Advice for using periodic protection
To fight against menstrual poverty, and thus make the lives of more than 9000 students easier, the University of Reunion is committed to installing free periodic protection dispensers on all of the establishment's sites and campuses in the spaces common to students.
- Remember to wash your hands before and after changing intimate protection.
- Respect the recommendations for use specific to each protection, in particular those on the wearing time of tampons and cups.
- Be sure to choose your periodic protection with an absorbency adapted to your menstrual flow, in order to change it regularly.
- Use a tampon only during your period.
- Do not use periodic protection if the packaging appears damaged.
- It is important to follow hygiene rules in order to reduce the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome linked to periods.
How often should I change my sanitary napkin?
- Change your towel every 04 to 06 hours
- Use a towel suitable for your flow
How often should I change my tampon?
- The maximum wear time for a tampon is 04 to 06 hours
- Do not wear tampons at night or outside of your period
- Use the tampon with the lowest absorbency necessary for the abundance of your period.
How do you know if a tampon has the right absorbency?
Consider using a tampon whose absorption capacity is adapted to your flow.
Since the flow varies from day to day, don't hesitate to stock up on a small supply of tampons with different absorption capacities so you always have the one you need on hand.
If you remove your tampon after six hours and part of its surface is still white, opt for a lower absorbency.
While changing your tampon regularly of course helps prevent leaks, it is also very important to reduce the risk of period-related toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
For people who have already had toxic menstrual shock, do not use internal intimate protection (tampons, menstrual cups).
Period-related toxic shock syndrome?
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, acute but potentially fatal syndrome. It can affect some people who use internal intimate devices (tampons, menstrual cups).
In order to reduce the risk, it is strongly recommended to respect the duration of wearing tampons and/or menstrual cups (4 to 6 hours and depending on the flow). Don't forget to wash your hands before and after changing any intimate protection.
Respect the conditions of use and the rules of hygiene and sterilization of your menstrual cup.
During your period, if you notice: fever, vomiting, feeling unwell with headache, diarrhea, skin rashes, remove your periodic protection and seek urgent care.