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A tampon is a period product that absorbs menstrual flow inside the vagina during your period. Unlike a pad, which sits in your underwear, a tampon goes inside your body to help absorb your period before it leaves your body. If you're new to periods-or just new to tampons-it's normal for the idea to feel unfamiliar at first! Check out the Tampax Beginner’s Guide to learn more!
Tampons absorb menstrual flow inside the vagina and expand as they absorb fluid. When inserted correctly, a tampon sits comfortably inside your body and helps protect against leaks before period flow leaves the vaginal opening! Because a tampon is worn inside your body, you can't see if it's full the same way you can with a pad. Instead, you learn when to change it by paying attention to your flow and checking for signs that it's time for a fresh tampon. While you're still learning how often to change your tampon, check every 2-3 hours... You can check the string; if there's blood on the string, it's time to change! Remember, tampons can be worn for up to 8 hours.
The main ingredients in Tampax Pearl are:
Purified cotton is a plant-based ingredient purified for usage.
Rayon is a material derived from purified wood pulp and is processed into an absorbent cellulose fiber. Our purification process ensures Tampax tampons are made without elemental chlorine bleaching and do not add any perfumes to the tampon.
Comfort is key, so our Tampax Pearl plastic applicators are made without BPA and designed to make insertion easy and smooth.
The LeakGuard Braid helps stop leaks before they happen by channeling them back to the core.
Our ingredients are carefully selected to give you protection and comfort you can feed good about. Plus, Tampax products are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
Tampax offers 5 tampon sizes, also called absorbencies, to match your flow needs:
Light – for lighter flow days, the smallest applicator size, available in Tampax Pearl and Tampax Radiant
Regular – for moderate flow, available in Tampax Pearl, Tampax Radiant, Tampax Compact
Super – for heavier flow, available in Tampax Pearl, Tampax Radiant, Tampax Compact
Super Plus – for very heavy flow, available in Tampax Pearl, Tampax Radiant, Tampax Compact
Ultra – for your heaviest days, available in Tampax Pearl
Tampon size has nothing to do with vagina size, bigger absorbency tampons are for a heavier flow, while smaller ones are for a lighter flow. The golden rule: Always use the lowest absorbency that will manage your flow. This is the safest way to use tampons. Here is a simple sizing guide as you decide the right tampon size for you:
If your tampon leaks in just a few hours → Go up a size
If your tampon is uncomfortable to change → Go down a size
You'll likely need different absorbencies on different days. Your flow changes throughout your period, typically 1-3 heavier days that taper off to lighter or "spotty" flow toward the end. If you are new to tampons, start with the Light size until you figure out what works best for you, then adjust from there.
Our top recommendation for beginners: The Tampax Starter Kit. This kit is designed specifically for an easy first tampon trial and includes:
2 absorbencies (Regular & Super) for your changing flow
Step-by-step visual instruction booklet on how to use a tampon – it’s even printed on the wrapper!
LeakGuard Braid for built-in back that helps stop leaks before they happen
Smooth comfort layer for easy removal, even on light days
Our smallest applicators: Tampax Pearl Light Absorbency or Tampax Radiant Light Absorbency. Light size tampons have the smallest applicator size, which can be helpful while you figure out the best way to insert your tampon.
No, you shouldn't feel a tampon when it's inserted correctly! If you can feel it, remove it and try again later with a fresh tampon! One of the biggest signs that a tampon is in correctly is that you can go about your day without noticing it! When it sits above the nerves in your vagina, it should feel comfortable!
It's completely normal to feel nervous about trying a tampon for the first time, and you do not have to use tampons until you feel ready! Trying something new with your body can feel intimidating, especially if you're not sure where the tampon goes or what it should feel like. The good news: you can go slowly, learn the parts of the tampon, and try when you feel ready! You can start small... open the wrapper, learn the parts of the tampon, read the instructions, and get familiar with where the tampon goes before you ever try inserting one! Tampax is here to make first-time tampon questions feel less confusing, one simple step at a time! Grab your Tampax Starter Kit today!
It's easier than you think! Here's the quick tampon insertion guide:
Wash your hands – before and after
Hold the tampon at the grip area (middle of the applicator)
Insert the applicator tip-first, all the way to the grip
Push the pusher in completely – this releases the tampon inside
Pull the applicator out – the tampon and string stay in place
Tampons have a learning curve, most people don't get it right on the first try! If it didn't feel quite right, here's what can help:
Relax your muscles – When your body is tense, insertion is harder
Go a little deeper – If it feels uncomfortable or makes you waddle, use your finger to push the tampon further in
Find your position – Some people sit, some squat, some stand. Try what feels most comfortable for you
It's simple! Just follow these steps:
Wash your hands – before and after
Find the string – it hangs outside your body
Grip the string with your thumb and finger
Pull slowly and gently at a downward angle
Dispose in the trash – don't flush!
Additional tips for easier removal
Relax your muscles – tension makes removal harder
If it feels dry or uncomfortable to remove – you may be using too high of an absorbency. Try going down a size next time
Can't find the string? Don't panic! Squat down, bear down slightly (like you're going to the bathroom), and the tampon will move closer to the opening where you can reach it
You can leave a tampon in for up to 8 hours. Tampax tampons work the same whether it's day or night, but you should never wear one longer than 8 hours.
Tampons provide protection for up to 8 hours. If you fill a Tampax tampon in less than 4 hours, consider going up an absorbency size. If it feels dry even after 6–7 hours, consider going down an absorbency size.
A Tampax tampon shouldn’t hurt or feel noticeable. When it’s inserted deep enough, you shouldn’t feel it at all. If it’s uncomfortable, it likely needs to go a little deeper.
Nope! Removing a tampon should not be painful, so if it hurts, do not force it. Removing a tampon should feel gentle and manageable! Removal may be uncomfortable if the tampon is too dry, your flow is light, or the tampon hasn't absorbed enough fluid yet. This can happen when the absorbency is too high for your flow, or if you remove it before it's full.
Don't panic, your tampon can't get lost! Your cervix acts as a dead end, so the tampon is just sitting high and may be hard to reach. To remove it:
Wash your hands
Squat and bear down (like you're pooping) to push it closer to the opening
Insert a finger, sweep around, and use two fingers to grasp and pull it out
If you still can’t get it out or don’t feel comfortable with that, remember that you should not wear a tampon more than 8 hours. So you’ll need to get help from your OB-GYN or family doctor as soon as you can.
There is no set age for tampon use! If you've started your period, you can consider using tampons when you feel ready and understand how to insert, wear, change, and remove them safely. Some people try tampons soon after their first period. Others prefer pads for a while before trying tampons. Both choices are okay! The right time to use a tampon is whenever you feel comfortable. Tampax is here to make first-time tampon questions feel less confusing, one simple step at a time! Grab your Tampax Starter Kit today!
Yes, teens can use Tampax tampons once they've started their period and feel ready! There is no set age for tampon use; what matters is knowing how to insert, wear, change, and remove a tampon safely. Some teens prefer pads, some prefer tampons, and many use both depending on the day! Tampons can be helpful for sports, swimming, school days, or anytime someone wants period protection that's worn inside the body!
Yes, you can! Your tampon works the same whether you’re awake or asleep, it doesn’t know the difference. The key rule: only use a Tampax tampon for up to 8 hours. So if you’re planning to sleep with one in, put in a fresh tampon right before bed and remove it as soon as you wake up.
Yes! Here’s why you can pee with a tampon in: You have two separate openings down there. Your Tampax tampon goes in your vagina, while urine comes out of your urethra, a completely different hole connected to the bladder. So, your tampon won’t interfere with peeing at all. If you are worried about the string, just hold it to the side when you go. Problem solved!
Yes, absolutely! Tampax Tampons are excellent for swimming in any kind of water - pool, lake, or ocean. Tampons are designed to absorb your period flow before it leaves your body, so you're protected while you swim. Just put in a fresh tampon right before you swim, and change it after you get out of the water and you can enjoy that pool day! And if you are worried about the string showing, just tuck it against your body into your swimsuit bottoms so it stays hidden and out of sight!
Yes! You can shower with a Tampax tampon in without any issues. Your tampon absorbs period flow from inside your body, so water from the shower won't affect it. You can wash your body, including your vaginal area, normally without worrying about leaking. Some people think hot water makes you bleed more, but that doesn't apply to your period, so enjoy your shower!
Tip: The string may get wet in the shower, but that's totally fine and won't affect how the Tampax tampon works. If a wet string bothers you, just pat it dry with toilet paper when you get out, or you can remove the tampon if it is ready and start fresh with a new Tampax tampon.
Yes! Tampons, including Tampax tampons, are designed to be safe when used as directed during your period! To use tampons safely, use them only during menstruation, choose the lowest absorbency for your flow, change every 4-8 hours, and remove the last tampon before using a new one. Tampons are a trusted period product for many people because they're discreet, comfortable when inserted correctly, and designed to absorb menstrual flow inside the body!
Tampax tampons are tested for up to 1,000 harmful substances, including heavy metals. At Tampax, the safety of our ingredients and materials is the most important choice we make for our products. Our tampon ingredients undergo extensive safety evaluation before we use them in our products including a thorough science-based, multi-step evaluation process.
Tampax tampons are made without perfume and fragrance, and they do not have any scents. All Tampax tampons are designed to be safe when used as directed during your period! To use tampons safely, use them only during menstruation, choose the lowest absorbency for your flow, change every 4-8 hours, and remove the last tampon before using a new one.
No, we do not design any of our Tampax tampons with any type of PFAS. We also work with strategic partners throughout our supply chain to identify and help eliminate potential sources of unintended PFAS presence, if any, in our products.
Millions of women have been using Tampax tampons for so many years, that they have a great track record of providing reliable period protection with the highest standards of safety and quality. At Tampax, safety is at the core of everything we do and every choice we make.
For over 85 years, quality and safety have been at the heart of everything we do at Tampax. As the most used tampon brand, Tampax tampons go through rigorous quality and safety tests, a four-step evaluation process that we publish externally, and independent testing from reputable scientific labs.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but serious bacterial infection that has been associated with tampon use. Although TSS is serious, it's very treatable – especially when treated early. In rare cases, it can be fatal. The incidence has been unchanged since 1980s: only 0.7 in 100,000 menstruating women in the UK are affected.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. Anyone can get TSS. Even men and children can get TSS, and only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. Some other ways people develop TSS include insect bites, skin infections, or surgery.
The Toxic Shock Information Service states that some of the signs and symptoms of TSS are much like severe "flu" and usually include all or some of the following. Consult your doctor at once if you, or anyone you know, has some of these symptoms and suspect TSS:
High temperature (fever) of 98.5°F or above
Vomiting
Sunburn-like rash
Diarrhea
Fainting or feeling faint
Muscle aches
Dizziness
Confusion
Breathing Difficulties
No. Tampax tampons can’t get lost inside your body. The string is securely sewn through the tampon so you can remove it.
No. Using a tampon does not take away your virginity.
A tampon may stretch hymenal tissue for some people, but using a tampon does not affect virginity. Some people may notice stretching with activities, sports, movement, or tampon use, while others may not notice anything at all. Virginity is not determined by tampon use or by the hymen.
