *[http://www.Lil-lets.com Lil-lets] ==Benefits== Tampons are a menstrual device worn completely inside the vaginal canal with the exception of the string. This makes them suitable for wear during activities such as swimming. Menstrual blood is not exposed to the air with the use of tampons, so there is limited odor. There is no way to see that a woman is using a tampon when she is clothed, unlike [[sanitary napkin]]s, which have outlines that can sometimes be seen through fabric. As a disposable product, there is no need to wash anything in between use. ==Toxic shock syndrome== {{main|toxic shock syndrome}} Tampons have been shown to have a connection to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal disease caused by [[bacterial infection]]. The U.S. FDA suggests the following guidelines for decreasing the risk of contracting TSS when using tampons: *Follow package directions for insertion *Choose the lowest absorbency needed for one's flow *Change the tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours *Consider alternating disposable or cloth pads with tampons *Avoid tampon usage overnight when sleeping *Increase awareness [[Toxic shock syndrome#Symptoms and diagnosis|warning signs]] of toxic shock syndrome Following these guidelines can help to protect a woman from TSS, and cases of tampon connected TSS are extremely rare in the United States. ==Other health concerns== {{POV|date=May 2008}} {{weasel words}} Many chemicals are present in tampons, including [[pesticides]] used on the cotton and [[chlorine]] used to bleach the tampons. Some of the chemicals used to bleach tampons have been implicated in the formation of [[dioxin]]. A study by the FDA done in [[1995]] says there are not significant amounts of dioxin to pose a [[health risk]]; the amount detected ranged from undetectable to 1 part in 3 [[trillion]], which is far less than the normal exposure to dioxin in everyday life.[http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_tss.html] Additionally, tampons not using bleaching or chemical treatment are available to those concerned with potential dioxin exposure. Another concern is related to the use of [[rayon]] in tampons. Rayon consists of tiny strings of plastic. <!-- Source? -->Some speculate that these strands of plastic can cause microtears on the vaginal wall when being inserted and taken out. {{Who|date=May 2008}}{{Fact|date=May 2008}} There is further speculation that, if microtears are present, the condition could leave the vagina more open to infection.{{POV-statement|date=May 2008}}{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Fiber loss along with damage done to the vaginal tissue from fiber has also been a concern. Furthermore, as tampons are absorbent and placed within an area such as the vagina, this significantly increases the risk of bacterial infections. 100% cotton tampons are safer than using tampons with a [[cotton]] and [[rayon]] mix because of there being less [[dioxin]]. Some researchers such as Dr. Tierno claim that switching to a 100% cotton alternative, such as Natracare, greatly reduces the risk of [[Toxic shock syndrome|TSS]]. ==Alternative choices== {{POV|date=May 2008}} {{Refimprove|date=May 2008}} {{POV-check|date=May 2008}} {{off-topic|menstruation}} In Western culture, most women choose to use either tampons or disposable [[sanitary napkins]] to handle their menstrual flow. Other choices include [[menstrual cups]], [[cloth menstrual pad]]s, or a diaphragm. Prior to the development of tampons, Western women generally resorted to reusable cloth rags. These would be soaked in a diaper pail after use. Rags continue to be used by women in some Third-World countries today, including much of [[Africa]], out of affordability and distribution problems associated with other methods. The [http://www.mum.org/pastgerm.htm Museum of Menstruation] proposes that most premodern women used nothing at all, but bled into their clothing. It should also be remembered that many premodern women would have menstruated relatively little, being [[pregnant]] or [[breast-feeding]] most of their [[fertile]] lives. {{commons|Tampon}} ==References== *Finley, Harry (1998)(2001). The Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health. Retrieved December 12, 2003 from http://www.mum.org/comtampons.htm *Khela, Bal (November 26, 1999). The Women's Environmental Network. Retrieved December 13, 2003 from http://www.wen.org.uk/gen_eng/Genetics/tampon1.htm *Meadows, Michelle (March-April, 2000). [http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_tss.html Tampon safety: TSS now rare, but women should still take care]. ''FDA Consumer magazine''. *''Sanpro.'' (April 8, 2003). The Women's Environmental Network. Retrieved December 13, 2003 from http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro/sanpro.htm *Truths and myths about tampons http://www.snopes.com/toxins/tampon.htm * [http://publicrestrooms.lifetips.com/tip/102684/public-restroom-feminine-hygiene-guide/public-restroom-dispenser-tips/using-a-toilet-for-tampon-disposal.html Using a Toilet for Tampon Disposal] * [http://publicrestrooms.lifetips.com/cat/61839/public-restroom-feminine-hygiene-guide/index.html Practicing Proper Sanitary Napkin Disposal] * The effects of lactic acid bacteria: Bacterial Vaginosis: a public health review, Marianne Morris et al, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneocology, 2001, Bacterial Vaginosis as a risk factor for preterm delivery: A meta analysis, Harld Leitisch et al, General Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics, 2003. {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1926900.pdf Original patent by Dr. Earle Haas] *[http://www.professorpatents.com/tampon.htm Tampon Related Patents] Tampon Patents [[Category:Feminine hygiene]] [[als:Tampon]] [[cs:Tampon]] [[de:Tampon]] [[es:Tampón (menstruación)]] [[fa:تامپون]] [[fr:Tampon hygiénique]] [[he:טמפון]] [[nl:Tampon]] [[ja:タンポン]] [[pl:Tampon]] [[pt:Tampão]] [[fi:Tamponi]] [[sv:Tampong]] [[uk:Тампон]] [[zh:衛生棉條]]