Menstrual protection. Young women's knowledge, practice and attitudes

A gynaecological history may necessitate enquiries about menstrual protection. The use of and attitudes to menstrual protection of 1377 young women (15-19 years) were investigated. Most young women (84% used pads for their first few menstrual periods. At the time of survey 34% were using tampons regularly although 64% had tried and found them too difficult to insert. Tampons were the preferred type of menstrual protection. Although mothers were the first source of information about menstrual protection only 25% had explained to their daughters how to use a tampon. Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome had little effect on the use of tampons, over half the women failing to remove a tampon within the 5 h recommended by manufacturers and only 12 subjects ceasing to use tampons. Women who use tampons were older, had a knowledge of menstruation and had no desire to change their type of menstrual protection. Those women who preferred to insert a tampon digitally rather than using an applicator held few misconceptions about menstruation. The use of tampons is associated with many misconceptions which indicates a need for accurate information to be available to young women.