What Is a Tampon?

A tampon is absorbent material inserted into a body cavity or wound to stop or absorb secretions. In the case of female menstruation, a tampon is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. You should not be able to feel a tampon when it’s inserted correctly. It takes a few tries to get the hang of inserting them.

Tampons are cylindrical and typically come with a connected string for easy removal. To remove, all you have to do is relax and pull the string.

The tampon itself is usually made of cotton or rayon. Sometimes tampons have an applicator, which allows you to insert the tampon more easily. The applicator design is similar to a syringe: a small tube slides up into a larger tube (where the tampon is located) and pushes the tampon into the vagina.

Tampons that don’t include an applicator are pushed into the vagina with a finger. They’re smaller to carry but require a little more effort to insert.

Tampon Types and Sizes

• Cardboard applicator — This is the simplest and most inexpensive tampon with applicator.
• Plastic applicator — Tampons with plastic applicators tend to be a little more expensive. However, many women find plastic applicators slide more easily into the vagina and are more comfortable to insert.
• Extendable applicator —The tampon comes in a much smaller package than the typical tampon and applicator. To use the applicator, you must extend the smaller tube by pulling it out.
• Digital tampons — These tampons don’t have an applicator. To insert, you unwrap it and then push the tampon into the vagina with your finger (digital).

Tampons are named and rated according to their absorbency – for example, Junior, Regular, Super, Super-Plus and Ultra absorbency.

How to Use a Tampon

To ensure you’re using tampons properly, follow the description and diagrams that come with the product you purchase.

Remember, try to relax. When you’re nervous, muscles tense up, which makes it harder to insert a tampon.

For your first time, you may want to try using a tampon when your menstrual flow is heavy. This will aid the tampon in easily gliding into place.

It isn’t usually necessary to remove your tampon when you go to the bathroom. If you try to remove it too soon, it will be “dry” and difficult to remove.

Most women find that tampons are easier to deal with than sanitary napkins or pads. However, some women find tampons irritating or uncomfortable.

Always use the smallest absorbency tampon appropriate for your period, and only use tampons when you’re menstruating. Change your tampon at least every four to eight hours.

Tampon use increases the risk for the bacterial infections Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) or Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome (TSLS). Both of these syndromes are extremely rare but dangerous.

Tampon Alternatives

If you decide you don’t want to use tampons, there are other options.

Disposable:

• Menstrual pads (sanitary napkins or towels).
• Menstrual cups: soft, disposable cups that fit over the cervix and hold rather than absorb the menstrual flow.

Reusable:

• Silicone menstrual cups.
• Diaphragm used as menstrual cup.
• Cloth menstrual pads.
• Homemade menstrual pads.
• Free flow: layering to cover leaking or using instinct and timing to recognize when you will bleed.
• Padded panties or “period pants.”

Last reviewed: September 2019