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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

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You may be concerned about whether you can feel a tampon while wearing one. Click here to find out more about using tampons. 

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Why can I feel my tampon? 

Is your period normal or irregular? light or heavy? What tampon size should you get? Know your flow and what it means for your health and period protection.

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If you’ve never used one before, using a tampon for the first time can seem a bit daunting at first.

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If your tampon does hurt, it usually means that something’s not quite right. In fact, when used properly, you’ll barely be able to feel your tampon.

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Are you considering using tampons for the first time? Do you have questions about how to use tampons? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

If you are using the right size and changing your tampon regularly, then it shouldn’t leak. Find out more about it here.

A lot of people say you can flush tampons, and a lot of people say you can’t. We’re here to weigh in with the verdict. Find out here.

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If you’re a first-time tampon user or curious about here are the most common tampon questions, answered by people who actually know what they’re talking about.

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Talking to your daughter about puberty and periods 

Pearl Compak

Are you expecting to get first period? It is a very important stage in development. Find out what to expect when starting period - read our first period guide.

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Worried about a Lost Tampon or Getting a Tampon Stuck?

Leaks are no fun at all during your period, but even less so if you like to stay active and fit at "that time of the month". Thankfully, you can try wearing [Tampax Pearl Compak Regular](/en-gb/our-tampons/pearl-compak-with-applicator/regular/) tampons, which provide safe and effective menstrual protection for women with light to medium flow. A practical applicator, the LeakGuard braid and MotionFit technology provide you protection that you can trust. 


Leaks are no fun

By Dr Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN & Founder of Girlology 

As a gynaecologist, I love helping people understand their bodies and how they work. It’s important for people to educate themselves and take charge of their health. Sometimes, in an effort to research an illness or health concern, people find unreliable sources online, and they end up with information that’s not only wrong, but sometimes even dangerous. I’m glad you’ve come to the right place. 

When it comes to tampons, I’ve probably heard it all! So here are nine common myths I’ve heard over and over, and the medically accurate facts to bust them. 

Do you know the truth about tampons? Let’s find out. 

## MYTH: Tampons take away your virginity. 

FACT: That’s not possible. A tampon is just a period protection product. It has nothing to do with virginity, which is about sex. This concern is mostly based on whether a tampon will affect the hymen, which is a thin, stretchy rim of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. A tampon is small enough to fit through most vaginal openings without affecting the hymen, but the hymen can change shape or “break” with age, weight, and even normal physical activities – not just sex. You can learn more in this guide [Do tampons take your virginity?](/en-gb/tampon-truths/do-tampons-take-your-virginity/). 

## MYTH: Tampons can get lost inside you. 

FACT: A tampon can get pushed higher up into your vagina, and the string can even get tucked up there, but it’s not lost. It’s still in there. That’s because your cervix is a barrier between your vagina and your uterus, so basically, your vagina is a dead-end. 

## MYTH: Tampons cause TSS. 

FACT: Tampons don’t cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS); it’s caused by a strain of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. TSS is very rare, but also very treatable, especially when it’s identified early. Learn more about [Toxic Shock Syndrome and tampons](/en-gb/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/) here. 

## MYTH: You shouldn’t use a tampon on your first period. 

FACT: There is no age requirement for using tampons. Once someone has a period, they are old enough to use tampons (and their vagina is big enough to use a tampon without fear of injury or unusual pain). If you’re new to periods or to tampons, just make sure you know how to use them correctly and safely. Expecting your first period or new to periods? Check out [this guide](/en-gb/period-health/first-period/) for getting your first period and menstrual cycle. 

## MYTH: Tampons increase your risk for endometriosis. 

FACT: Tampons have no effect on endometriosis. There’s still more to learn about the causes of endometriosis, but one cause is related to menstrual flow going “backwards” out of the fallopian tubes. Some people think a tampon could block the cervix and send the period blood “backwards” into the uterus and out of the fallopian tubes, which just isn’t possible. Tampons can’t block the cervix, and if they get full, the overflow goes out of the vagina, not back into the uterus. 

## MYTH: You should change your tampon every time you pee. 

FACT: You urinate from your urethra. Your tampon goes in your vagina (which is behind the urethra). You can pee without getting your tampon wet. When you pee, it’s a good idea to move the tampon string to the side or back so it doesn’t get soaked by your urine stream – a wet string can feel unpleasant. Just change your tampon when it needs to be changed based on your flow, not your bladder. [Learn more about what you can (and can’t) do with a tampon here](/en-gb/tampon-truths/things-you-can-and-can-t-do-with-a-tampon/). 

## MYTH: Tampons stretch out your vagina. 

FACT: No way. Vaginas are stretchy to begin with – if a baby can come out of a vagina, a tampon can easily go in without changing anything. 

## MYTH: Organic tampons are safer than non-organic ones. 

FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that organic tampons are any safer for your vagina. The risk of TSS is the same whether your tampons are organic or not. Tampax makes tampons with a 100% organic cotton core (Tampax Pure), as well as conventional tampons, because it’s nice to have choices. If living an organic lifestyle is important to you, then organic tampons may be the right choice. But if you don’t use organic tampons, don’t feel anxious or guilty. The safety profile is no different. 

There you have it, nine common myths about tampons busted by a gynaecologist!

If you're an active woman, at "that time of the month" you need comfort and confidence that there won't be any leak during your exercises. [Tampax Pearl Compak Regular](/en-gb/our-tampons/pearl-compak-with-applicator/regular/) tampons are designed to provide you with full period protection no matter what physical activity you're up to: swimming, running, skating, ballet, gymnastics - you name it.

Step by step Guide

## Yes, you can swim on your period. 

Good news – yes, you can go swimming on your period! If it’s a hot summer’s day at the beach or you’re swimming laps at your local pool and you’ve got your period, you shouldn’t have to worry about leaving a trail of blood or being attacked by a shark in the ocean (a legitimate fear for some people!). It’s safe to hit the water on your period, as long as you wear a tampon or [menstrual cup](/en-gb/period-health/menstrual-cups/) while you’re swimming. Read on for some facts about swimming on your period and what period products can help (and which ones you should probably avoid altogether). 

## Best tampons for swimming 

Tampons are specifically designed to absorb period flow before it can leave your body, which makes them one of the best products to use for swimming on your period. You won’t have to worry about signs of your period showing in the water. Pads are made to absorb period flow too, but as they’re worn outside of the body – and would be great at absorbing all that pool water too – you’d end up with a soggy bottom and looking like you were wearing a nappy (not the vibe we’re going for). So, do yourself a favour and leave the pads at home. All Tampax tampons can be worn while swimming in any kind of water, and [only Tampax tampons have a LeakGuard Braid](/en-gb/our-tampons/) to help stop leaks before they happen – giving you all-day comfort and protection for up to six hours.  

Have a look at [how to insert](/en-gb/tampon-truths/how-to-insert-a-tampon/) a tampon and practice a few times before you head into the water – especially if using a tampon is new to you. Be sure to tuck the string into the lining of your swimming costume before you leave the bathroom, and you should be good to go. 

## Can you wear a menstrual cup while swimming? 

Like tampons, [menstrual cups](/en-gb/period-health/menstrual-cups/) are worn internally and so can be worn while swimming in any kind of water. Menstrual cups give you an additional option when it comes to pool day period solutions, but there are a few important things to consider before you decide. If you’re looking to pack light and make room in your beach bag, a menstrual cup might be a good choice; they’re made of medical grade silicone and are reusable, so you only need to pack or wear one and can use it all day. It’s invisible and mostly sensation-free if inserted in the right position. Even better is that you can wear a Tampax Cup for up to 12 hours at a time, giving you the freedom to insert your menstrual cup at home, wear it all day and remove it when you’re back home at the end of the day. However, a downside of the menstrual cup is that because it’s reusable, if you need to clean it and re-insert it while you’re out and about, you will need to clean it by rinsing with mild soap and water every time, which could be challenging in a public toilet. Not to mention the fact that you do not want your menstrual cup getting any amount of sand on it! 

## Other tips for swimming on your period 

Being on your period might cause your face to break out in pimples and make your skin blotchy, which isn’t great for a day out on the water. Reach for a high-SPF sunscreen especially formulated for your face, and top it off with a tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone and conceal any redness. If all else fails, grab some oversized sunglasses and your favourite hat to shade your face from the sun. 

Stomach bloating and period cramps also have no place at the beach or poolside. Steer clear of salty, fried and fatty foods, as well as caffeine. Stay hydrated with water, herbal iced tea, refreshing lemonade, and fresh fruit and veg. Some people swear by hot water and lemon to reduce bloating – figure out what works best for you. 

## Does water pressure stop my period when I swim? 

It’s complicated. Essentially, it may *appear* as though you’ve stopped bleeding when you swim, but it’s actually physics at work. Because water creates more resistance than air, when you’re swimming in a pool, lake, ocean, or even just lying in the bath, there is pressure against the opening of your vagina that can temporarily prevent blood from coming out. Swimming or being in water does not stop your period altogether (we wish!) – once you exit the water, the pressure is gone and you’ll likely start bleeding again. 

## Will period blood attract sharks? 

A fair question. The simple answer is no; period blood does not attract sharks. So, breathe a sigh of relief – your beach holiday that your period happens to fall on is not a disaster waiting to happen. No worries and no shark attacks! While a lot of people like to joke about this, the science behind it proves that there’s no correlation between menstruating people and an increase in shark attacks. The amount of blood lost throughout an menstrual cycle (lasting anywhere from 3-7 days) is merely six tablespoons, so the small amount lost during a swim in the sea would be very low – and very unlikely to send any nearby sharks into frenzy. 

There you have it. Your answer and guide to if can you go swimming on your period. Hopefully you’ll have peace of mind the next time you swim in the ocean on your period. 

Effective and easy-to-use anti-leak protection during "that time of the month" for a physically active woman? With [Tampax Pearl Compak Regular](/en-gb/our-tampons/pearl-compak-with-applicator/regular/) tampons it's absolutely possible, as these tampons have unique MotionFit technology that gently expands to fit your body's unique shape. That's not all, though: the LeakGuard braid is there as well in order to prevent any leakage before it even happens!

Pearl

What__are__TAMPAX__Tampons__made__of

# How often you should change your tampon?

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Stress can lead to irregular periods and changes to your menstrual cycle. This can include delayed or missed periods.

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What is a tampon? 

How to insert a tampon

__So, what's a ‘normal’ cycle anyway?__

First of all, stop thinking about normal. Every girl is different. What’s important is that you find out what’s normal for you; a period [tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker-and-calendar/) will help you to do just that. All cycles are unique, but between pre-period, period and ovulation, there are a few things we all have in common: 

__Pre-period__

The dreaded [premenstrual syndrome](/en-gb/period-health/what-is-premenstrual-syndrome-pms/). Some common symptoms of PMS are headaches, bloating, irritability and crying more than usual. In other words, that urge to sit on the couch in joggers with a tub of ice cream and cry over ‘The Notebook’. We’ve all been there. 

It’s common to experience PMS in the three days leading up to your period. And just so you know: diet, caffeine and [stress](/en-gb/period-health/stress-and-period/) can increase the intensity of PMS symptoms. 

While these symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, the good news is there are ways to help manage them: 

- Resist the urge to have an extra cup of coffee 
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller 
- Use a hot water bottle. 

__Period__

This is the start of your cycle and when bleeding begins. But why do we bleed in the first place? Since your egg wasn’t fertilised, your womb lining sheds and leaves your body. Thus, blood. 

Here are some facts about periods: 

- Healthy periods generally last between four and seven days, with the heaviest days being the first and second 
- An average cycle is 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days (to work yours out use a [period cycle tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker/)) 
- Bleeding usually amounts to somewhere between 10-80 grams, or 1 to 6 tablespoons of fluid (not that we’re measuring, but it’s good to know for keeping track of tampon changes). 

See your doctor if you find yourself bleeding through six or seven regular tampons a day, or if you’re on your period for more than seven days. 

__Peak ovulation__

This is the time when you’re ovulating and at the highest risk for pregnancy. This fertile time lasts about six days. In a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically occurs on day 14. 

__How to track your period__

To calculate your period, you'll need to count the days in between your last few periods. Start counting on the first day of your period and stop counting on the day before your next period. This is the number of days in one menstrual cycle. Do this for a few cycles, then add up the total number of days and divide them by the number of cycles. This will give you the average number of days in your cycle, and once you know this number, you'll be able to track your period easily. 

Have more [period questions](/en-gb/period-health/period-health/signs-and-stages-of-puberty-for-girls/)? We have answers. 