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Learn more about Tampax tampons and feminine care products, including tampon and period information and helpful women's health articles.

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 Always You: Period
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How Long Can you Leave a Tampon In?

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REGULAR

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Tampax Pearl tampons have five absorbencies so you can find  
the perfect match for your period flow. Tampax Pearl are available in Light,  
Regular, Super, Super Plus and Ultra tampon absorbencies.

Five Absorbencies to Match Your Flow

## Five Absorbencies to Match Your Flow

Find Your Flow Combo with Tampax Pearl  1

Find Your Flow Combo with Tampax Pearl

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons Body

Is Tampax known for being free from harmful chemicals and substances?

The Facts on Menstrual Cycle Phases

Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods Body

Vaginal Discharge: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What Different Types Mean

Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Body

What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) 

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? FAQs about TSS Symptoms & Causes

Why You Might Have Irregular Periods

Worried about a Lost Tampon or Getting a Tampon Stuck?

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Article List Menstrual Cycle Phases

Article List Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods

Article List Vaginal Discharge: What It Is, Why It Happens

Article List Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

Article List What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Article List Why You Might Have Irregular Periods

Which Tampon Sizes Do you Need? Know Your Flow  - Related articles

A Gynecologist Busts 9  Common Myths About Tampons

 How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In?

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons Title

How to Insert a Tampon

Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods

What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Which Tampon Sizes Do you Need? Know Your Flow 

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Find Your Flow Quiz

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons

How to Insert a Tampon 

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Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

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What is tampon?

A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle that is made of [cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon](/en-us/about/ingredients/what-tampons-are-made-of/). It’s inserted inside your vagina with an applicator or digitally (fancy way of saying fingers), where it absorbs menstrual blood before blood has a chance to come out of your body. It’s fully inside your body with the exception of a small string (which is there to help you pull out the tampon). It’s invisible protection and virtually unnoticeable - and if you’ve inserted it properly, you won’t feel that it’s there, which is pretty much the best-case scenario when you have your period and want to be comfortable. Just remember that you [shouldn’t wear a tampon for more than 8 hours](/en-us/tampon-truths/how-long-can-you-leave-a-tampon-in/). 

Tampons come in different sizes because your flow changes every day; you should tweak your tampon absorbency to match your flow. Tampax offers a range of 5 absorbencies, from light to ultra, to give you smooth removal for your lightest days and the ultimate protection on your heavy days. Another major perk? Tampons are pretty small, so you can easily stash a few in your bag or purse for on-the-go protection - you know, in case your period sneaks up on you or if you want to be a hero and share with a friend in the bathroom.

A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle

Did you know you need to change tampon sizes to matchyour changing period flow?

Watch this video to learn more:

Change Sizes to Match Your Flow

## Change Sizesto Match Your Flow

Switch between tampon absorbencies throughoutyour menstrual cycle for better comfort and protection.

## GO UP or GO DOWN

What Is a Pad?

## What Is a Pad?

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.

Your vagina is truly amazing. Its ecosystem works hard to keep a delicate, slightly acidic balance through changes like your period, sex, and ovulation. But sometimes vaginas get a little off-kilter. Do you have smelly discharge? Does your vagina smell fishy? How do you know if you have abnormal vaginal odor?  Here’s how to tell if your vaginal odor is something to worry about, or just part of your natural cycle.