Reviewed by Dr Monica Rosen, Gynecologist & Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan
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Removal may hurt if the tampon is too dry, your flow is light, or the tampon hasn't absorbed enough fluid yet.
Removing a tampon should not be painful; if it hurts, do not force it.
Removing a tampon should feel manageable.
If it hurts, the most common reason is that the tampon feels dry during removal.
This can happen if the tampon is too absorbent for your flow or if you take it out before it is full.
When you're ready to remove your tampon, relax your muscles...
Slowly and gently pull the removal string downward at the same angle you used to insert the tampon.
Don't worry about the string-it's securely sewn through the tampon!
If the tampon is dry or not fully saturated, that can be a sign that you can go a little longer on the next tampon before changing, as long as you still change within the 4-8 hour window.
If you remove a tampon after 6 hours and it still has a lot of white showing, or it feels dry after 6 or 7 hours, try going down a size.
Everybody is different, and you'll figure out what size works best for your flow!
If removal hurts because the tampon feels dry, try a lower absorbency or size!
If your tampon fills or leaks in less than 4 hours, try going up an absorbency or size!
If removal is very painful, if the tampon feels stuck, or if you can't remove it, contact a healthcare professional.
Do not insert another tampon until the first one has been removed.
Should removing a tampon hurt? No! Removal should feel manageable.
Why does my tampon feel dry? Your tampon may be too absorbent for your flow, or the may not be full.
What if my tampon feels stuck? Contact a healthcare professional, and do not insert another tampon until the first one is removed.
Your period flow can change day by day!
Tampax helps you understand your flow fit so insertion, wear, and removal can feel more comfortable!
