Everything You Need To Know About Tampons

If you use tampons or are thinking about trying them and have questions, you’re not alone.

“It’s normal to have questions about tampons, especially when you’re first learning to use them,” says Ob/Gyn Riva Desai, MD. “The goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident with whatever period product you choose.”

We asked Dr. Desai for advice about tampons, including how to use them safely and how to decide if they’re right for you.

What are tampons?

Tampons are menstrual products designed to absorb blood during your period. They’re made of soft, compressed cotton or cotton blends. Unlike menstrual pads or period underwear, which catch blood after it leaves your body, you insert a tampon directly into your vagina.

“When a tampon is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel it,” Dr. Desai says. “It sits in the vaginal canal and absorbs menstrual blood from inside your body.”

Tampons expand as they absorb period blood. They come in different sizes to match your flow: lighter absorbency for low flow days, up to super for heavy bleeding.

Some tampons come with applicators to help guide them into your vagina. They also have a string that stays outside your body. When it’s time to change a tampon, you gently tug on the string to remove it.

Invention of tampons

Commercial tampons as we know them were first introduced in the 1930s.

But women have used tampon-like products for thousands of years. Hippocrates wrote of Greek women in the 5th century BCE using wood wrapped in lint as early versions of tampons. Other societies throughout history used materials like paper, sponges, plant fibers and wool.

Rumor has it that tampons were used by combat soldiers during wartime to plug bullet wounds. And while some battlefield first-aid measures may have used tampons in a pinch, it wasn’t their intended use. (For the record, medical professionals discourage using tampons as a solution for staunching bleeding after an injury.)

Tampons vs. other period products

There’s no one better kind of period product. Each has its benefits. For example:

• Pads sit outside the body and may feel more comfortable for new users or overnight use.
• Menstrual cups hold more fluid than tampons and can be reused.
• Period underwear absorbs flow and can be worn alone or in combination with other products.

“There’s no single best option,” Dr. Desai says. “What matters is what feels right for your body and your lifestyle.”

It’s worth noting that tampons create more waste than reusable products like washable cups or period underwear. Cardboard applicators and organic cotton options are more eco-conscious than plastic versions, but they still generate disposable waste.

“If environmental concerns are a priority for you, a reusable cup or period underwear may be a better fit,” she adds.

Benefits of tampons

For those who choose tampons, they can offer several practical advantages over other products:

• They’re discreet. Tampons are small and easy to carry. They don’t show under clothing and can feel more comfortable during daily activities.
• They may feel cleaner. Because tampons absorb blood before it leaves your body, you may prefer how they feel, especially during heavier flow days.
• They’re versatile. You can wear tampons during daily activities, including exercise and even swimming — a big advantage over products like pads and period underwear.
• There are different types. “There’s a lot of variety — applicators or no applicators, organic materials and different absorbencies,” Dr. Desai points out. “That means you have choices and can try out different types to find what works best for you.”

Safety

Tampons are safe when used correctly. But they’re not foolproof. Keep these important guidelines in mind:

• Change them regularly. “Never keep a tampon in longer than eight hours,” Dr. Desai warns. Changing them every four to six hours is ideal. This lowers your risk of irritation or infection, including toxic shock syndrome — a rare but serious condition.
• They shouldn’t hurt. You shouldn’t feel pain once a tampon is in place. “If it’s uncomfortable, it may not be inserted far enough, or it might be the wrong absorbency,” Dr. Desai explains.
• Take care if it gets stuck. It can happen, but take a breath. A lodged tampon isn’t an emergency. “Try to relax and check for the string with clean hands,” Dr. Desai advises. If you can’t get it, a doctor or urgent care can help remove it quickly and safely.
• Avoid scents. “Scented products can disrupt your vaginal microbiome,” Dr. Desai cautions. “Stick with unscented products to avoid irritation or infection.”
• Store them safely. Tampons have a long shelf life, but they do expire, usually after five years. Moisture can cause mold or bacteria to grow. “Don’t store tampons in damp places like bathrooms. Keep them in a cool, dry spot,” Dr. Desai recommends.

Who might prefer — or avoid — tampons

Tampons may be a good choice if you:

• Want to stay active without worrying about leaks
• Prefer a discreet option
• Don’t like the feeling of pads

But tampons may not be right for you if you:

• Have vaginal dryness or a pelvic floor condition
• Prefer external products and a more “hands-off” approach
• Are prone to vaginal irritation

At the end of the day, the best period product is whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident and in control. And you can mix and match depending on your needs — there’s no rule saying you have to stick with one product all the time.

“Your choice may change from month to month or even day to day, and that’s completely normal,” Dr. Desai reassures. “Listen to your body and use what feels right for you.”