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Tampax is on a mission to end the misinformation surrounding health and period care, and to ensure there is equal representation and access to medical resources.

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Tampax is constantly striving to change how people see and experience periods, whether that’s by making period conversations as normal as periods or providing products for those who most need them — but that goal requires working together. It’s through the power of partnership that Tampax can make a difference in everyday lives.  
We’re already seeing results: Since 2019, Tampax as donated over 11 million tampons with the help of our partners! 


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### Step #1


Tampax 1940s

__Q: Do tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?__
A: Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became associated with highly absorbent tampons (which were quickly taken off store shelves). The bacteria that causes TSS can develop from more than just tampons. TSS can develop while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all - only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. TSS is serious, but it’s also very rare and treatable – especially when caught early! Learn the signs and how to reduce your risk <a href="https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/" target="_blank"> here</a>. 

 

__Q: Can you use tampons for your first period?__ 
A: There’s no age requirements for tampons. Once you have a period – you are old enough to use a tampon.

 

__Q: How do you know when to change your tampon?__
A: You should only wear a tampon for up to 8 hours, but depending on your flow you’ll likely need to change it sooner than that. Ideally, your tampon should last about 4-6 hours. If you remove a tampon after 6 hours and it still has a lot of “white” showing or is uncomfortable to remove, you should go down an absorbency size. If you fill a tampon in less than 4 hours, go up an absorbency. Learn more about finding the right absorbency size for your flow <a href="https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/" target="_blank"> here</a>.

 

 

__More questions? Don’t sweat it. Check out these links for even more information.__

Do tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome...

### 2002 
#### The Next Big Thing in Period Care
That groundbreaking new tampon was Tampax Pearl, which debuted in 2002 with a plastic applicator and rounded tip; it was an immediate success. In addition to an easy to insert plastic applicator, Tampax Pearl was designed with FormFit expansion to gently expand to fit her unique shape. That, plus a LeakGuard braid to help stop leaks before they happen, made Tampax Pearl up to 100% leak free to help women be worry free on even their heaviest days.

### 1985
#### Tampax Breaks TV Taboos
In an effort to break a crazy taboo, Tampax uses the word “period” in one of our TV ads, a revolutionary move at the time. It was all part of our mission to stop people from making women feel ashamed or embarrassed about a perfectly natural function of the female body.  

### 1986
#### 50 Years of Living Life Without Limits
Tampons were named one of the “50 small wonders and big deals that revolutionized the lives of consumers.” We like to think Tampax had a part in that, considering we celebrated our 50th anniversary that same year and boasted a market share of over 60 percent at the time. 


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Tampax 2012

# For a Better Way to Period, Just Add Tampax

To give young women even more resources...

Together with our partners, we'll inspire more women to experience a better way to period by just adding Tampax to their period routine.


Helping End Period Poverty

## Helping End Period Poverty
Periods are a force of nature. Together, we can make them a force for good. Tampax partners with Feeding America® to deliver period products to families in need and girls in school across the country. Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. With 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the U.S., the organization makes it possible for women and girls everywhere to get period protection that makes them feel comfortable and confident. 

Tampax also understands that people may unexpectedly find themselves in need. When people are forced to evacuate during a disaster and are displaced, it can be tough to find basic supplies — including often overlooked period protection. We’re proud to partner with and donate to Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping 18 million people in need each year.

## Helping Stop the Stigma
Tampax also strives to dismantle the taboo, hush-hush culture around periods, and a major part of that effort involves working with like-minded partners. At Tampax, we believe education leads to empowerment — and in turn the ability to make informed decisions about period protection. To provide parents and kids of all ages with expert advice around puberty and periods, we’ve partnered with Girlology. Girlology’s two founders - both of which are doctors and moms - help parents and kids Fear Less & Know More about puberty, periods and health.

## Learn More About Our Partners


Girlology: When it comes to her health, Girlology helps parents and girls Fear Less & Know More! From acne care secrets, and period solutions, to eating disorder prevention and puberty tips — Girlology's mom-docs are sharing 100s of video classes and tips to guide her (and you) through every age and stage. For more information, visit [www.Girlology.com ](https://www.Girlology.com)


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Tampax 1986

### 1934
#### Taking Care of Business 
Enter a Denver-based female entrepreneur who purchased the tampon patent and set about building a female-led, female-focused company to produce, market, and sell tampons. At the very beginning of the business, she was actually hand-sewing the tampons herself before scaling to machinery.

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For A Better Way to Period, Just Add Tampax

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However, while we’ve made great progress, there’s still a gap in period and tampon education that continues to hold many of us back.

After connecting with thousands of young women as part of our 2023 Tampax survey, we found that 68% of Gen Z women & girls say they received little or no period education before their period began and more than half (61%) are uncomfortable discussing periods with close friends. This lack of education extends to tampons, with 83% of Gen Z women & girls saying they received little or no education about tampons before their period began.  

The biggest problem? Not receiving education about periods and tampons has perpetuated fear and myths, leading many to believe that tampons aren’t for them. 

However, while we’ve made...

Tampax Our Ingredients | Tampax®

How to Insert a Tampon 

## Let’s Talk About It. Seriously.
Our mission is to make period conversations as normal as periods so we can feel educated, empowered and limitless every day of the month.

Tampax is proud of our 80+ year history as a brand founded by a fearless female entrepreneur. Our founder created an all-female workforce to sell tampons - from women factory workers to traveling nurses who educated the public. She even convinced newspapers to run public ads - at a time when no respectable lady was supposed to be talking about vaginas, let alone things that went inside of them.

We continue to believe in a culture of confidence, female empowerment, and courage that comes with knowing women can live their life without limits, even while on their periods. Period. 

Sadly, society has created a world where there's no real talk about women's bodies, periods, or tampons. And when we don't talk about periods, people feel like they can't talk about periods. This lack of conversation self-perpetuates myths and misinformation, makes us worry about the unknown, leads many of us to put up with physical discomfort, and results in a lack of knowledge that still holds us all back today.

Let’s get real. The last extensive period conversation many of us had was likely about our first period. It was probably awkward. You were probably awkward.  We should be allowed more than one conversation about our bodies and our periods, because lack of conversation leads to miseducation, misinformation and missed opportunities.
## No Shame. No Stress. No Limits.
Tampax is building on our [bold history](/en-us/about/our-story/history-of-tampax/) by helping us imagine a future without limits. What if we could talk freely about our periods? What if we could be empowered with facts about our bodies, rather than silently stress-Googling? Tampax believes talking about your period should be as easy as any other life update, like a hard day at work or an exciting new boo. The topic of tampons should be as neutral as toothbrushes or shampoo. No shame. No stress.
## Tampons Are Our Business, but You Are Our Priority 
We put you at the core and each of our [products](/en-us/all-products/) have been created, updated or advanced based on your needs. We’ve also made it our business to clear up any period-related mysteries, because not having the right information can be scary and create barriers that are keeping you from living your fullest lives. To change this, we are [partnering with other period powerhouses](/en-us/about/partnerships/) and experts to provide opportunities to laugh, teach and talk about periods, while sparking conversation and supporting those who are doing the same. When it comes to periods, we’re ready to shatter the limitations that hold us all back. Let’s do this!

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Tampax 2019

A Better way with Flau'jae & Angel & Dr. Sparks

Which Tampon Sizes Do you Need? Know Your Flow 

New to Tampax? Don’t worry – we got you! 

### 1940s
#### Tampax University Is Now in Session
World War II pushes more women into the workforce, and the need for reliable, limitless period protection becomes a driving force in the popularity of tampons. Tampax responds by creating our own formal education program to teach women about tampons and the best way to use them.  
In 1941 Tampax established the company’s first educational department. The women educators became known as the ‘Tampax Ladies,’ traveling to colleges and schools, as well as trade shows and conventions. 
Also in 1941, at the New Brunswick Plant, Tampax produced cotton bandages and surgical dressings for the U.S. military alongside the tampon assembly lines.

Our Ingredients - Article List

### 2019
#### Go With the Flow
Did you know that you can use different tampon sizes depending on your specific period flow? Tampax worked to spread the word on this common misconception— and that only Tampax Pearl tampons have five absorbencies (Light, Regular, Super, Super Plus and Ultra), so you can find the best match for your changing period flow. Not sure how to find the right size? Use our guide for picking the [best tampon sizes for your flow](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/). 


__Q: Can you use a tampon with a heavy flow?__
A: You can absolutely wear tampons with a <a href="https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/what-is-menorrhagia-heavy-periods/" target="_blank"> heavy flow</a>! Like a pad, Tampax gives you up to 100% leak free protection, even on your heavy flow days. Tampax Pearl comes in <a href="https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/" target="_blank"> five absorbencies</a> for your light and heavy days. 

 

__Q: Can a tampon get lost inside your body?__
A: Not possible! The cervix is a barrier between your vagina and uterus - so you don't have to worry about your tampon getting lost.

 

__Q: If I use a tampon will I still be a virgin?__
A: Tampons have nothing to do with virginity! They are simply a medical device that absorbs your period blood. They can’t take away your virginity.

 

__Q: What can you even do when wearing a tampon?__
A: Tampons make it easy for you to <a href="https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/what-can-you-do-with-a-tampon/" target="_blank"> keep doing the things you love while on your period</a>. You can shower, sleep, work out and even swim - all with your Tampax in!

 

__Q: Can you pee with a tampon in?__
A: Yes, you can pee with a tampon in! While urine comes out of your urethra, period blood comes out of your vagina.

Can you use a tampon with...

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Step #3:

### Step #3:

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Flow it Forward

### 1960s/1970s
#### The Tampon Boom
While still dominating the tampon game, competition starts to get fierce as companies like Playtex, Kimberly-Clark, and Johnson & Johnson debut their own versions. Magazine ads focus on how tampons are discreet and let you wear whatever you want when you’re on your period.
In 1972, tampon ads are shown on TV in the U.S. for the first time ever, marking a major milestone towards normalizing period talk and bringing more awareness about tampon options to women across the nation.

### 1980s
#### Tampax Begins TSS Education
Tampax began an educational campaign discussing both Tampax tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) to educate women on the effects, symptoms, and treatment options. Learn more about [Toxic Shock Syndrome Causes, Symptoms and Treatment options](/en-us/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/).

A Better Way to Period 

Tampax is on a mission to help provide education on periods and tampons. Get your questions answered here!

A Better Way to Period | Tampax®

How to insert a Tampon with Dr. Sparks

Be mindful that:

### Be mindful that:


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Your tampon should be, too.

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The Endometriosis Foundation of America, Inc. (EndoFound) is a non-profit organization founded by Tamer Seckin, MD, and Padma Lakshmi, dedicated to patient advocacy, education for the medical community and the public, endometriosis awareness, surgical training, and research. 

Endometriosis affects an estimated 200 million women worldwide and approximately one in 10 women in the U.S. There is no known cause or cure, though it is treatable.

EndoFound strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a robust campaign to inform the medical community and the public, the EndoFound emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while educating the next generation of medical professionals and their patients. Visit [endofound.org](https://www.endofound.org/) to learn more.