TAMPON-ASSOCIATED VAGINAL ULCERATIONS

1 January 1980

journal article
research article

Vol. 55 (2) , 149-156

Abstract

Colposcopically visible alterations of the [human] vaginal mucosa associated with the use of tampons are identified. These include mucosal drying, epithelial layering and microulcerations. The pathophysiology of these transient changes appears to involve fluid transfer with subsequent impairment of intercellular bridges and loss of cell coherence. Tampon products containing superabsorbents [cellulose materials that have been modified to form highly absorbent and insoluble fibers] are significantly more likely to produce microulcerations than are conventional tampons when worn at times other than during active menstruation. Chronic production of these alterations could lead to clinically obvious lesions of the vagina and should now be considered in the differential diagnosis of vaginal ulcers.

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