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Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods Body

When it comes to your period, paying attention to your menstrual flow can pay off in several ways. Obviously, it can simplify your life to know when to expect your period and plan for having tampons on hand to help you manage it. 

Beyond convenience, knowing your flow is also important for your health. If your flow is too heavy, it can cause health problems, or it might signal a medical condition. And even knowing the right tampon sizes to use can have an impact on your health. No joke. 

There’s a lot to know about your period flow, so let’s go!


What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

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Toxic Shock Syndrome is a serious illness that can impact anyone. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Get tips for preventing TSS.

What Everyone Should Know About Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Which Tampon Sizes Do You Need? Know Your Flow

Different Tampax applicators for different flow

Overnight Use

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons

Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Body

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What’s Better for Your Flow?

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## Is A Little Bit of Vaginal Odor Normal?
Even though our vaginas are self-cleaning wonders, they’re not designed to smell like a spring meadow or a tropical cocktail - a faint scent of tang or sweat is totally fine and healthy. A well-balanced vagina will have a pH of 3.8 to 4.5., helped along by tiny bacteria called lactobacilli. Usually, it maintains a balance between vaginal yeast and bacteria, but the exact odor and pH can vary.

“*A lot of things can change the vagina from being acidic to being more alkaline,”* says Melisa Holmes, MD, ob/gyn and cofounder of Girlology. Those things include *“semen, blood, lubricants, and any washes or liquid that you might put in your vagina.”*

Sometimes vaginal odor can smell like beer or bread, which have that same helpful bacteria. Your vagina can smell slightly sweet if you’ve just eaten lots of citrus fruits, or slightly bleachy if you’re dehydrated.  A vagina can smell slightly metallic if you’re at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. If a strong yeasty or sugary odor is accompanied by itching, burning, or a white discharge, you might have a yeast infection. Yeast infections can happen to anyone. No biggie! Just know the signs and symptoms, and confirm with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.

There are also a lot of sweat glands in the groin, Dr. Holmes says, so a lot of what we think of as worrisome vaginal odors are often just your normal musk, especially after exercising or a couple of days without a shower. If the funk bothers you, there are easy ways to keep the area clean. Wash the outside of your groin regularly with soap. Rinse the inside of your vulva with just warm water, since soap can irritate and throw off your vagina’s balance. We don’t recommend using a douche inside your vagina - that is the best way to throw off a healthy pH!

## A Fishy, Foul, or Strong Chemical Smell? Not Normal.
A telltale sign of a problem is that unmistakable vaginal odor: Fish. 
*“Bacterial vaginosis is the primary condition that creates that classic fishy odor.”* says Dr. Holmes, particularly if it’s accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual watery discharge. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that has similar symptoms (along with pain when you pee) could be another culprit for foul vaginal odor. A chemical smell that’s stronger than a faint whiff of bleach might also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection.

A good rule to follow: If it makes your nose scrunch up, or if you can smell it on your fingers beyond a few inches away from your face, you might want to get checked out by a doctor. And if you feel comfortable, you can ask your partner if they’ve noticed a change. *“One of the first questions I ask my patients is: Has anyone ever said anything to you about it?”* Dr. Holmes says. *“We can all smell ourselves because we’re so self-conscious, but most people don’t smell other people’s vaginal odors.”* If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
## What If My Vagina Smells Off During My Period?
Some people still feel shame or embarrassment about their periods, and how it smells is no exception. But again, regularly cleaning yourself should ease your worry about vaginal odor during that time of the month.

*“What most people think of as traditional period odor is actually body odor,”* says Dr. Holmes. *“You’ve got lots of crevices down there. Bacteria loves blood, sweat, and hair. So when blood gets caught in those crevices, it will start to smell.”* 
Dr. Holmes says pads are more likely to collect odor than tampons, so if you’re worried about vaginal odor, use the latter. Change both pads and tampons regularly, and clean your crevices regularly, too. *“Blood doesn’t even have an odor until it hits air,”* Dr. Holmes says, so if a tampon smells foul or fishy right when it’s removed, you may have bacterial vaginosis or another underlying issue.

And if your vagina smells like rot, or as Dr. Holmes puts it, *“really strong and horrible like something died”?* That almost always signals a forgotten tampon in the vagina, she says. If you don’t have any other symptoms, and if you’re not squeamish and can reach it, you can even take it out yourself, but ask your doctor if you need help (trust me, you won’t be the first one!). If you start to feel any other symptoms besides the odor - like itching, burning, or fever - it’s definitely time to seek medical help. And for the future: You should only use a tampon for up to 8 hours!
## Get to Know Your Body’s Smells
The best way to know whether a vaginal odor is normal? Simple: Smell your vagina a lot. Don’t be afraid to get very familiar with your own body. Get to know the variations of your discharge at different points of the month. You’ll spend a lot less time worrying, and you’ll know right away when something’s not right.

A Little Bit of Funk Is Normal

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Period Health - What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Facts about Vaginal Odor

Wondering why you have a strong odor down there? Learn the various types of vaginal odors and their causes. Find out what’s normal and abnormal.

Vaginal Odor: Types, Causes & Treatments

Vaginal Odor: Causes & Treatment | Tampax®

What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Facts about Vaginal Odor

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Find Your Flow Quiz

Learn what happens in the 28 days of your menstrual cycle. View a breakdown of the menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Phases

Menstrual Cycle Phases | Tampax®

Article List Menstrual Cycle Phases

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

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

## GO UP or GO DOWN

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons Title

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

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How to Insert a Tampon 

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for how to insert and use a tampon. Learn how to remove a tampon and when you should change it out.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to insert and use a tampon. Learn how to remove a tampon and when you should change it out.

How to Insert a Tampon

How to Insert a Tampon | Tampax®

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Worried about some sympthoms? Find the guide about period health here.

Period health

What Is a Pad?

Which Tampon Sizes Do you Need? Know Your Flow 

What Is a Tampon?

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 How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In?

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# What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

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Tampon Truths

## What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
Toxic Shock Syndrome, also known as TSS, is a rare, but serious infection that is caused by a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Interestingly, these bacteria are commonly found on the skin, in the nose, armpits, and vagina without causing any problems. However, under certain circumstances, especially when the body has not developed immunity to this strain of bacteria, it can grow out of control and release a toxin, which is like a poison. The toxin enters the blood stream and can rapidly cause a severe illness that affects the entire body (shock).
## Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became more well-known because it was associated with highly absorbent tampons (those highly absorbent tampons were quickly taken off the market). However, tampons aren’t required for TSS. You can get it while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all. 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.
## It's rare.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome. There are also things you can do to reduce your risk further. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!).
## Know the Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms
TSS can feel a lot like the flu, and symptoms can vary from person to person, but most commonly, the symptoms of TSS are:
-	High fever (over 102° F or 38.9° C)
-	Body or joint aches
-	Nausea and/or vomiting
-	Diarrhea
-	Dizziness or fainting or confusion
-	Sometimes there is a red rash

If you are using a tampon, and feel very ill with some of the symptoms above, it’s important to remove your tampon right away, get immediate medical attention, and tell the person you’re with or the healthcare provider you’re worried about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
## Reduce your risk
TSS is rare, but you can reduce your risk even more by following a few recommendations:
-	Always use the [lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your flow](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/). If it hurts to remove after a few hours, go down a size.
-	Know the symptoms of TSS mentioned above, and get immediate medical attention if you are worried you may have it.
-	The risk of tampon-related TSS can also be reduced by interrupting tampon use with pads from time to time.
## Will organic tampons reduce my risk of TSS?
Nope. What you use is a personal choice, but the risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome is the same for organic or non-organic tampons and it’s also the same for cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The only difference in tampons that can increase the risk for TSS is the absorbency. A higher absorbency tampon can increase the risk for TSS. A lower absorbency can have a lower risk. That’s why you should always use the lowest absorbency tampon that will control your flow – and it doesn’t matter if it’s organic or conventional.
## Is it possible to get TSS more than once?
Unfortunately, yes. If you’ve had tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, you should consult with your doctor before using tampons. Most doctors recommend no tampon use if you’ve had TSS before.
## How long can I wear a tampon safely and not get TSS?
There’s no exact answer for this one, but there are recommendations. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which regulates tampons, states you should never wear a tampon more than eight hours for hygiene purposes. Most gynecologists also recommend you change your tampon every 4-8 hours for vaginal health reasons. We know that the risk of TSS increases with absorbency, and there is no precise time limit supported by research. It’s always healthiest and safest to use the smallest tampon that will manage your flow and change them regularly.
## Let’s Recap
I know that was a lot of information about Toxic Shock Syndrome, so here’s a quick review:
-	Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but serious infection
-	TSS is treatable, especially if it’s caught early

You can reduce your risk for TSS: 
-	Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can to manage your flow
-	 Break up your tampon use with pads. Know the symptoms! If you’re using a tampon and you experience any flu-like symptoms, take your tampon out and seek immediate medical attention, letting the medical professional know you’re worried you might have TSS.

Now that you have the facts, you don’t need to be afraid. Tampax responsibly!


Let’s put this one to rest once and for all. You should only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. So, if you’re asking can you sleep with a tampon in, the short answer is yes. Your tampon doesn’t know if it’s day or night and will work the same while you sleep, just be sure to only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. Given that you may sleep for eight hours, when you’re about to hit the sheets and are planning to sleep with a tampon in, first be sure to put in a new one, and then remove the tampon as soon as you wake up. . 

If you’re super exhausted and think you’ll sleep longer than that, you should wear a pad instead. If you’re worried about tampon timing because you’ve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome - know that how long you wear a tampon does not increase your risk of TSS. You can learn more about [Toxic Shock Syndrome here](/en-us/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/).

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Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

Your flow is different every day.  
Your tampon should be, too.

# Find your flow combo with Tampax Pearl

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ULTRA

Pads and tampons are two of the most popular ways to deal with period blood — if not the most popular ways - and for good reason: They work, and they work really well. Easy…right? Sort of. Deciding which one you should use can be complicated, because the right choice is different for everyone, varies according to the protection you need, and depends on what makes you feel most comfortable. Your choice is definitely not one-size-fits-all here. Going to the beach? Grab a tampon. Just had a baby? Maybe use a pad. Here, we lay out all the different factors that should go into your decision of choosing between tampons vs pads.

Intro 

### Step 1: Wash your hands.
Your vagina isn’t dirty, but clean hands are healthier for everyone! It’s always smart to wash your hands with soap and water before and after you insert a tampon.
### Step 2: Get to know your tampon. 
Unwrap your tampon and make sure you know how it works! 
If you’ve never really looked at a tampon, it can look intimidating, but the tampon (what actually protects you from leaks) is INSIDE the applicator. It may look small, but tampons can offer up to 100% leak fee protection (just like pads)! The applicator makes it easy to get the tampon into your vagina. Some applicators are plastic; some are cardboard; both can be used safely! The applicator has a larger, outer tube that holds the tampon, a “grip” area where you’ll hold it, and a smaller tube at the end with the string coming out. The smaller tube is actually a “pusher” that you use to push the tampon out when it’s time. Check out this diagram of a Tampax Pearl tampon to see each component.

# Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

Light Flow to Heavy Flow

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

Wondering how long you can keep a tampon in before you need to change it? Or if you can wear it overnight?  We've got answers and resources.

How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In?

How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In | Tampax®

Find Your Flow Combo with Tampax Pearl  1

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Find Your Flow Combo with Tampax Pearl

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons Body

Period Health

Your First Period Guide: Age, Symptoms, Duration & More

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REGULAR

Find Your Flow Combo with Tampax Pearl | Tampax®

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.

Your vagina is truly amazing.

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