Tampons: Menstruation and Periods 101

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What are Tampons?

A tampon is another way to help absorb menstrual blood but it works from inside the vagina, before the blood has a chance to leave. Basically, it is this absorbent material (like cotton) that is pressed into a small cylinder shape and expands as it absorbs blood. You insert into your vagina.

Some tampons have applicators, which can be cardboard or plastic to help guide the insertion process. Some tampons rely solely on your fingers – These are all personal preferences. The tampon will come with a string attached to the cylinder shaped part, which should hang out of your vagina and help you with the removal process.

Many times there are different tampons depending on how heavy the period is. Just like a pad, if you have a maxi pad for your heavy days, you can have a super tampon for your heavy days. The sizes tend to vary slightly but a super tampon can absorb more than a light tampon. The more you use them, the more you’ll figure out what tampons on what days work for you.

Generally, doctors recommend you go with the lowest absorbency tampon that will fit your needs and change it regularly – every 4-6 hours or you risk a disease known as toxic shock syndrome or TSS or other bacteria from staying in the vagina.

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People who are active, wear tight clothing, or go swimming tend to gravitate to tampons because of the comfort it provides when doing sports. If you are wearing a tampon correctly, you should not feel it.

There is not a right or wrong with a tampon. It is widely used and its all based on your personal choices.