A tampon is a small, cylindrical product made of absorbent material, typically cotton or rayon, designed to be inserted into the vaginal canal to soak up menstrual fluid. A menstrual disc, in contrast, is a flexible, bowl-shaped device made from medical-grade silicone or polymer, intended to collect menstrual fluid. Due to their distinct placement and function, wearing these two internal menstrual hygiene products simultaneously is not recommended.
Why Combined Use is Not Recommended
Attempting to wear a tampon and a menstrual disc simultaneously is advised against due to anatomical incompatibility. Tampons sit low in the vaginal canal, absorbing fluid and expanding radially as they absorb blood.
A menstrual disc is placed much higher up, sitting in the vaginal fornix at the base of the cervix. The disc is secured by tucking the front rim behind the pubic bone, creating a basin that collects fluid. Inserting a tampon while a disc is in place directly interferes with the disc’s position.
The expanding tampon below the disc can exert upward pressure, potentially displacing the disc from its secure position. This displacement can create an awkward angle, increasing the likelihood of leakage. Furthermore, the tampon physically blocks the path of menstrual fluid, which is meant to flow directly into the disc. The combination of these two products may result in discomfort, pressure on the vaginal walls, and product failure.
The Health and Safety Risks of Doubling Up
Using two internal menstrual products simultaneously elevates the risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition. TSS is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The risk of TSS is strongly associated with the prolonged use of highly absorbent internal products, which combining a tampon and a menstrual disc achieves.
Leaving highly absorbent material like a tampon in place for an extended period increases the potential for toxin production. While the disc collects fluid, adding a saturated tampon creates a larger, more favorable environment for bacterial overgrowth. Using two internal products unnecessarily compounds this risk.
Beyond the risk of TSS, combining the products can lead to physical complications within the vaginal environment. The simultaneous pressure exerted by an expanding tampon and a tucked disc can cause increased irritation and dryness of the vaginal walls. This sustained pressure may cause micro-abrasions in the vaginal lining, providing an entry point for bacteria. To reduce the risk of infection and irritation, only one internal menstrual product should be used at a time.
Practical Solutions for Heavy Flow and Leakage
The desire to use both products often stems from concerns about a heavy flow overwhelming a single product. Instead of doubling up, users should focus on selecting products with a higher capacity and ensuring correct insertion. Menstrual discs are an excellent starting point, as many models offer a significantly higher capacity than even the largest tampons.
To maximize the disc’s effectiveness, proper placement is paramount; the front rim must be firmly tucked behind the pubic bone to prevent leakage. If leakage still occurs, it often indicates the disc is not fully covering the cervix or is not securely placed. Switching to a higher-capacity menstrual cup, which uses a suction seal, may also be a helpful alternative.
For additional security, utilizing external back-up protection is a safe and practical solution. Period underwear or highly absorbent reusable pads can manage any overflow without the health risks associated with doubling up. If the flow is so heavy that products must be changed every hour or two, consulting a healthcare provider is prudent to explore medical management options, a condition known as menorrhagia.