What to do with tampons when using the toilet? How to avoid soiling them and what to do if they do get soiled

Some people may be wondering, "What should I do with the tampon when I go to the toilet?" or "Is it okay to urinate with the tampon still in?"
It is possible to defecate with the tampon inserted.
However, if you don't know how to do it properly, the tampon string can become dirty and unsanitary.

In this article, we'll explain how to defecate while wearing a tampon and what to do if it gets soiled.
By reading to the end, you will understand the correct way to use the toilet and be able to spend your period comfortably.

What to do with tampons when you go to the toilet? 3 ways to do it

There are three ways to handle tampons in the bathroom:

• Hold the string to prevent it from getting dirty with urine or feces

• Replace it when it gets dirty

• Change your tampon every time you go to the bathroom

The common thread is "keeping tampons clean."
Knowing the specific methods will also help reduce anxiety when it comes to urination.

1. Make sure the string doesn't get dirty with urine or feces

When you defecate, hold the tampon string to avoid soiling it.
To take advantage of the benefit of tampons, which is that you don't need to change them as often, change the direction you press depending on whether you are urinating or having a bowel movement .

When looking at a woman's vulva from the front, the urethra, through which urine comes out, is on the abdominal side, the vagina, where tampons are inserted, is in the middle, and the anus, through which feces comes out, is on the back.
Therefore, placing the string on the opposite side of the toilet will make it less likely to get dirty and avoid unnecessary changes.
However, there is a possibility that the tampon may come out due to abdominal pressure when defecating.
If the tampon falls out, replace it with a new one, as this can cause discomfort and leakage.

2. Replace it when it gets dirty

If the tampon becomes soiled during excretion, change it immediately as it becomes unsanitary.
Tampons are disposable, and considering the cost, some people may think it's a waste to throw them away right away.
However, continuing to use a soiled tampon can become unsanitary.
Even if the tampon does not become soiled during bowel movements, you should avoid using it for longer than the recommended time, as this can increase the risk of developing an infection.

If you find it a waste to throw away tampons every time they get soiled, we recommend using a menstrual cup.
There are no running costs and you can replace it without hesitation, so it is economically safe to use.

3. Change your tampon every time you go to the bathroom

If you are concerned about your tampon getting soiled by feces, you can change it every time you go to the bathroom.
However, you will no longer be able to take advantage of the benefits of tampons, such as not having to change them frequently and reducing waste.
Also, if you change the tampon every time you go to the toilet, the absorbent body may not absorb enough menstrual blood, which can cause pain when you pull out the tampon due to friction with the vaginal wall.
If you want to change your tampon every time you go to the toilet or if you have a light flow to begin with, you may want to use a tampon with low absorbency.

How to use tampons: A detailed guide from insertion to disposal

If you do not use tampons correctly, you may experience discomfort and pain, as well as the risk of developing an infection, so let's review how to use them.
We'll explain everything from how to insert a tampon to how to dispose of it.

How to Insert a Tampon

Let's review how to insert a tampon.

1. Wash your hands

2. Gently tug on the tampon string to make sure it doesn't break

3. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart

4. Insert at an angle towards the anus

Always wash your hands before handling a tampon to avoid infection and vaginal irritation.
If you take a deep breath and relax during insertion, you will not exert any pressure on your vagina and will be less likely to feel pain.

How to remove a tampon

Here's how to remove a tampon:

1. Wash your hands

2. Open your legs slightly

3. Gently pull the tampon string to remove the absorbent layer from the vagina.

When removing the absorbent pad, use toilet paper to catch it to prevent menstrual blood from splashing and staining your hands.

How to dispose of tampons

Never flush tampons down the toilet.
They are made from cotton wool or rayon materials that are insoluble in water and can cause clogs. [1]
Wrap used tampons in toilet paper and throw them in the toilet bin.
If you feel uncomfortable with just wrapping the tampon because it will be visible, you might consider putting the tampon in a colored plastic bag and then throwing it away in a sanitary bin.
Putting the tampon in a colored bag makes it less visible and less likely to leak odors.
If you carry a few bags with you when you go out, you can feel more secure because you can bring them home even if you don't have a sanitary box.

Also worth reading: What to do with tampons when using the toilet? How to avoid getting them dirty and what to do if they do get dirty

Two benefits of using tampons

There are two main benefits to using tampons:

• Long-lasting use

• There is less risk of menstrual leakage due to slippage

There are many things you need to do to keep tampons clean, and some people may think it's a hassle, but once they learn about the benefits, they might think, "Maybe I should give it a try."
Let's take a look together.

Long-lasting use

The duration of use varies depending on the product, but many can last up to 8 hours. [2]
If the tampon string does not get dirty with urine or feces, it can be used for the specified time indicated on the package.
To get the most out of a tampon, try to hold the string in the right direction and change it less frequently.
Tampons can be used for a long time, but be sure to remove them within the prescribed time as there is a risk of developing an infection.

There is less risk of menstrual leakage due to slippage

Tampons absorb menstrual blood inside the vagina, so there is less risk of menstrual leakage due to slippage.
Since the napkin is attached to the shorts, it may get twisted and shift out of place when you pull down the shorts to defecate.
On the other hand, tampons are menstrual products that are inserted into the vagina, so there is less risk of them slipping out.
If you're worried about leaking while using tampons, try switching to a tampon that can absorb more.
If you are still worried, you can use a sanitary napkin at the same time to reduce the risk of leaking menstrual blood.

If you're worried about tampon strings getting dirty in the bathroom, we recommend a menstrual cup!

If you are concerned about the tampon string getting dirty when you defecate, you may want to consider using a menstrual cup.
Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina, including the stem, so there is less risk of contamination with urine or stool.
Also, like tampons, menstrual cups can fall out due to abdominal pressure during bowel movements, but they can be reinserted.
With tampons, if one falls out you have to replace it with a new one, which incurs extra costs, so menstrual cups are more economical.
If you think it's a hassle to have to worry about tampon strings every time you go to the bathroom, or that it's a waste to throw them away every time you go to the bathroom, why not try a menstrual cup?

Frequently asked questions about using the toilet while using tampons

We answer some common questions about using the toilet while using tampons.
Make sure you use tampons correctly.

Can tampons be flushed down the toilet?

Tampons cannot be flushed down the toilet.
These are made from absorbent cotton or rayon materials that are insoluble in water and can cause blockages. [1]
Wrap used tampons in toilet paper and throw them in the toilet bin.

Do you change your tampons every time you go to the toilet?

There is no need to change it every time you go to the toilet.
However, if you are about to exceed the tampon's recommended time or if the tampon string becomes soiled with urine or feces, it should be changed as it has become unsanitary.

Do you have any tips for putting in a tampon in the bathroom?

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, take a deep breath and relax.
When you are tense, tension is placed on the area around your vagina, which can cause pain.
Also, because the vagina is tilted backward, inserting it at an angle toward the anus reduces friction with the vaginal wall and makes it less painful.

summary

If you go to the bathroom with a tampon in, make sure to hold the string in the correct position.
If the string becomes soiled, remove the tampon as it will become unsanitary.
If you think it's a hassle to hold down the string on a tampon or it's a waste to have to change it every time it gets dirty, consider using a menstrual cup.

With a menstrual cup, the entire cup, including the stem, is inserted into the vagina, so you can urinate without worrying about the string.
Even if the cup gets dirty, you can just wash it and use the same one, so you are less likely to incur unnecessary costs.
Murmo's menstrual cup has a LINE support system in place so that even beginners can use it with confidence.
If you're concerned about the tampon string getting dirty when you defecate, you might want to consider a menstrual cup.

References

[1] About tampons | Japan Sanitary Materials Industry Association
[2] Voluntary Standards for Menstrual Cups Prepared by the Japan Sanitary Materials Industry Association | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare