Adolescent tampon usage: Incidence and initiation of usage

Abstract

Study Objective: Although tampons first became commercially available in 1936, there have been few studies concerning tampon usage in general and less so in the adolescent population. As this product became more popular with women, the issue of safety did not seem pertinent until tampons became associated with the toxic shock syndrome in the late 1970s. In addition, toxic shock syndrome was a disease that affected adolescents disproportionately. Although the incidence of menstrual toxic shock syndrome has decreased, the use of tampons are still associated with an increased risk of this particular entity. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of tampon usage in an adolescent population in a private practice setting, as well as who influenced initiation of usage.

Design: One hundred adolescent females between 11 and 18 years of age anonymously filled out a questionnaire regarding the usage of tampons and pads.

Participants: Subjects presented to Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation for either health maintenance examination or minor illness.

Main Outcome Measures: The percentage of subjects who used tampons was measured. In addition, the individual or individuals who influenced initial usage were listed.

Results: Twenty-six percent of these young women used tampons exclusively during their menses. Pads were exclusively used by another 30%. A combination of pads and tampons were used by the remaining 44%. Tampons were first recommended or suggested by mothers in 49% of these females. A girlfriend first suggested their usage in another 36%, and a female sibling in 11%. In an additional 11%, the girl herself decided to start using tampons without consultation from anyone specifically.

Conclusions: We observed that 70% of the adolescent females surveyed used either tampons alone or in combination with pads.

The most influential individual to promote tampon usage in teenagers is the adolescent's mother.

Although most family practitioners, obstetricians, gynecologists and pediatricians state that they discuss feminine hygiene products with their patients at least on some occasion, no one in this particular study initially started using tampons on a physician's recommendation.

As more younger women use tampons, it is even more likely that there will be a higher percentage of adolescent females in the next generation using them. As physicians dealing with adolescents, we should become knowledgeable about tampons, both their beneficial aspects as well as any health risks. It is likely that a significant number of our adolescent patients are using these products without any physician input.