Tampons are useful, chiefly for two purposes: as media for the application of various medicaments to the cervix and vagina, and to support the uterus and the pelvic blood vessels.

Tampons are made either of cotton or wool. The cotton may be in the form of gauze or absorbent cotton though sometimes ordinary cotton may be used. Cotton is less suited for supporting purposes than is wool. When it becomes saturated with the secretions it collapses. This is less true of gauze and ordinary cotton than it is of absorbent cotton. Wool absorbs secretions less readily, possesses a certain degree of elasticity and does not collapse to the extent that cotton does. It sometimes proves irritating to the vaginal mucous membrane and it may be necessary to cover it with cotton.

Tampons are usually made by taking a piece of the desired material, folding it to the proper size and looping a string about its middle, at which place the tampon is folded. If it is desired that the patient remove the tampon herself, the string should be left long enough to reach outside the vulva. When tampons are made of gauze, one or more strips may be used the length and width of each strip suited to the purpose intended. These strips of gauze are packed into the vagina with a dressing forceps with the aid of a bi-valve or a Sim's speculum.

The medicaments used are usually of an antiseptic, a counter-irritant, a hygroscopic or an astringent nature. Almost numberless substances have been used for these purposes though boracic acid, tannic acid, iodine, alum and iron in some form have been most popular. Glycerine, in some form or combination, has been used for its hygroscopic action. It is believed that glycerine compounds deplete the tissues by abstracting moisture from them, and in this way, relieve congestion and inflammation.

If a solution is being applied the tampon is saturated with it, the excess of fluid pressed out, and with the aid of a speculum and forceps, the tampon is introduced and placed at the desired spot. If a powder is used a "nest" is made for it in the tampon and it is then introduced. One or a number of tampons may be used.

It must be remembered that many chemicals may be absorbed when introduced into the vagina and systemic symptoms produced. Fatal poisoning has occurred in this way.

Tampons that are used to support the tissues can not be introduced in a haphazard manner but must be carefully placed with a definite idea in mind as to what is to be accomplished. They are to form a support upon which the uterus rests and by pressure to also support the walls of the distended blood vessels. They sometimes give great relief. Such tampons may be used in a dry state or with some of the compounds before mentioned upon them. They are best inserted in the Sim's, (Fig. 35), or the knee-chest posture.

Tampons, as a rule, should not remain in place longer than twenty-four hours. Their removal should be followed by a copious douche of hot water.

Tampons are generally more useful in acute than in chronic conditions.