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Intravaginal and in vitro temperature changes with tampons of differing composition and absorbency
Donna R Hill1, Catherine C Davis, Thomas W Osborn
1The Procter & Gamble Company, Feminine Care Product Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|December 22, 2009
Summary
Menstrual tampon use generates heat as they absorb fluid. Different tampon designs, including those with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), show varying temperature changes, potentially influencing bacterial toxin production.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Gynecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Vaginal tampons are Class II medical devices for menstruation management.
- Understanding intravaginal temperature dynamics during tampon use is crucial for safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intravaginal temperature changes during simulated and actual menstrual tampon use.
- To correlate temperature profiles with tampon composition and absorbency.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using a vaginal model with embedded thermocouple sensors in tampons.
- Clinical study involving controlled menstrual tampon wear for up to 8 hours.
- Analysis of temperature variations based on tampon materials (cotton-rayon vs. CMC-containing).
Main Results:
- Tampon core temperature elevations were observed upon fluid acquisition, both in vitro and clinically.
- Commercial cotton-rayon tampons showed transient temperature spikes.
- A carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-containing prototype exhibited a sustained temperature rise over 6 hours.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual fluid absorption by tampons triggers an exothermic event.
- Tampon design and composition significantly influence temperature profile characteristics.
- Sustained temperature increases with CMC tampons may potentially enhance bacterial exotoxin production.
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