The tampon shortage in the market which has lasted for six months has left many women wondering how such a basic product could just go missing.
Many women are forced to work with extra inner pants during the cycle to avoid embarrassments.
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual flow by insertion into a woman’s private parts and usually made out of rayon or sometimes a blend of cotton and rayon materials.
Just like the ordinary sanitary towels they all come in different sizes corresponding the amount of liquid they can absorb. They include mini, regular, super or even super plus.
Many men seem not to understand the urgency this causes, but menstrual health is a very intimate part of a woman’s life.
“This is something very personal, it is not a luxury, for some the use of tampons is the only option…,” explains Dr. Nelly Bosire, an obstetrician gynecologist.
Tampons are usually the only option for a percentage of women owing to its flexibility that allows one to engage in activities and more so, an option for those who get allergic reactions from ordinary sanitary towels.
“The material on ordinary pads react to many and it becomes hot and itchy so that is not an option. Tampons allow one to swim or even do sporting activities,” said Dr.Bosire.
According to supermarket retailers, the tampon shortage has so far lasted 6 months. The situation being linked to the recalling of the products, after it failed to meet its quality standards.
But just in case you find yourself between a rock and a hard place, the menstrual cup, which is yet to be fully embraced in the market, is another option.