Internal absorbents: definition
Internal pads are cotton and / or rayon pads to be inserted gently into the vaginal cavity during menstruation. The function of internal absorbents is to absorb the menstrual flow, preventing the uterine blood from escaping from the vagina.
Another recurring doubt concerns the correlation between internal absorbents and infections, and again between tampons and toxicity. Not to mention the hesitancy to use internal pads because they are "difficult to insert".
With this article we try to give an exhaustive answer to the innumerable questions posed by women on internal pads, trying to shed light on the most frequent doubts.
Features
Internal pads are available with or without applicator, a double plastic or cardboard tube that withdraws after applying the pad. Generally, young women prefer the variant with the applicator, because it is easier to insert into the vagina.
The pads with applicator have a design very similar to a syringe: the applicator consists of an external tube ("barrel") and an internal tube (plunger), which will facilitate the insertion of the absorbent into the vagina.
Quality internal sanitary napkins contain pure cotton wool; others consist of mixtures of rayon (transparent fiber obtained from cellulose) and cotton. All internal sanitary napkins are equipped with a pendulous cable (which must remain outside the vagina) to facilitate removal; others have an additional external cover to further simplify the extraction of the used absorbent.
Each swab is contained in a paper or plastic bag to ensure sterility and safety of the product.
Internal pads are available in different "sizes", designed for all phases of the menstrual cycle: the pads must therefore be chosen based on the abundance of the flow.
On the packaging of the sanitary napkins there are generally some drop-shaped symbols: a single drop indicates that the tampon is indicated for light flows (last days of the menstrual cycle). For abundant menstrual flows - in particular during the first days of the cycle or at night - it is advisable to choose the internal pads which have 3 or more drops on the label.
| Number of drops (on the package) | Absorbency (blood g) * | Type of flow |
| 1 drop (light) | Degree of absorbency less than 6 grams | Suitable for light flows |
| 2 drops (regular) | Degree of absorbency: 6-9 grams | Suitable for light to medium flows |
| 3 drops (super) | Degree of absorbency: 9-12 grams | Suitable for medium or strong flows |
| 4 drops or more (superplus) | Degree of absorbency: 12-15 grams | Suitable for very abundant flows |
Although apparently the same, there are two types of internal absorbents, distinguished on the basis of the absorbency mode:
- Expansion in length. Tampax is the protagonist of this category: these are tampons widely used by women, which expand in length as they absorb menstrual blood. Tampax are equipped with a specific applicator.
- Radial expansion. In the other category of internal absorbents the OB stands out: absorbing the menstrual flow the pad expands radially, that is it increases in diameter without lengthening. The sanitary pads of this category are not provided with an applicator: to insert them, the woman must push the absorbent into the vagina with a finger.
Internal absorbents and virginity
It is necessary to spend a few words on a subject particularly felt by the very young: can the tampon cause the loss of virginity? The answer to this question is NO: the internal absorbent does not interfere in any way with female virginity. The hymen is a thin flexible membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina: women who have not consumed any sexual relationship have an intact hymen. The insertion of the tampons cannot cause the rupture of the hymen, since it must be inserted through the same opening that allows the passage of the menstrual flow.
Internal absorbents and pain
Many women avoid the application of internal sanitary napkins because they are afraid of the alleged pain during their insertion into the vagina. This statement is questionable: a correct use of the internal absorbent does not cause any pain, so much so that the woman must not perceive its presence in the vaginal canal.
In the case of painful perception during insertion, it is likely that the levator ani muscle is too tight: the cause of the pain therefore depends on an incorrect positioning of the absorbent.
Is it possible to feel pain even if the swab is correctly positioned?
In some women, especially in very young women who have not yet had intercourse, the persistent pain to insert the tampon - even if positioned correctly - is a warning that should alarm: in this case, it is likely that the woman may suffer in the future from dispareunia (painful relationships).
Before starting to use internal sanitary napkins, we recommend an expert opinion: it is the gynecologist's task, in fact, to instruct the woman on the correct insertion of the internal tampon.
Internal absorbents: Mode of Use, Advantages, Disadvantages »
