Menstrual Hygiene Technology and the Modern Body: A Study on Tampon Use Among Female University Students in China

While tampons are widely used in Western markets, only a small number of women in China use them for menstrual hygiene management. Both social media and academic literature often portray tampons as a healthy and modern product. However, this narrative overlooks the lived experiences of tampon users and potential health concerns. Drawing on Sara Ahmed's concept of "sweaty concepts" and McDonnell's theory of "cultural objects," this study explores how tampons intersect with women’s menstrual experiences and their understanding of their bodies. It highlights both the physical practice of tampon use and the cultural significance of the product itself. Based on interviews with 16 tampon users from a university in Shanghai and an analysis of tampon-related content on social media, this study examines these dynamics.

The findings follow three main lines of inquiry: (1) As a form of menstrual hygiene technology, tampons help women conceal menstrual blood more effectively and support the transition to a body perceived as unaffected by menstruation, thus more aligned with productivity; (2) As a relatively new product in menstrual hygiene, tampons challenge traditional taboos surrounding the "hymen" while introducing new health concerns; (3) As a commodity, tampons carry symbolic value, and their purchase involves consuming the associated knowledge and imagery, with the market shaping a vision of the "modern" woman. These findings suggest that power dynamics are embedded in the study of cultural objects. Menstrual hygiene products, along with the knowledge and social meanings attached to them, are continually shaped by mothers, schools, media, experts, and businesses. Women’s agency is closely intertwined with these power structures.