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Tampons are sanitary pads that can be inserted into the vagina to catch the menstrual flow. These pads are made of cotton or rayon. Some pads could be made of a mixture of cotton and rayon. The tampons are for one time use only.

History indicates that the first tampons were the invention of the Egyptians. Papyrus softened to absorbency was inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Greek women made tampons by wrapping a piece of wood with lint. References to such use has been made in the works of Hippocrates in the 5th century B.C. Wool, paper, vegetable fibers, sponges, grass and cotton were other material used by these early women to create tampons.

The word Tampon means ‘to stop’ in French. French women used salicyclates to create tampons for their use to stem blood of soldiers wounded in battle.

So the modern tampon is not a new discovery. It is an adaptation of earlier versions of the product. However, the modern tampon is an improvement in so far as it comes with an applicator cord that was invented by Dr.Earle Haas in 1929. The Tampax Company mass produced it in 1931 for use on bleeding soldiers. The tampon for menstrual flow with applicator cord is credited to Dr.Carl Hahn and Heinz Mittag. The rights to manufacture this product were purchased by Johnson and Johnson in 1974. Organically made tampons were designed by Natracare in 1990.

Most tampons sold today are made from 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and rayon. They are often sold individually or in packs. Tampons are packaged in accordance with sizes and absorbency parameters. Some tampons expand axially, while others expand radially with use.

A plastic outer covering is sometimes fitted on to the tampon to make it easy for insertion. The inner tube of the tampon is normally made of cotton even though the outer tube is plastic. A locking mechanism clicks into place when the tampon is inserted into the vagina. The tampon can be inserted into the vagina using the fingers or with the applicator. A few tampon brands do not cover their tampons with the plastic covering for environmental reasons. These tampons have to be inserted with the fingers.

Health practitioners warn that prolonged use of tampons can lead to the onset of Toxic shock syndrome (TSS). They advise that women should alternate between tampons and sanitary pads during menstruation to avoid becoming a victim of the condition. TSS can be fatal. Tampons should not be used at night when in bed.

Pesticides and chlorine in the cotton used for making tampons can affect the health of the woman. Chlorine forms dioxin which can be very harmful to the woman who uses the tampon that contains the substance.

In British Columbia, Canada a Company Winalite has a healthy alternative to tampons. The Winalite sanitary napkins stay dry and also have negative ion technology to keep inflammation down.