product Q&A.

• When were Kotex® feminine pads invented?
• In hospitals and first aid stations during World War I, Kimberly-Clark's cellulose wadding often replaced cotton which was in short supply. Through the ingenuity of army nurses, the wadding was adapted for menstrual purposes.

  In 1920 it was introduced as Kimberly-Clark's first consumer product. The Kotex trademark was derived from the words "cotton texture." We wanted a product name that was short, easy to say and easy to remember. How'd we do?

• What materials are used to make your maxi pads and tampons?
• Our maxi pads and pantiliners are made mostly of wood cellulose fibers -- the same raw materials paper is made from. (We "fluff" these fibers to make the material absorbent and soft.) The outer cover and the moisture-proof shields are made with a moisture-proof plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene, to help minimize leakage. In our KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons, the absorbent material is a blend of natural cotton and synthetic rayon, with a polypropylene cover.
• How do I know what Kotex product is right for me?
• We understand that every woman's needs are different. So we've developed a feminine product to fit most every need. Our product information overview - everything Kotex - introduces you to info on all the Kotex products we make. And, with our Product Selector, you can find out what maxi pads, tampons and pantiliners are just right for you. Check it out!
• What maxi pads are best for teens?
• Choosing the "right" maxi pad is really a personal preference, and not determined by age. Many teens do prefer to use thin or ultra thin maxi pads, because they're thinner and more discreet than thick pads.
• How often do I need to change my maxi pad?
• Usually every four or six hours is fine, more or less. If you have a heavy flow, you might need to change more often. Keep an eye on the maxi pad. When it is almost saturated, it's time to change. If you have a light menstrual flow and don't have much blood on your maxi pad, you should still change frequently for cleanliness. The blood that discharges from your body is clean, but once it hits the air and accumulates on a maxi pad, odors can develop.
• How do I dispose of a used maxi pad, pantiliner, or tampon?
• Wrap them in paper and put them in the garbage. Some products may be flushed down the toilet; be sure to check the disposal information on the Kotex product package.
• What are tampons, and how do I use them?
• Tampons are small rolls of absorbent material that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. They come in different absorbencies. If you use a tampon, you should use the minimum absorbency necessary to manage your menstrual flow on a given day. Most tampons come in smooth applicators which make them easy to insert; you throw away the applicator after you've put in the tampon. You remove tampons by pulling on the attached string, which hangs outside the body. It is important to change tampons at least every four to eight hours. Please see usage instructions on the tampon package for more detailed information. Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a very rare but serious disease; studies indicate that higher absorbency tampons increase the risk of contracting TSS.
• When can I start using tampons?
• Whenever you feel comfortable doing so. You might need to practice a few times and start with a regular tampon until you feel confident about wearing a tampon properly.
• Can I leave my tampon in all day if I'm having a very light flow?
• No. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare (and usually preventable), but serious disease. The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash that looks like a sunburn, dizziness and muscle aches. If you experience any of these symptoms, take out your tampon and call your doctor immediately. In general, use the lightest-absorbency tampon you can get away with and change it often--at least every four to eight hours. Or use pads. Switching back and forth between tampons and maxi pads is a good idea, and at night, pads are the way to go.
• If I use a tampon, will I still be a virgin?
• If you've never had sexual intercourse, and you use a tampon, then yes, you are still a virgin. A virgin is someone who hasn't had sexual intercourse. Using a tampon may (although not commonly) rupture your hymen, which is also ruptured the first time a woman has sexual intercourse. But contrary to myth, a hymen is not an indicator of virginity. Plenty of virgins have barely-noticeable hymens; non-virgins may even have intact, though stretched, hymens.
• Why are plastic applicators used with KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons?
• Our research has shown that many women prefer the comfort and ease-of-use of plastic applicator tampons.
• How can I get Kotex coupons and samples?
• You'll find coupons for our feminine care products published periodically in the insert section of many Sunday newspapers. And don't forget to check on or inside our Kotex product packages for occasional price discounts or special offers.

  Or sign-up today and Get Connected, for e-mail offers, special promotions, Kotex coupons, giveaways and other fun stuff.

• I have heard that all-cotton tampons are safer than rayon/cotton tampons. Is that true?
• You can be confident that Kimberly-Clark thoroughly evaluates each component used in the manufacture of KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons to ensure that it is safe.

  Furthermore, clinical studies have demonstrated that tampons with rayon and cotton are safe for their intended use, and both rayon and cotton have been used safely in tampons for many years. In fact, rayon has a safe history of use in medical applications such as absorbent gauze for wound and surgical dressings. Although there have been some concerns in the past about "superabsorbent" fibers in tampons, neither rayon nor cotton is a "superabsorbent" fiber. You can be assured that no "superabsorbent" fibers are used in KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons.

  In addition, several well-respected research scientists have conducted multiple laboratory studies on tampons made from cotton, rayon, and cotton/rayon fiber blends. These studies conducted at independent laboratories and major universities, including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire and the University of Minnesota, have concluded that using cotton fibers instead of rayon fibers in tampons does not reduce the amount of TSS toxin produced. In other words, these studies refute the notion that all-cotton tampons are safer than tampons containing rayon.

• I have heard that tampons contain dioxin. Is that true?
• Dioxin is found throughout the environment in trace amounts. Common sources of dioxin include combustion and incineration, industrial processes, and soil and river sediments. Dioxin can also be a by-product of certain bleaching processes, such as chlorine bleaching. By contrast, materials used in KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons are bleached using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) processes which significantly minimize the potential for dioxin formation during bleaching. Using extremely sensitive analytical studies based on EPA test methods, independent laboratories are unable to find any dioxin created by the bleaching process in KOTEX® SECURITY® tampons. These tests measure amounts as low as one-half part per trillion. To put this into perspective, one part per trillion is equivalent to one drop of water in over 11 million gallons. For more information on tampon safety go the FDA page.
• What are the causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome?
• TSS is caused by the bacterium called Staphylococcus Aureus, which exists normally in the nose, armpits, groin or vagina of about 1/3 of the healthy population. Sometimes certain strains of this bacterium give off a toxin (poison) that gets into the body, probably through the bloodstream. Although scientific data suggest that the tampons usage increases the risk of TSS, tampons themselves have not been found to cause TSS.

  Please see Questions and Answers about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Or, check out Important Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome.

• What are the symptoms of TSS?
• TSS symptoms appear very quickly and are often severe. They include a sudden high fever; vomiting; diarrhea; dizziness, fainting; or a rash that looks like a sunburn. But not all TSS cases are exactly alike, and not all of these symptoms are always present. If you start to show one or more of these toxic shock syndrome symptoms during your menstrual period, take out your tampon if you're using one and seek medical attention right away.
• What should I do if I have symptoms of TSS during my period?
• Remove your tampon if you're using one. Get to a doctor immediately. Don't be afraid to suggest TSS! Your doctor will want to know what your symptoms are and when they started; when your period began; whether you've had TSS before; and what brand and absorbency of tampon you use -- regular, super, super plus etc.
• Is TSS handled?
• If it's caught early enough, toxic shock syndrome treatment can be handled with antibiotics and treatment for shock symptoms. So it's really important to get medical attention immediately if you start to show symptoms of TSS during your period.
• How can I reduce my chance of getting TSS?
• Probably the single best thing you can do is to use the lowest absorbency or size tampon that meets your menstrual flow needs. You may also be able to reduce your chance of getting TSS during menstruation by alternating tampon use with maxi pad use.
• Why do some people get TSS and others don't?
• Since TSS is caused by toxins from strains of bacteria, scientists believe that people who are susceptible to TSS simply don't have sufficient antibodies in their blood to neutralize those toxins. Other people, who do have enough antibodies, are more resistant to TSS.
• Can someone get TSS more than once?
• Yes. In fact, once someone has gotten TSS, he or she is more likely to get it again than someone who's never had it. So if you've ever had TSS, it's important for you to talk with your doctor before you use tampons. Are young people more susceptible to TSS? TSS can affect any person at any age. Menstrually related TSS does occur mostly among tampon users under age 30, especially those 15 to 19 years old. But don't freak out; even in this group, TSS is extremely rare.
• Where can I learn more about TSS?
• TSS information in or on tampon packages is required by law. Read this information each and every time you buy tampons. Also, ask your doctor for new information when you go in for a checkup. And, you can order copies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services brochure "Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons" by sending a postcard to: FDA, HFE-88, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.

  For more information about TSS, see Important Information Toxic Shock Syndrome.

• Is there any truth to the rumor that asbestos is added to tampons?
• At no time, either past or present, has our product contained asbestos. For more information on tampon safety go the FDA page.
• Why are your feminine pads and tampons individually wrapped?
• Our research has shown time and again that women prefer individually-wrapped feminine products. Individual wrapping keeps the maxi pads and tampons clean and sanitary. Plus, it makes the product more discreet for you to carry in your pocket or purse.