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Tampons are small, cotton/rayon plugs that, when inserted into the vagina during a woman's period, soak up menstrual blood. They are usually removed by pulling on a small, thin string.
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The first forms of tampons are thought to have been made thousands of years ago by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. They were made from all sorts of natural material, like wool, paper, vegetable fibers, sponges and even grass.
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In ancient times, women may have also used these early forms of tampons as a way to prevent pregnancies.
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Fax, Fibs, Wix, Holly-Pax, Moderne Woman and Nunaps are the very first brand-name tampons made in the 1920s and 1930s. These tampons were inserted without applicators.
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It was a man, Dr. Earle C. Haas, who came up with the idea of making tampons with an easy-to-use applicator. His invention gave birth to what we know today as Tampax.
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Tampons come in all sizes, but the most common ones are regular, super and super plus, depending on how heavy or light a woman's menstrual flow is.
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These days, getting Toxic Shock Syndrome is very rare. Still, the bacteria responsible for causing this serious infection is thought to be associated with super absorbent tampons. Experts say if you're bleeding heavily, it's best to use normal absorbent tampons and to change them often.
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Scientific research has shown that women give off odors or chemicals called pheromones that can alter when and how long you have your period. That's why you and your closest girlfriends can have your period at the same time! This phenomenon is called "menstrual synchrony."
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These days, tampons are also made with natural materials, including organic cotton and sea sponges. These are usually sold in health food stores.
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