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Tipping off its historic 30th season in 2026, the WNBA continues to be one of the fastest-growing brands in sports, fueled by record-breaking momentum and unprecedented growth. Having reached a tentative agreement on a new transformational Collective Bargaining Agreement in March 2026, the league enters a bold new chapter focused on elevating the player experience, increased investment, and growing women's basketball globally. The WNBA's dedication to societal impact is supported by the WNBA Changemakers Collective (Ally, AT&T, CarMax, Deloitte, Google, and Nike), a first-of-its-kind group of purpose-driven companies working to empower players and the league, increase visibility, and drive business transformation.

WNBA

## WNBA


bringing “Queen’s Court” fan experience to women’s basketball’s biggest moments

## bringing “Queen’s Court” fan experience to women’s basketball’s biggest moments

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Tampax spotlights all-star athlete lineup led by Olivia Miles

Is there lead in tampons?

# The Safety Assessment of Four Tampons: Illustration of a Comprehensive Approach

Researchers developed a broad safety assessment process to evaluate whether tampons are safe and comfortable for use during menstruation. The assessment looked at several important factors, including the safety of the materials used in the products, how tampons interact with vaginal tissue, whether they affect the natural vaginal microbiome, and whether they influence bacteria linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The published data show that the main materials used in the tampons — such as cotton, rayon, and certain polymers — are commonly used throughout the industry and have a long history of safe use. Because these materials are large polymers, they are unlikely to pass through vaginal tissue. Researchers also evaluated smaller trace ingredients and determined that exposure levels remained well below established safety limits. To assess comfort and irritation, researchers examined the physical design of the tampons and confirmed there were no rough edges or sharp areas that could damage tissue. 

In a clinical study, most participants reported comfortable use during insertion, wear, and removal. Reports of irritation, burning, or discomfort were uncommon, mild, and temporary, and no serious health concerns were identified. The study also explored whether tampon use could disrupt the vaginal microbiome — the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Both laboratory testing and clinical samples showed no meaningful changes linked to tampon use. Differences in vaginal bacteria were mainly due to normal variation between individuals rather than the products themselves. 

Researchers also evaluated toxic shock syndrome risk by studying the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and production of the TSST-1 toxin in laboratory conditions. The tampon products did not increase bacterial growth or toxin production. 

Overall, the [findings](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2023.1167868/full) suggest that the tampons evaluated in the study were safe, well tolerated, and did not negatively affect vaginal health under the conditions tested. Ongoing monitoring after the products reached consumers also supported the study’s conclusions, with no surprising safety concerns identified during real-world use. 

For more information, please see: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42097300/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42097300/)

The Safety Assessment of Four Tampons

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A comprehensive study assessed tampon materials, comfort, vaginal microbiome & TSS risk. Learn why the tampons tested were found safe. 

 Are Tampons Safe? A Comprehensive Safety Study | Tampax 

Integrating Experimental Data and Mechanistic Modeling to Assess Potential Lead Exposure from Tampon Use


__Cincinnati, OH, April 20, 2026__ – Rising star __Olivia Miles__ is leading Tampax’s growing roster of elite athletes, as the brand spotlights its commitment to supporting women in sport through confidence, performance and trusted protection.

Born to shin image

The Safety Assessment of Four Tampons: Illustration of a Comprehensive Approach

In partnership with WNBA draftee __Olivia Miles__ and Olympic medalist __Maia Shibutani__, Tampax is continuing its commitment to support women in sport — bridging winter and summer athletes through a shared focus on performance and preparation.

“As an athlete, every detail matters when it comes to performance, and that includes how I manage my period,” said Miles. “Partnering with Tampax feels incredibly empowering because they truly understand the need for reliable protection that allows us to compete at the highest level without a second thought. But it’s more than just reliable protection; it’s about trusting the products you use on and off the court.”

“As an Olympic athlete, I know firsthand that periods don't take a break for training or competition. The need for reliable, comfortable, and safe period care is universal across all sports – whether you're on the ice, court, or anywhere else,” shared Shibutani. “Seeing organizations like Tampax step up to champion female athletes, and to provide products that instill confidence and trust, is vital for breaking down stigmas and empowering the next generation.”

As part of its associate partnership with the 2026 WNBA Draft presented by State Street Investment Management SPY, Tampax introduced “Queen’s Court,” an interactive, fan-facing experience designed to connect fans to the energy and culture of the game—bringing them closer to the athletes and moments shaping women’s basketball.

Tampax provided athletes and fans alike the opportunity to explore its unique space prior to the draft, which included access to __#1 US OB/GYN recommended tampons *based on a 2026__ survey designed for comfort and performance.

All-star lineup empowering, educating women in sports

## All-star lineup empowering, educating women in sports


Maia Shibutani is a two-time Olympic medalist, author, producer, and speaker. Alongside her brother and ice dance partner Alex Shibutani, she made history as part of the first ice dance team of Asian descent, and the first team of color, to medal at the Olympic Winter Games. The duo are three-time World medalists, five-time U.S. National Champions, and were inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2023.

Off the ice, Maia is a co-author of the “Kudo Kids” series and the children’s books Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All (2023) and Incredible: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World (2025), and is developing film and television projects. She is an advocate for education, diversity, and representation, serving in ambassador roles with organizations including the U.S. Department of State and Right To Play. Her honors include the Asia Society Game Changer Award, induction into the Asian Hall of Fame, and recognition as a Gold House A100 honoree.

About Maia Shibutani

## About Maia Shibutani


Tampax Spotlightes all-star athlete line up led by Olivia Miles

Tampax spotlightes all-star athlete line up led by Olivia Miles

P&G Enters New Era in Sports as Official Partner of the WNBA

The Multi-Brand Partnership Spotlights the Elite Performance and Influence of WNBA Athletes

Trace lead sometimes found in tampons? Research shows it isn't absorbed by the body in meaningful amounts. See what the science says.

Is There Lead in Tampons? What Studies Show | Tampax 

tampon-safety-assessment-study.jpg 

__CINCINNATI, OH, April 7, 2026__  --([__BUSINESS WIRE__](https://www.businesswire.com/))-- Procter & Gamble and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a multi-year, multi-brand partnership, marking a bold new chapter in how P&G and its brands show up across sports and culture. The partnership creates a platform for P&G brands to engage with professional women's basketball at a defining moment - as the game, its athletes, fans, and influence are reaching new heights.

Building on the success of P&G brand Mielle's multi-year partnership with the WNBA – launched in July 2023 as the league's Official Textured Hair Care Partner – P&G is expanding its presence with a broader portfolio commitment. Secret – the No. 1 Clinical antiperspirant brand – and Olay – the award-winning skincare brand – were the first P&G brands to activate under the new partnership. Their entrance into women's basketball launched with products created in collaboration with WNBA stars A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings).

"The WNBA is experiencing incredible growth, and this partnership is a powerful opportunity for our brands to show up in ways that celebrate the game and reach WNBA's highly engaged, passionate, and diverse fanbase," said Mindy Sherwood, President of North America and Chief Sales Officer, Procter & Gamble. "There is a natural alignment between the elite performance of WNBA athletes and the superior performance P&G brands deliver, and together, we can elevate both."

As the Official Period Care Sponsor of the WNBA, Tampax will be the next brand to leverage the league's premier platforms, beginning with the WNBA Draft 2026 Presented by State Street Investment Management SPY. At the heart of the WNBA Draft experience is the Queens Court activation, presented by Tampax. As a celebration of achievement, resilience, and the power of women in sport, Queens Court is a unique, interactive space where players and draft attendees alike can celebrate the moment and embrace the spirit of confidence and empowerment Tampax provides all women to perform at their best.

Additional P&G brands – including Downy, Gillette Venus, Olay, and Tide – will introduce activations throughout the season, leveraging the WNBA's growing cultural impact to engage fans in meaningful ways. P&G will collaborate with the WNBA to exchange brand equity across marketing, retail, and digital.

"Partnering with Procter & Gamble connects the WNBA with one of the world's most trusted brand leaders at a transformative time for our league," said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. "Together, we have an opportunity to reach tens of millions of households, elevate the incredible stories of WNBA players, and bring world-class brands and athletes together in ways that authentically connect with fans, drive meaningful engagement, and continue to expand the visibility of women's basketball."

Through partnership, P&G brands are investing in the continued growth of the game by amplifying player storylines, engaging fans, and driving retail growth.

Additional details on brand activations and storytelling moments will be announced throughout the 2026 WNBA season.

CINCINNATI, OH, April 7,

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Integrating Experimental Data and Mechanistic Modeling 

 Lead Exposure from Tampon Use

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Researchers investigated whether tiny amounts of lead sometimes detected in tampons could be absorbed by the body during use. This study focused on a key question: __does the mere presence of lead actually translate into meaningful exposure?__

To answer this, scientists studied how lead behaves in menstrual fluid and built a detailed model to simulate what happens when a tampon is worn. Their experiments showed that most lead attaches to red blood cells or becomes bound to proteins in the menstrual fluid which is absorbed by the tampon and removed from the body. 

The researchers then modeled a typical four-hour tampon use scenario. Their [findings](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42097300/) suggested that even under conservative assumptions, the majority of any theoretically released lead would be reabsorbed back into the tampon rather than absorbed by the body. Less than 1 nanogram — under 0.3% of the total modeled amount — remained available for potential vaginal absorption. 

Across multiple test scenarios, predicted exposure stayed extremely low. Overall, the study suggests that detecting trace amounts of lead in tampons does not translate into biologically relevant exposure. The authors emphasize that chemical detection alone is not enough to determine health risk and that real-world exposure depends on how substances interact with the body under actual use conditions. 

For more information, please see: [https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2023.1167868/full](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42097300/)  

 Safety Assessment of Four Tampons

Because performance doesn’t pause for a period.

Tampax is helping normalize conversations around periods and empowering women to be at their best while ensuring athletes have access to protection they can trust.

Through its women sports partnerships, Tampax is:

- Providing reliable and safe period protection designed for athlete comfort and performance
- Helping break stigma around periods in sports
- Reinforcing the importance of knowing and trusting the products athletes use

The goal is simple: give athletes one less thing to think about, so they can focus on their game.

Why is Tampax partnering with women’s professional sports?

## Why is Tampax partnering with women’s professional sports?


Are tampons safe to use?

## The Multi-Brand Partnership Spotlights the Elite Performance and Influence of WNBA Athletes

 How tampon safety is assessed for materials, comfort and TSS risk 

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.

Please visit [__https://www.pg.com__](https://www.pg.com) for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit [__https://www.pg.com/news__](https://www.pg.com/news).

About Procter & Gamble

## About Procter & Gamble


Procter & Gamble's leading tampon brand, [__Tampax__](https://www.tampax.com), exists to help women and girls better manage their periods through superior internal period protection and medically accurate period education. With more than 80 years of period protection expertise, Tampax meets a variety of needs with a product lineup that includes Tampax Pearl, Tampax Radiant, Tampax Pure Cotton, and Tampax Pocket Radiant. Only Tampax tampons offer a LeakGuard™ Braid and five absorbency sizes to help provide leak-free periods.

About Tampax

## About Tampax

Is the lead in tampons absorbed by the body?

# P&G Enters New Era in Sports as Official Partner of the WNBA

# Integrating Experimental Data and Mechanistic Modeling to Assess Potential Lead Exposure from Tampon Use

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.Please visit [__https://www.pg.com__](https://www.pg.com) for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at [__https://www.pg.com/news__](https://www.pg.com/news).

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# Tampax spotlights all-star athlete lineup led by Olivia Miles

Olivia Miles is a rising star and one of the faces of the next generation of the WNBA. A native of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, she starred at Notre Dame before finishing her collegiate career at TCU. During her collegiate career, Miles earned All-American honors and multiple All-Conference selections, while consistently ranking among the national leaders in assists. She was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, cementing her status as a rising star at the professional level.