meIf you're a tampon wearer, it may feel like you've been using this handy cotton device for ages. But even after all these years, you may still have questions, including how and why it works. (Don’t panic, we’ve all felt this way. And since reproductive health isn’t talked about enough, it’s natural to have questions!)
Sure, you can Google these questions, but you may need to dig a little deeper to separate fact from fiction. And who doesn't have internet? Did not do it Have you ever heard a myth or two about tampons, like using them will stretch your vagina, rupture your hymen, or make you non-virgin? (These are all false, BTW.)
One major question is whether it's okay to poop with a tampon in. To conclude this (valid) query, we tapped an OB/GYN to share whether or not you can poop and urinate with a tampon in. Read on. If you're a tampon wearer, we've got the answer, along with our top hygiene tips to keep things fresh “down there.”
Can I poop with a tampon?
You may have heard it here. It is completely safe to have a bowel movement while wearing a tampon. “The primary concerns are hygiene and comfort rather than medical safety,” says Stephanie Hack, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and founder of Lady Parts Doctor.
This means that as long as you don't feel any pain, you can go as many times as you like. But the remaining issue is hygiene. If a tampon string becomes contaminated with poop, “bacteria from the rectal area can be transferred to the vaginal or urethral area, potentially causing an infection,” says Dr. Hack. For example, bacteria like E. coli that can be found in stool can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Can a tampon fall out when you poop? This is rarely the case with tampons. completely Although they will fall out when you have a bowel movement, there is still a chance that they may fall out a little if you strain during a bowel movement. Basically, it's possible to push a tampon out. This is largely due to anatomy, says Dr. Hack.
This happens because the vaginal and anal canals overlap to some degree, according to the Cleveland Clinic. So the force that pushes out the poop may also push out anything in the neighboring canal, namely a tampon.
If this happens, it's usually best to change your tampon, says Dr. Hack.
Related Reading: Why Does My Period Make Me Poop More?
If you think Aunt Flo poops more than usual when she comes to town, you're not imagining it. “Period poop” is a real thing, and frequent straining can make it feel like a tampon is slipping out.
“Menstrual periods can affect your digestive system due to the release of prostaglandins,” says Dr. Hack. These hormone-like substances “help the uterus contract and shed the lining, but they can also increase bowel movements,” she explains.
Bottom line: It's normal to poop more during your period, and the amount/frequency of urination varies from person to person. This also means you're likely to poop more often using tampons.
Can I urinate with a tampon in?
If you can do number 2 with a tampon, you'd assume it would be okay to do number 1. And you are 100% right. Thanks to the body's natural design, it is possible to urinate with a tampon in.
“Because of the urethra [where pee exits] Because the vagina is separate, tampons do not block the flow of urine,” says Dr. Hack. However, because these holes are so close together, the exposed tampon string can get wet.
Unlike poop, peeing on a tampon string is “more of a personal comfort than a health risk,” says Dr. Hack. Urine is sterile (i.e., free of bacteria). This means that there is no increased risk of infection if the strap gets wet. According to the Cleveland Clinic. You can just pat it dry, or leave it alone if it doesn't cause any problems, says Dr. Hack.
Hygiene tips for tampon wearers
Although it is generally safe to have a bowel movement while wearing a tampon, taking a few precautions for hygiene can help protect your reproductive health. Here are Dr. Hack's bathroom tips: Tampons can help you poop like a pro.
- Wipe from front to back: This helps prevent bacteria from the rectal area from being transferred to the urethra or vagina, where they can cause infection.
- Hold the tampon string sideways when pooping (or urinating). This will prevent the straps from getting dirty with poop (or getting wet with urine).
- Always use clean hands when handling tampons. Don't change your tampon right after pooping. You don't want any bad bacteria from your butt hole to reach your urethra or vagina. To be safe, it's best to wash your hands before (and after) handling tampons.
If in doubt, there's no harm in simply changing tampons to feel more comfortable.
conclusion
Pooping with a tampon in is totally NBD. This is really a matter of personal preference as there is no medical reason not to do so.
However, for the sake of cleanliness, it's a good idea to take a few simple precautions to prevent poop from getting on your straps. Beyond that, think of it as a green light to poop and urinate as much as you need while wearing a tampon.
frequently asked questions
How many times can you urinate with a tampon?
Really, it's up to you. “You don’t need to change your tampon more often when you urinate (or have a bowel movement) unless it gets dirty or falls out,” says Dr. Hack. “This decision is about personal hygiene preferences and making sure the tampon functions properly to absorb menstrual blood.”
So, unless you are physically comfortable and don't wear a tampon for more than 8 hours. golden You can urinate as much as you want.
How do you know if a tampon is full?
“If your tampon starts to become uncomfortable or leaks, it may be time to replace it,” says Dr. Hack. “A light tug on the string may also help. “If the tampon begins to fall out easily, it is most likely full.”
Do not leave tampons on for more than 8 hours. Wearing it for longer than that may increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It's a rare but serious condition that occurs when certain toxin-producing bacteria enter the bloodstream, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A lax period of leaving tampons on can lead to inflammation of the vulva (i.e. the inner and outer labia and the outer part of the genitals, including the labia and pubis), as well as other bacterial or yeast infections. area where your pubic hair grows).
Large quantities can cause tampons to get wet quickly, so changing them more often is a good idea to avoid potential health problems. (Your underwear will thank you, too.)
Can a dry tampon be damaged if taken out?
Sometimes, taking out a dry tampon when your period is light can be downright uncomfortable. And in some cases, it can cause “minor damage to the vaginal mucosa due to friction,” says Dr. Hack. ouch.
To prevent this, “it’s best to use the right absorbency for your flow,” she says. In other words, when your flow is light, use a smaller size tampon. On nice days, you can even skip tampons altogether and wear panty liners or reusable menstrual underwear. If traditional ingredients in tampons, such as rayon or certain fragrances, irritate your skin, you can search for alternative tampon brands that use 100% cotton or other natural ingredients.
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