If you use tampons, it might be wise to stop now and use alternatives such as pads or menstrual cups. Vaginal infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are very common in women who use tampons.

The vagina is self-cleaning and it discharges to clean out dirt and excess fluids and bacteria. Tampons absorb this discharge and prevent cleaning out. They also absorb vaginal fluids, other than menstrual blood, that help protect the delicate lining of the vagina causing splitting, encouraging bacteria to grow and providing easier entry of toxins.

Tampons are porous and they provide bacteria a warm, moist environment when menstrual blood is present allowing for excellent bacterial growth within your vagina. Tampons leave fibres within the vagina that further allow for bacterial growth. Some tampons contain chemicals that can interfere with vaginal pH affecting bacterial balance and allowing for infection. Avoid especially the scented/perfumed tampons.

If you ABSOLUTELY have to use tampons, change them regularly, at least 4 hourly. Not too often as it causes extra dryness and vaginal splitting. NEVER use a tampon at night. There is no gravity when laying down to bring blood down into the tampon and this means tampons absorb vaginal fluids only causing vaginal splitting. Tampons should NEVER be used when not on your period.

Lastly, tampons can kill you. It's called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), where naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus bacteria within the vagina produce toxins that enter into the blood stream, leading to systemic effects and multi-organ shutdown.