Your menstrual cycle doesn’t have to be a roadblock in your sex life. Some people don’t mind period sex. While it’s totally a personal choice, is wearing a menstrual product while having sex a wise thing to do? The thought of having sex with a tampon in may make you wonder if you should take it out first or just go ahead with intercourse.

Can you have sex with a tampon in?

It is not recommended to have penetrative sex with a tampon in, says Dr Aruna Kumari, an obstetrician and a gynecologist. Here are some problems you may face:

1. Discomfort or pain

The friction and movement during sexual activity can cause discomfort or pain, as the tampon may be pushed deeper into the vagina.

2. Difficulty removing tampon

Since sexual intercourse can push the tampon further into the vagina, it will be challenging to remove it. You might even require medical assistance if the tampon becomes unreachable.

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3. Increased risk of infection

Having sex with a tampon in may increase the risk of bacterial infections due to the introduction of additional bacteria into the vagina, the expert tells Health Shots.

4. Tearing or irritation

The delicate tissues of the vagina may be more prone to tearing or irritation during sex with a tampon in, especially if the menstrual product is dry.

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5. Tampon breakage

The tampon may break during sexual activity, leading to the possibility of tampon fibres remaining in the vagina, which could increase the risk of infections.

6. Disruption of pH balance

Introducing foreign objects like a tampon into the vagina during sex can disrupt the natural pH balance. This may lead to irritation down there or an increased risk of infection.

7. Increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome

While rare, having a tampon in during sex may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, says Dr Kumari. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused mostly by superantigen producing Staphylococcus aureus. They present with high grade fever, rashes, hypotension, desquamation, myalgia later leading to multiorgan failure.

What to do if a tampon gets pushed in too far?

If you end up having sex with a tampon in, and it gets pushed in too far, you can do the following”

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to minimise the risk of infection.
• Find a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet, to make it easier to reach the tampon.
• Gently insert your fingers into your vagina and try to locate the tampon. It may help to bear down as if having a bowel movement, which can bring the tampon lower.
• It is important to relax your pelvic muscles to make removal easier.
• If one position doesn’t work, try changing positions and repeating the process.
• If the tampon is dry, applying a water-based lubricant to your fingers may make it easier to slide out. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can damage the tampon or increase the risk of infection.

Do not use sharp objects or instruments to try to remove the tampon, as this can cause injury or increase the risk of infection. If you are unable to remove the tampon on your own or experiencing pain, take help of a doctor.

Can tampon help to prevent pregnancy?

It might seem like using a tampon to soak up sperm is a good way to prevent pregnancy, but it’s not true. Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual blood and are not in any way associated with contraception or the prevention of pregnancy, says the expert. If you are sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy, it’s important to use a reliable form of contraception such as condoms, hormonal birth control methods and intrauterine device (IUDs).

Tips to use a tampon safely

Using a tampon safely is important to prevent discomfort, infection and other potential issues. Here are some tips for safe tampon use:

• Read instructions prior using a tampon. This includes information on insertion, removal and disposal.
• Select the appropriate tampon absorbency for your menstrual flow.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing a tampon.
• Find a comfortable position for insertion and insert the tampon correctly.
• It’s generally recommended not to use tampons overnight. Opt for pads or menstrual cups during sleep to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

You should also give your body a break from tampons by alternating with sanitary pads or menstrual cups. This can help to reduce the risk of irritation or infection down there.