[Effect of vaginal tampons on bacterial flora of the lower genitalia]

A constant risk of genitary tract infections, especially during menstrual bleeding, poses several questions concerning and effect of various protective measures used during menstruation. Such measures, especially vaginal tampons, have direct contact with vaginal mucosa, and may affect normal flora. One of the most frequent causes of complaints are infections or changes in the normal flora. Several studies indicate that the intervaginal tampons did not markedly change normal flora composition due to the introduction of bacteria from the environment. However, inflammatory states of genitary tract related to the use of intravaginal tampons is merely due to irritative action of fibers used for manufacture of such tampons. Currently used raw materials are not producing any pathologies. Several authors have shown that the health hazards produced by such tampons related to toxic shock during menstruation have been due to highly absorbable fibers used for their manufacture. Actually such materials are not used anymore. Tampons used according to manufactures' recommendations are safe, and do not produce inflammatory states.