Everything You Need To Know About Tampons

If you look closely at Lankan society, you will notice two types of people: The ones who are totally against the idea of tampons, and those who are completely on board with wearing them. What’s alarming to note is the fact that as Sri Lankans, we’ve grown up perceiving tampons as taboo (no thanks to what we’ve learned at school and home). As a result, young women are considerably unlearned on the subject of tampons. All we seem to know is that’s its totally frowned upon. So, what the deal with tampons and why are we so fussed about using them? Sumaiya Shuaibdeen shares with the class.

- Sumaiya Shuaibdeen

Back To Basics

With mounted curiosity (not to mention a whole lot of full of myths), I began digging into the origin of tampons. For those of you not in the know, tampons were commercialized after World War I when people discovered that less gauze was utilized compared to sanitary pads. At the time, there was a distinct scarcity of materials, and this finding proved advantageous.

Today, we no longer use tampons due to a lack of materials, but more for its total convenience. Picture this: You’re heading to the beach with boo, but you know you won’t be able to get in ‘cause you just got your period. Aside from the inevitable cramps for most girls, a visit from Aunt Flo isn’t ever on the agenda especially when you’re planning to be neck deep in water. What do you do now? Tampons to the rescue! On the one hand, it can truly be a life saver and on the other, it’s merely personal preference!

The Varieties

Surprisingly, there are 3 types: There’s one with a cardboard applicator which is the most inexpensive out of the 3, one has a plastic cover, and the last has no applicator and is called the digital tampon. Your mouth dropped open? Yeah, mine did too!