Mini-tampons are feminine hygiene products used to soak up menstrual fluid. They are inserted into the vagina and used to address light menstrual flow. Once removed, a mini-tampon is disposed of. Although using these items is considered safe, females should realize that there is a slight risk of suffering from toxic shock syndrome.
Before attempting to understand when mini-tampons are appropriate, it is necessary to understand what a tampon is for. It is an item that is used during a female's menstrual cycle. A tampon, often made of cotton, is designed to be inserted into the vagina to soak up the menstrual fluid. Some are designed inside of applicators that help to lodge them inside the vagina without having to insert one's finger.
Using a tampon is preferable to using pads for some women, who feel that tampons are less messy and easier to carry and who appreciate the fact that they remain discreet when wearing apparel such as thongs or bathing suits. Tampons, including mini versions, are single-use items that are discarded after they are removed. Each tampon has a string that is meant to be left dangling outside of the vagina, and this is used to pull it out when it needs to be removed.
There are several options available when selecting tampons, such as regular, super, and mini. A female determines which to use depending on how heavy her flow is. Mini-tampons are designed for a light flow, such as that experienced by many young females or by maturer females at the beginning and end of their periods. These tampons are generally not suitable for heavier menstruation because they tend to have an absorbency capacity of about 2 teaspoons. Using them for heavy menstrual flow would require frequent changing and increases the risk of leakage.
Mini-tampons may be sold in packages with varying quantities. Those packages with more tampons are generally more expensive. Once mini-tampons are removed, they should be thrown into the garbage. Users are generally advised not to attempt to dispose of them by flushing them down a toilet. Individuals who use a WC, however, have less reason to be concerned about this because there is reduced risk of blockage.
Although there is little risk involved with using tampons and they are considered healthy and safe, females should be aware of the possibility of suffering from toxic shock syndrome. Considered rare, this condition is characterized by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and fainting. Packets containing mini-tampons usually inform users about this disease. Individuals are encouraged to reduce their risks by changing their mini-tampons in a timely manner.