Tampon

2 water drop marks mean that the absorbency is between 6 and 9 g.

Tampons are available in several absorbency ratings, which are consistent across manufacturers in the U.S.:[7]

• Junior/Light absorbency: 6 g and under
• Regular absorbency: 6–9 g
• Super absorbency: 9–12 g
• Super Plus absorbency 12–15 g
• Ultra absorbency 15–18 g

Absorbency ratings outside the US may be different. The majority of non-US manufacturers use absorbency rating and Code of Practice recommended by EDANA (European Disposals and Nonwovens Association).

A piece of test equipment referred to as a Syngina (short for synthetic Vagina) is usually used to test absorbency. The machine uses a condom into which the tampon is inserted, and synthetic menstrual fluid is fed into the test chamber.[8]

Toxic shock syndrome was named by Dr. James K. Todd in 1978.[9] Dr. Philip M. Tierno Jr., Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at the NYU Langone Medical Center, helped determine that tampons were behind toxic shock syndrome (TSS) cases in the early 1980s. Tierno blames the introduction of higher-absorbency tampons in 1978, as well as the relatively recent decision by manufacturers to recommend that tampons can be worn overnight, for increased incidences of toxic shock syndrome.[10] However, a later meta-analysis found that the absorbency and chemical composition of tampons are not directly correlated to the incidence of toxic shock syndrome, whereas oxygen and carbon dioxide content is associated more strongly.[11][12]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests the following guidelines for decreasing the risk of contracting TSS when using tampons:[13]

• Follow package directions for insertion
• Choose the lowest absorbency needed for one's flow (test of absorbency is approved by FDA)
• Follow guidelines and directions of tampon usage (located on box's label)
• Consider using cotton or cloth tampons rather than rayon
• Change the tampon at least every 6 to 8 hours or more often if needed
• Alternate usage between tampons and pads
• Avoid tampon usage overnight or when sleeping
• Increase awareness of the warning signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome and other tampon-associated health risks (and remove the tampon as soon as a risk factor is noticed)

Cases of tampon-connected TSS are very rare in the United Kingdom[14][15][16] and United States.[17][18] A study by Tierno also determined that all cotton tampons were less likely to produce the conditions in which TSS can grow, this was done using a direct comparison of 20 brands of tampons including conventional cotton/rayon tampons and 100% organic cotton tampons from Natracare. In fact Dr Tierno goes as far to state that "The bottom line is that you can get TSS with synthetic tampons but not with an all-cotton tampon." [19]

Sea sponges are also marketed as menstrual hygiene products. A 1980 study by the University of Iowa found that commercially sold sea sponges contained sand, grit, and bacteria. Hence, sea sponges could also potentially cause toxic shock syndrome.[20]

Tampons are currently being used and tested to restore and/or maintain the normal microbiota of the vagina to treat bacterial vaginosis.[21] Some of these are available to the public but come with disclaimers.[22] The efficacy of the use of these probiotic tampons has not been established.

Several political statements have been made in regards to tampon use. In 2000, a 10% goods and services tax (GST) was introduced in Australia. While lubricant, condoms, incontinence pads and numerous medical items were regarded as essential and exempt from the tax, tampons continue to be charged GST. Prior to the introduction of GST, several states also applied a luxury tax to tampons at a higher rate than GST. Specific petitions such as "Axe the Tampon Tax" have been created to oppose this tax, although no change has been made.[34]

In the UK, tampons are subject to value added tax (VAT) at a reduced rate of 5%, as opposed to the standard rate of 20% applied to the vast majority of products sold in the country.[35] The relevant EU legislation was finally changed in 2016.[36] In March 2016, Parliament created legislation to eliminate the tampon VAT.[37][38] It was expected to go into effect by April 2018 but did not do so.[39] On the 3rd October 2018, new EU VAT rules that will allow the UK to stop taxing sanitary products were approved by the European Parliament. [40]

In Canada, the federal government has removed the Goods and services tax (GST) and Harmonized sales tax (HST) from tampons and other feminine hygiene products as of July 1st, 2015.[41]

Historically, the word "tampon" originated from the medieval French word "tampion", meaning a piece of cloth to stop a hole, a stamp, plug, or stopper.[42]

Use of a tampon could stretch or break the hymen. Since some cultures regard preservation of the hymen as a supposed evidence of virginity (see also virginity test), this can discourage young women from using tampons.