An Onitsha-based Physician, Dr Ikechi Chijioke, has advised women to desist from using tampons during menstruation.

Chijioke, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, said they could cause infection and other complications.

According to him, tampons are cotton products designed to absorb menstrual blood by inserting them into the vaginal cavity near the cervix.

He explained that tampons could get contaminated and transfer infection into the body, causing a condition known as ``septic shock syndrome''.

According to him, septic shock syndrome is what happens due to complication resulting from an infection, where toxins can initiate a full-body inflammatory response.

He said that it often occurs in elderly women or those who have a weakened immune system.

He attributed the possible cause of the infection to the long stay of the tampon in the private part.

Chijioke said the inflammation from septic shock could cause tiny blood clots to form, blocking oxygen and nutrients from reaching vital organs and possibly result to death.

``If a tampon is left inside the vagina for too long, the blood on it starts to decompose and smells like rotten meat.

``This is because it is rotten blood and can cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria that menstrual blood creates.’’

The physician said tampons could also absorb the body’s natural lubricant and, therefore, shouldn’t be used in the absence of the menstrual period.

Chijioke said tampons could have adverse effect as they could cause small cuts to appear in or around the vaginal opening.

According to him, the cuts are called vaginal lesions or labial lesions which will go away by themselves.

The physician recommended the use of the normal sanitary pads by menstruating women, stressing that they are more hygienic and convenient. (NAN)

•Photo shows tampons.