Overall, the 2022 tampon shortages are being caused by the same factors as other shortages—access to raw materials, shipping troubles, and labor issues. As Time pointed out, tampons are made with cotton and rayon, two materials that have been in high-demand for personal protective equipment throughout the pandemic.
Over the last year, several tampon and feminine hygiene brands — including Tampax — have faced increased supply chain, shipping, and labor issues that have led to a national shortage. "Not being able to access essential feminine hygiene products is a big worry for millions across the US.
Now, the latest supply chain issue complicating daily life for women across America is a nationwide tampon shortage, set against a backdrop of rising consumer prices because of inflation. For months, Reddit and Instagram users have swapped stories of bare shelves and increased prices.
a childish fit of rage; outburst of bad temper. Also called (Austral): tanty (ˈtæntɪ )
Vakil said she anticipates shortages, constraints and higher pricing (on most items, not just tampons) through 2023. In the meantime, if you're having a hard time finding your go-to tampons, there are plenty of alternative options to help you get through your period.
Tampon alternatives include menstrual cups, discs, period underwear, regular pads, and reusable cloth pads. Tampon alternatives refer to feminine hygiene products used in place of tampons. They have become increasingly popular for many reasons, including their eco-friendliness, durability, and ease of use.
Edgewell, manufacturer of tampon brands Playtex and O.b., told Good Housekeeping that it has unfortunately experienced workforce shortages at its production facilities in relation to COVID surges. The brand claims that inventory has been negatively impacted as a result.
In an exclusive statement to Parade.com, Kotex shared: U by Kotex® products are safe to use and follow all FDA regulations and guidelines. The decision to discontinue U by Kotex® Security tampons was strictly a business decision.
When it comes to tampons, Tampax is the undisputed overlord, with a 29% global market share. (P&G's nearest rival in the sector, Johnson & Johnson, still has less than 20%.) Last year, more than 4.5bn boxes of Tampax were bought worldwide.
Pads are easier and safer to use as compared to tampons. Pad can be a really good choice particularly if you're the kind of person who forgets a tampon is inside you only to find the bacteria which is growing inside is having a vampire party in your pants.
Expert analysis says the more absorbent the tampon, the more bacteria it can hold onto. That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body.
Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to infections and rarely cause life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Each year toxic shock syndrome affects about 1 in 100,000 women.
Do I have to remove my tampon during sex? Absolutely. First things first, you'll want to remove your tampon if you're wearing one. Keeping a tampon in during sex is a very bad idea, as any penetration (from fingers, penises, toys, anything) can actually move the tampon up further inside you.
Can You Swim On Your Period Without a Tampon? As with swimming in general, it's okay to swim on your period without a tampon — or any menstrual product for that matter, says Dr. van Dis. If you want to prevent potential leaks or blood spots on your bottoms by using a period product, you have options.
Yes, you can sleep with a pad on. There's little risk of toxic shock syndrome, you don't need to change them within eight hours, and you can buy wider, more absorbent pads designed for overnight use to minimize your risk of leakage.
You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. No tampon should be used more than once.
Most of the time, blood won't leak out. If you do wear a tampon in the bath or shower, it's a good idea to change your tampon when you get out. The tampon can get wet from the bath or shower. It may not be able to absorb as much blood from your period as a fresh one can.
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.
Green vaginal discharge is often a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Common culprits are a yeast infection or vaginosis, but it is also a common symptom of STDs, like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
When your period flows out of the little hole in the cervix, it tracks along the side of the tampon rather than the central top area so the blood only appears on one side of the tampon. No worries!
Tampon pain from walking or sitting can happen if you haven't inserted the tampon deeply enough. When you put it in, it should go past the nerve endings of your pelvic floor muscles. If you've inserted the tampon to the correct depth, you won't feel it when you're active.
Let your daughter know that it WILL get easier! It may take her a few tries to insert a tampon, but like anything, she will become faster and more comfortable inserting them and will be a pro in no time.
Tampons are more likely to leak than pads because they can't always absorb all the blood flow. Pads are better at absorbing blood, making them a good choice for people who are worried about leaks. However, it may mean you have to change them regularly.