Internal pads are used during menstruation to absorb menstrual blood. You may have doubts about the techniques for removing and discarding them properly, especially if you are trying to act discreetly. You should follow the right procedures to avoid the related health risks. Also, you should always use internal tampons safely to avoid medical problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Discard the tampon at home
Step 1. Never throw it in the toilet bowl
Once removed, you should dispose of it properly. This means never letting it fall down the toilet and then flushing it, otherwise you could clog the drain and damage the plumbing.
Step 2. Wrap it in a piece of toilet paper
You should take a piece of paper to put the used tampon in. By doing this, you prevent blood from dripping everywhere and at the same time protect your hands from direct contact.
By wrapping it in toilet paper you hide it better and make its presence more discreet. This is the most suitable method for covering the tampon
Step 3. Put it in the trash
Make sure to throw it in the trash immediately after removing it, this way you avoid dirtying the surrounding environment and at the same time you get rid of it discreetly.
Sometimes, tampons start to smell when left exposed for a few days; you should therefore use a litter bin dedicated to them, placed next to the normal one or in a bathroom cabinet. Remember to empty this little trash can every day or two
Method 2 of 4: Discard the tampon when you are away from home
Step 1. Cover the swab with toilet paper
Maybe you need to throw it in a public bathroom or in a friend's house where you stop to sleep or go out with. You should always start by wrapping the tampon in toilet paper; in this way, you protect your hands from blood and prevent the flow from dripping on the floor, on the toilet and soiling all the garbage can.
You can decide to use several layers of paper, especially if you are at a friend's house and want to discard the pad discreetly
Step 2. Use the trash can from public restrooms
If you need to remove the tampon in these environments, you can often find a small metal bucket near the toilet, which you can open and put the used tampon in. There may be a label that says "tampons only" or "sanitary towels only".
Make sure to close the lid of the metal bin after you have discarded the tampon. These containers are typically emptied once a day by the cleaning staff
Step 3. Place the tampon in the trash can of a friend's house
If you are in her house for a sleepover or an evening with friends and you need to get rid of the used tampon, you should put it in the trash can. Never throw it in the toilet, as it could clog the drain.
You should also avoid putting it in your pocket or purse, even if you have it wrapped in toilet paper. Tampons emit a strong odor from menstrual blood, and you don't want to end up with a smelly tampon in your pocket or purse
Step 4. Put it in a paper bag if there is no bathroom
If you're camping or don't have access to a bathroom for some reason, you should wrap the tampon in toilet paper, kitchen paper, or foil. Afterwards, transfer it to a plastic or paper bag, to prevent the blood from dripping and soiling everywhere. Finally, try to throw it in a garbage can as soon as possible.
Method 3 of 4: Remove the tampon properly
Step 1. Sit on the toilet
The extraction operation is easier in this position, because you can spread your legs and have access to the tampon. Also, you can bend your fingers better to slide the tampon out of the body.
By sitting on the toilet you are sure that the blood that drips after removal will fall directly into the toilet, avoiding to dirty your underwear or the bathroom floor
Step 2. Find the lanyard attached to the pad
Tampons have a thin string that hangs from one end; you should look between the legs and find the string coming out of the vagina.
If you don't see it, it may have gotten stuck inside later in the day. The string often breaks or tangles when exercising, and you may have to use your fingers to search for it inside the vaginal opening
Step 3. Gently pull the lanyard and remove the swab
Once you have located the lanyard, gently grasp it with two fingers and pull it to slide the tampon out of the body. You shouldn't encounter great tensile strength.
If the tampon does not come out or you have the feeling that it is stuck, you may need the intervention of the gynecologist. Sometimes tampons get stuck if they stay in your body for too long, if the cord gets stuck in your vagina, or if you have intercourse while wearing them. You should have your tampon removed by a doctor as soon as possible; otherwise you run the risk of suffering from toxic shock syndrome
Method 4 of 4: Use Internal Tampons Safely
Step 1. Always change your tampon every 4-8 hours
You should always try to replace it with this frequency, otherwise you risk developing toxic shock syndrome. You may need several tampons a day, depending on your flow, but it should be a detail you already know.
If you tend to forget to change it, set an alarm on your mobile every eight hours or so to remind you of this "date". You should also use tampons when you sleep only if you plan to wake up within eight hours. Use a different method of protection if you plan to sleep longer
Step 2. Use the right type of sanitary napkin for your flow
You should look for the ones that have the correct absorbency level for the abundance of flow. This way, you are sure that you have all the protection you need and that you are using the right solution for your needs. If you have a very heavy flow, especially in the first two or three days of your period, you should choose a tampon with a high absorbency. If you have a light flow, especially in the last days of your period, you should opt for a model with less absorbency.
- You can determine what type of tampon you need by looking at the appearance of the one used when you take it out. If it feels dry, you may be using a model that is too absorbent; if it feels soaked, you need one with a higher absorbency.
- Never use a tampon to manage vaginal discharge. These products are designed to be used only during menstruation.
Step 3. Go to the emergency room if you have any symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
You should be seen by a doctor immediately if you suffer from any ailments related to this condition while wearing a tampon. TSS is an infection caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the vagina. You may experience one or two symptoms at the same time, including:
- Sudden fever (38.8 ° C and more);
- He retched;
- Diarrhea;
- Red rash on the body
- Dizziness or weakness when standing up.
