Controversial ‘tampout’ product for periods sparks backlash

Menstrual products can sometimes cause more harm than good, with a recent study detecting arsenic, lead, and other metals in tampons from the US, EU, and UK.

Sometimes, these tampons or other objects, such as menstrual cups and even condoms, can become wedged in the vagina, creating pain, itchiness, and may even lead to developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

The latter, a rare, severe, and life-threatening illness, can see dangerous symptoms developing rapidly, including muscle aches, low blood pressure, and sunburn-like rash.

According to Sexual Health Wales, there are around 40 cases of TSS reported each year.

Even though the risk of TSS is low, people with periods must avoid any chance of development by not wearing any menstrual products for more than eight hours at a time.

People who menstruate should also make sure they remove inserted items before replacing them with another.

If you suddenly find that your tampon is stuck and you’re unable to retrieve it, then there’s a new product on the market designed to save the day.

Introducing: Tampout

What is Tampout?

According to the official Tampout Kickstarter, the product offers a ‘safe and comfortable way to remove stuck tampons, discs and cups at home’.

Hailed as ‘the first and only product on the market designed to assist in removing stuck menstrual products from the comfort of home’, the Tampout ‘fingers’ come in a set of two and are made from flexible and BPA-free medical-grade silicone.

Designers have opted to use environmentally friendly silicone to prevent additional stress from scratching or peeling during use.

The innovative feminine care product removes retained vaginal products with its small protrusions and ‘gripples’ engineered to locate and pull the item down.

Engineered to use with one finger or two, each Tampout is accompanied with a subtle travel case, serving as an on-the-go storage solution.

How to use the Tampout

If you’re intrigued, then the Tampout website has a handy no-fuss guide to using the design:

• Remove from case and clean in boiling water
• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before placing on the index finger
• Use single-finger technique first before going in with the second Tampout on your middle finger, if needed.
• Pull down to remove the retained menstrual product—saving you a trip to the emergency room

What the internet is saying about Tampout

The Tampout site boasts a plethora of five-star reviews, with one happy customer writing: “Tampout was an absolute lifesaver. I take it with me everywhere now because I never want to experience that panic again.”

Another typed: “This is more than just a product. It’s a movement that aims to prioritise women's health and well-being in the realm of menstrual care.”

Over on Instagram, though, a viral video - which has amassed a whopping 2.5 million views - tells a bit of a different story.

The controversial clip, which demonstrates how the Tampout fingers can be used, has seen social media users flocking to the comments to have their say.

One typed: “Is this happening to people often enough that they would need to purchase an item to solve the problem? I can’t even remember this happening to me once in my life.”

“If it’s getting stuck once okay i can understand but a regular thing maybe you should stick to pads,” replied someone else.

A third echoed: “huh??????????? this is unnecessary who’s putting on little finger gloves to fish out a tampon??”

Tyla has contacted Tampout for further comment.