MO

I used a tampon for the first time last week and I was angry at the person who handed me my first sanitary pad. I had my first period at the age of 12 and my sister handed me a sanitary pad as if it was the only option out there. I do not blame her because I understand the stigma around women’s health and sexuality in Africa. Stigma leads to misinformation and fear, so a lot of African women like me are either misinformed or uninformed about various menstrual products. Beyond the stigmatization, there are also concerns about virginity, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS shouldn’t stop you from using tampons because it is rare and you can reduce the risk by changing tampons regularly(every four hours) and using the right tampon size. I hate to use the word “virgin” because it promotes slut shaming, however, a tampon will not disvirgin you because it is not considered sexual intercourse.

Using a tampon can be confusing so ask questions and read the user guide that comes with the pack. I was concerned about how to pee with a tampon but navigated my way easily. And if you are wondering if a tampon will get lost inside you, be rest assured that it is impossible. Using a tampon gave me a new kind of liberation as I went about my daily business. I rode my bicycle on a 5 mile trail, danced at a Zumba class and walked around campus comfortably. I didn’t have to awkwardly adjust my pad while running or worry about the pad’s visibility in my sport tights. The best part is that you can even swim with a tampon but I haven’t tried that yet. This tampon phase might pass and I might switch back to pads but I enjoy the current comfortability tampons provides.