Female reproductive health products like tampons have surprisingly only become more normalised by the turn of the 21st century. Considering that tampons have been around since the 1930s and its popularity, you’d think that the misconceptions and myths surrounding tampons would have been dispelled by now, but sadly, that’s not quite the case.

Read on, dear reader, as we debunk and discuss three common myths about tampons and their use.

Dispelling 3 tampon misconceptions no one should believe in...  

Myth 1: Tampons will give you toxic shock syndrome.

It’s a common misconception that people who use tampons are very likely to have toxic shock syndrome. While tamponscanland you with this infection, the chances of this occurring are extremely slim, and when identified early, one may even recover from it through treatment. It’s likely not going to affect you, but it always helps to stay informed.

Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a rare and life-threatening infection that’s mostly affiliated with menstruating people, and it occurs with the release of bacteria calledStaphylococcus aureusinside one’s bloodstream. Signs of this include flu-like symptoms (e.g. widespread rashes, high fevers, etc.), diarrhea, and muscle aches. 

While this may all sound terrifying, you don’t have to give tampons up altogether! Just be mindful of the disease’s warning signs, such as foul discharge after a few days. If and when you do notice the more obvious symptoms, such as diarrhea and rashes, go to the doctor as soon as possible. 

Myth 2: Tampons can get “lost” inside you.

While a tamponcango deeper inside your vagina, it’s not lost. Rest assured that it’s inside there, and it has nowhere else to go. That’s because it’s impossible for tampons to get past the cervix, which is the barrier between the vagina and the uterus, and there is little space for which the tampon can wander off to. Just make sure to insert the tampon as directed in the packaging, and you should be fine.

Myth 3: Tampons make you lose your virginity.

That’s quite frankly impossible. Tampons are tools of period protection for menstruating people, and it has nothing to do with virginity, which is a cultural idea that concerns sex. The primary concern perhaps is whether the tampon will affect the hymen, the thin, stretchy rim surrounding the vaginal opening, and something affiliated with virginity. It does not affect it, as tampons are small enough to fit through most openings without directly affecting the hymen, and hymens can change shape with age, weight, and normal physical activities. 

Tampons have been around for a long time, and while it hasn’t been normalised yet in today’s environment, it shows that there’s still a long way to go when it comes to dispelling misinformation and promoting reproductive healthcare. Companies like Cycle are here to help ease and give comfort to menstruating people and anyone willing to learn more about these topics. 

Download YourCycle app for personalised information on everything to do with your cycle. It’s completely free and always will be.