Tampon facts for kids
Tampons are special items made of soft, absorbent material. People use them to soak up body fluids. The most common kind is used by girls and women during their menstrual period. It is placed inside the body to absorb the menstrual fluid.
Tampons have a long history. People have used similar items for thousands of years. They were first used in medicine as early as the 1700s.
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What 'Tampon' Means
The word "tampon" comes from an old French word, "tampion." This word meant a piece of cloth used to stop a hole. It could also mean a plug or a stopper.
How Tampons Work
Tampons are designed to be very absorbent. They are usually made of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both. When a tampon is placed correctly, it expands as it absorbs fluid. This helps it fit snugly and prevent leaks. Most tampons have a string at one end to help remove them easily.
Different Types of Tampons
Tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies. This means they can hold different amounts of fluid.
- Light: For very light flow.
- Regular: For a normal flow.
- Super: For a heavier flow.
- Super Plus: For a very heavy flow.
Some tampons have an applicator, which is a tube that helps insert the tampon. Others are "digital," meaning they are inserted with a finger.
Using Tampons Safely
It's important to use tampons safely. Always wash your hands before and after using a tampon. You should change tampons regularly, usually every 4 to 8 hours. Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to a rare but serious condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). If you feel unwell while using a tampon, remove it and seek help from an adult or doctor.
See also
In Spanish: Tampón higiénico para niños
