Tampons – everything you’ve always wanted to know
How often should I change a tampon?
If you’ve chosen the right absorbency, on average, you should change your tampon every four hours. If you do this more often, you might want to try a higher absorbency. The maximum is eight hours and if the tampon is still a little dry and you feel resistance when removing it after this time, you can switch to a smaller size.
When you use a tampon overnight, you should insert it just before going to bed and remove as soon as you wake up. This time, too, should not exceed eight hours. If you are planning to sleep more than that, use Always sanitary pads instead – or set an alarm to insert a new tampon.
Can tampons be used for discharges other than menstrual fluid?
No, only use tampons during your period. A little vaginal discharge is normal and you can use Always panty liners to protect your underwear. If you are concerned about abnormal vaginal discharge between periods, speak to your GP.
Is it normal to faint while putting in a tampon?
It's not common, but it could happen when you do it for the first time. If you feel faint when inserting a tampon, take a break and try again later. Make sure that your body is relaxed, but don’t worry if it takes some time to get used to the right technique.
Can you feel a tampon inside you?
Not when it is inserted the way it should be. Tampons are designed to fit without any discomfort, let alone pain. If you feel some, it is most probably because the tampon hasn’t been inserted far enough into the vagina. It’s best to remove that tampon and insert another one.
Can a tampon get lost inside of you or fall out?
No. Once you’ve inserted a tampon properly, it is held by the muscles at the entrance of the vagina and its walls. It cannot move further than a certain point because the opening is too small, so there is no risk.
Сan a tampon get stuck in you?
No. Although your vaginal muscles hold the tampon, you can still take it out easily when pulling the string. If you feel resistance, relax and try again. If this feeling persists, your menstrual flow must have been lighter than you thought and was not enough to make the tampon soft and flexible – so you may want to leave the tampon in a little longer. But if you’ve passed the eight hour mark, you’ll need to remove the tampon – even if it is still a bit dry.
What if the withdrawal string breaks?
This is extremely rare, but if it happens, you can simply reach the tampon with your fingers. After washing your hands, take the same relaxed and comfortable position you used to insert the tampon and remove it.
If you can’t do it yourself, try and see your doctor immediately. Remember, you need to remove your tampon within eight hours from the moment you insert it.
Can you use tampons if you do sports or dancing?
Tampax tampons offer the perfect protection for athletic activities since they don’t restrain your movement and are invisible. You can even swim during your period. Experts do recommend moderate exercise during menstruation to reduce menstrual cramps, so tampons play an important part in sports practice today.
Do you need to remove a tampon when going to the bathroom?
No, you don’t need to. Once a tampon is inserted, it shouldn’t bother you when you need to use the bathroom. You could hold the string to one side to avoid it getting wet.
Can you take a bath or shower with a tampon in?
Yes, you can. You can even swim in a pool or sea wearing a tampon.
Can you be allergic to tampons?
Tampax® is very thorough when it comes to testing its products, so the risk of allergy is extremely low. But everyone is different, and a small number of people may be sensitive to materials that most people find okay.
Can tampons or sanitary pads cause venereal diseases or AIDS?
No. Tampax tampons and Always sanitary pads are packed very carefully to make sure they are free of dangerous microorganisms or viruses.
Does the use of tampons cause ovarian cysts?
There's no evidence to prove that the use of tampons causes ovarian cysts.
Do tampons prevent clots from being removed naturally by the body?
Menstrual blood normally clots in the uterus and these clots dissolve before moving to the vagina. If you are wearing a tampon, the clots will either stick to or be absorbed by the tampon.