Internal absorbents: mode of use, advantages, disadvantages

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Interior absorbents: what are they?

Internal sanitary napkins (or tampons) absorb menstrual flow directly into the vaginal canal, preventing the same blood from escaping. Internal pads are a valid alternative to external pads: they are hygienic, comfortable and offer maximum discretion. Probably, during the very first applications the woman can find some difficulties to insert and wear the inner pad; only a little practice is needed to understand the correct method of insertion.

Mode of use

After becoming familiar with your body, the application of the internal absorbent will be spontaneous, simple and immediate. Many women are of the opinion that it takes only two or three "tests" to understand how to insert the swab correctly.

1. Relax and take time: especially during the first applications, relaxation of the body and, above all, of the pelvic muscles is extremely useful.
2. Find a comfortable position to facilitate the insertion of the swab: some women prefer to insert the absorbent from toilet seats, others believe that the most comfortable position is standing with the knees slightly bent.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly
4. Discard the internal absorbent from the protective casing
5. Insert the swab gently into the vagina:
• BUFFERS WITH APPLICATOR (tampax type): use the thumb and middle finger to fix the applicator (consisting of an external tube and an internal one). The pad is already placed inside the tube. Next, place the applicator on the vaginal opening: the swab cord should hang down. To facilitate insertion, direct the tip of the swab towards the lower back. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina (until the fingers that push it upwards touch the body). With the index finger, push the inner tube completely into the outer tube: the absorbent will thus be automatically positioned in the correct position, inside the vagina. Then, gently remove the two paper (or plastic) tubes.
• BUFFERS WITHOUT APPLICATOR (type OB): after having discarded the pad from its protective casing, dissolve and stretch the cord (which will be useful for subsequent removal). With the index and middle fingers of one hand gently open the lips of the vagina. With the index finger of the other hand, push the swab (from the base) into the vaginal cavity, directing it as far as possible inside and upwards. When the pad is correctly positioned, its presence must not be perceived.
6. After 4-6 hours, proceed with the removal of the internal absorbent: the pad must be changed when it is completely soaked, and it must never be held back for more than 8 hours. If it is too dry, a change is not necessary. Extend the cord to remove the swab: to facilitate the procedure, it is recommended to push with the pelvic muscles, as if to defecate. Relax and gently pull the cord forward, with the same angle used for insertion. The pad can also be removed by gripping it with your fingers.
7. Wrap the inner pad in the toilet paper and throw it in the special bin. Do not throw it in the toilet.
8. To wash hands

Below are two videos that illustrate the procedures for correct insertion and use of internal pads.

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Watch the video

Precautions

1. Always wash hands before and after absorbent insertion
2. Use the internal absorbent with the lowest degree of absorbency among those designed to meet your needs
3. Use only internal pads to absorb menstrual flow: do not use to absorb other vaginal discharge
4. Change the internal absorbent every 4-8 hours; if necessary, change more frequently
5. Do not hold the inner pad for more than 8 hours
6. Relaxing: if the anus lifting muscle is contracted, the insertion of the internal absorbent can cause discomfort or pain
7. Find a convenient location for inserting the inner pad
8. If the pad cannot be inserted easily, a thin layer of lubricating cream can be applied to facilitate its application
9. Choose an internal absorbent suitable for your menstrual flow: for example, do not use extra-absorbent models during the last days of your cycle!
10. If the presence of the internal absorbent is perceived, it is advisable to push it slightly deeper
11. Always remove the used pad before inserting a new one
12. Always remove the last swab at the end of the menstrual cycle

Internal absorbents and toxic shock syndrome

Let's immediately dispel a popular belief: to date, the internal sanitary napkins - if used correctly - are not related in any way to the toxic shock syndrome, since they are made with good quality materials. In the past, however, the particular (poor) composition of internal sanitary napkins could predispose women who used it to toxic shock syndrome. It is a rare but extremely serious condition that can affect men, women and children without distinction. The toxic shock syndrome is caused by the toxins of Staphylococcus Aureus, a saprophytic bacterium which, in physiological conditions, normally populates the mucous membranes of the nose and vagina. In the presence of a decline in immune defenses, the bacterium replicates indiscriminately, causing damage: high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness (similar to sunburn), dizziness, muscle pain, sore throat, fainting, syncope, shock and, in the more serious cases, death.

In the past it was believed that women who used internal sanitary napkins were more exposed to the risk of this syndrome. The correct use of internal absorbents minimizes the risk of contracting similar serious pathologies.

However, the toxic shock syndrome can also occur regardless of the use of internal absorbents. However, to further minimize the risk, it is advisable to alternate the use of internal sanitary napkins with external ones and (above all) not to hold the same tampon in the vagina for over 8 hours.

Advantages, disadvantages and contraindications