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| - Last Updated on August 31, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that tampons are bad for you as it causes endometriosis. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
The narrator of an Instagram post with the caption, “Thats just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to the harm #tampons can cause.
#endometriosisawareness” states that women should stop using a tampon as it pushes the flow back up and the endometrium cells get misplaced in the belly cavity, which can cause tremendous pain with a condition called endometriosis.
Fact Check
What are tampons?
Tampons are a type of menstrual hygiene product that is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. They are made of absorbent material, such as cotton or rayon, and are held in place by a string. Tampons come in a variety of sizes and absorbencies to accommodate different menstrual flows.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue or cells similar to the lining of the uterus or endometrium grow outside the uterus. It causes painful and heavy periods, pain during intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, infertility, etc. The exact cause of this disease is not certain. However, retrograde menstruation (a condition where the period flows upward toward the fallopian tube instead out of the vagina) is believed to be one.
Are tampons harmful?
Rarely. Tampons are generally safe when used correctly, but there are considerations for safe use. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious concern associated with tampon use; maintain proper hygiene, avoid using the super absorbent ones and changing tampons every 4-8 hours can help reduce this risk.
Also, some tampons may contain chemicals that could irritate sensitive individuals. If worried, consider alternatives like pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use tampons is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Tampons are a good option for women who want a discreet and comfortable way to manage menstrual bleeding. They can be worn for longer periods of time than pads, and they are less likely to leak. Everyone’s body is different, so if there are concerns or discomfort, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr. Nidhi Jha comments, “Not really. Tampons are generally safe when used correctly and changed at the right frequency. Although Tampons are associated with a serious but rare illness known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), it can be prevented. Ideally, you should use the lowest absorbent tampon, change your tampon every 4-8 hours, even if it is not soaked and if you experience any of the symptoms of TSS, such as fever, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea, remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention.”
Can tampons cause endometriosis?
Dr. Jha clears this by stating, “No, tampons do not cause endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Tampons absorb menstrual blood, they do not push endometrial cells back up into the uterus and that’s why it doesn’t cause Endometriosis.”
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that tampon use causes endometriosis. Endometriosis is a complex condition. The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune system factors.
Tampon use has not been identified as a direct cause of endometriosis. In fact, a study by Yale Medicine even states that tampons appear to protect women from endometriosis. Also, unlike what the claimant states, using tampons does not push menstrual flow back up into the uterus or cause endometrial cells to be misplaced in the abdominal cavity. Menstrual flow is the shedding of the uterine lining, and it is expelled from the uterus through the cervix and out of the vaginal opening. Tampons are designed to absorb this flow and do not have the ability to push it back into the uterus. Also research shows the several women have at least a few endometrial cells that travel into the Fallopian tubes, and yet most don’t develop endometriosis. If you have concerns about endometriosis or menstrual health, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information and guidance.
THIP Media has previously fact checked some claims about tampons such as the use of tampons can replace vaginal steaming, titanium dioxide in tampons cause cancer, placing an Ivermectin-soaked tampon inside you cure COVID-19, and so on.
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