Tampon: Difference between revisions
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hello this is the tampon wikipedia all the saddos who look up tampons are complete and utter nutters |
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{{Nofootnotes|date=November 2008}} |
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{{for|the commune of Réunion|Le Tampon}} |
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[[Image:Tampon with applicator.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A tampon with applicator]] |
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[[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.]] |
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[[Image:Tampon.JPG|thumb|Digital tampon (tampon sold without applicator). (The ruler shown is in [[Metre#SI multiples|cm]])]] |
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A '''tampon''' is a mass of cotton or rayon; or a mixture of the two inserted into a [[body cavity]] or [[wound]] to absorb bodily |
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fluid. The most common type in daily use (and the topic of the remainder of this article) is disposable and designed to be inserted into the [[vagina]] during [[menstruation]] to absorb the flow of [[blood]]. Several countries, including the [[United States]], under the banner of the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) regulate tampons as medical devices. |
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==History== |
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The ancient Egyptians invented the first disposable tampons made from softened papyrus{{Fact|date=November 2008}}. The ancient Greeks created tampons made from lint wrapped around a small piece of wood, recorded in writing by Hippocrates in the fifth century B.C.{{Fact|date=December 2008}} [[Medicine in medieval Islam|Physicians in the medieval Islamic world]] also described the use of tampons, often for [[Birth control|contraceptive]] purposes.<ref>{{citation|last=Sheikh|first=Sa'diyya|contribution=Family Planning, Contraception, and Abortion in Islam|editor-first=Daniel C.|editor-last=Maguire|title=Sacred Rights: The Case for Contraception and Abortion in World Religions|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] US|year=2003|isbn=0195160010|pages=105-128 [115]}}</ref> Other materials used for the first tampons have included: wool, paper, vegetable fibers, sponges, grass, and later cotton. |
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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>. |
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The applicator tampon with removal cord was invented in 1929 and submitted for patent in 1931 by [[Dr. Earle Haas]], an American man from [[Denver, Colorado]]. Dr. Hass later sold the patent of the applicator tampon to Gertrude Tendrich, who founded the Tampax Company for the mass production of the lengthways expanding tampon. |
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It is documented that gynecologist Dr. Judith Esser-Mittag developed, during her studies on the female anatomy, the digital design of tampon. In the late 1940’s, Dr. Carl Hahn, together with Heinz Mittag worked on the mass production of such a tampon. Dr. Hahn sold his Company which included the digital style tampon range to Johnson and Johnson in 1974. |
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The first fully certified organic, 100% cotton tampons were developed by Natracare in the early 1990's |
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==Design and packaging== |
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Tampons come in various sizes, which are related to their absorbency ratings and packaging. |
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The outward appearance of a tampon is similar for all brands, but once used some will perform differently to others. The two main differences are in the way the tampon expands when in use; for example applicator tampons such as Tampax tampons and Natracare tampons will expand lengthways, whilst OB, Natracare and Lil-lets digital tampons will expand width-ways. All tampons have a cord for removal and some have an additional outer cover to aid insertion and withdrawal. Some women prefer to use a tampon which is contained within an applicator to further aid insertion. |
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The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton. Organic cotton tampons are made from only 100% cotton. Tampons are sold individually wrapped to keep them clean, and because the vagina is not a sterile body-cavity, and for the vast majority of women contains “good bacteria”, there is no need for any menstrual device to be sterilized. |
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Tampon applicators may be made of plastic or cardboard, and are similar in design to a syringe. The applicator consists of two tubes an ‘outer’ and ‘inner’. The ‘outer’ tube has a smooth surface to aid insertion and sometimes comes with a rounded end that is petalled. |
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The tampon itself sits inside the ‘outer’ tube, near the open end. The ‘inner’ tube is encased inside the ‘outer’ tube and held in place by a locking mechanism. The ‘outer’ tube is inserted into the vagina, then the ‘inner’ tube is pushed into the outer tube (typically using a finger) pushing the tampon through and into the vagina. |
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Digital or non-applicator tampons are tampons sold without applicators; these are simply unwrapped and pushed into the vagina with the fingers. |
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==Absorbency ratings== |
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[[Image:Tamponlable.jpg|thumb|right| |
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2 water drop marks mean that the absorbency is between 6 and 9 grams.]] |
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Tampons are available in several different absorbency ratings, which are consistent across manufacturers in the U.S.: |
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*Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under |
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*Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams |
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*Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams |
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*Super Plus absorbency 12 to 15 grams |
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*Super Plus Extra absorbency 15 - 18 grams |
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In the UK absorbencies range as follows: |
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*Lite (light flow) 6g and under |
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*regular (light to medium flow) 6-9g |
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*Super (medium to heavy flow) 9-12g |
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*Super plus (heavy flow) 12-15g |
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*Super plus extra (very heavy flow) 15-18g |
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==Brands== |
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Some common tampon brands include: |
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* [[Kotex]] |
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* O.B. |
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* [[Playtex]] |
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* [[Tampax]] |
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* [[Seventh Generation Inc.]] |
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* [[Natracare]] |
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==Benefits== |
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[[File:Tampon_inserted.svg|right|thumb|The tampon (in pink) fits completely inside the vaginal canal (in blue) except for the string.]] |
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Tampons are a menstrual device worn completely inside the vaginal canal with the exception of the string. Thus they offer discretion and freedom to women allowing activities such as swimming to continue without interruption. It is usually not necessary to remove a tampon before [[urinating]] or having a [[bowel movement]]. However, the hanging string may need to be pulled away from the genitals to avoid becoming wet from urine or feces during urination or having a bowel movement. |
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Unlike [[sanitary pad]]s, menstrual blood is not exposed to the air with the use of tampons, so there is limited odour. There is no way to see that a woman is using a tampon when she is clothed, unlike sanitary pads, which have outlines that can sometimes be seen through fabric. As a disposable product, there is no need to wash anything in between use. |
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==Toxic shock syndrome== |
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{{main|toxic shock syndrome}} |
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Tampons have been shown to have a connection to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal illness caused by [[bacterial infection]]. The U.S. FDA suggests the following guidelines for decreasing the risk of contracting TSS when using tampons: |
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*Follow package directions for insertion |
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*Choose the lowest absorbency needed for one's flow |
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*Change the tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours |
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*Consider alternating disposable pads with tampons |
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*Avoid tampon usage overnight when sleeping |
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*Increase awareness [[warning signs]] of toxic shock syndrome |
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Following these guidelines can help to protect a woman from TSS, and cases of tampon connected TSS are extremely rare in the United States. |
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For UK information please visit www.tssis.com. |
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==Other health concerns== |
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{{POV|date=May 2008}} |
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{{weasel words}} |
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Tampons may contain [[pesticides]] used on the cotton and [[chlorine]] which is used to bleach them. Some of the substances used to bleach tampons have been implicated in the formation of [[dioxin]]. A study by the FDA done in 1995 says there are not sufficient 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. |
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==Alternative choices== |
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{{POV|date=May 2008}} |
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{{Refimprove|date=May 2008}} |
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{{POV-check|date=May 2008}} |
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{{off-topic|menstruation}} |
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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 (contraceptive)|diaphragm]]. |
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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. |
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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. |
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{{commons|Tampon}} |
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==References== |
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*Finley, Harry (1998)(2001). The Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health. Retrieved December 12, 2003 from http://www.mum.org/comtampons.htm |
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*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 |
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*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''. |
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*''Sanpro.'' (April 8, 2003). The Women's Environmental Network. Retrieved December 13, 2003 from http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro/sanpro.htm |
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*Truths and myths about tampons http://www.snopes.com/toxins/tampon.htm |
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* [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] |
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* [http://publicrestrooms.lifetips.com/cat/61839/public-restroom-feminine-hygiene-guide/index.html Practicing Proper Sanitary Napkin Disposal] |
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* 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. |
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{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1926900.html Original patent by Dr. Earle Haas] |
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*[http://www.professorpatents.com/tampon.htm Tampon Related Patents] Tampon Patents |
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[[Category:Feminine hygiene]] |
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[[als:Tampon]] |
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[[cs:Tampon]] |
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[[de:Tampon]] |
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[[es:Tampón (menstruación)]] |
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[[fa:تامپون]] |
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[[fr:Tampon hygiénique]] |
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[[hi:तंपन]] |
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[[he:טמפון]] |
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[[hu:Tampon]] |
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[[nl:Tampon]] |
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[[ja:タンポン]] |
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[[no:Tampong]] |
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[[pl:Tampon]] |
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[[pt:Tampão]] |
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[[fi:Tamponi]] |
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[[sv:Tampong]] |
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[[uk:Тампон]] |
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[[zh:衛生棉條]] |
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Revision as of 15:03, 4 February 2009
hello this is the tampon wikipedia all the saddos who look up tampons are complete and utter nutters