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Your flow changes like the weather, and your Tampax absorbency should too. Learn about the different tampon absorbency for heavy, medium, and light period flow. 

Working out on your period can be easier if you use the right period product. Discover Tampax tampons, the best choice for exercise during your period.

Tampax tampons: the best solution for active people exercising on their periods

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With so many different absorbencies and varieties available, you may be wondering which tampons to choose. Read more about it in this article.

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Wearing tampons opens up a world of possibilities for you during your time of the month, so click here to find out how to wear a tampon!

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Can a tampon get lost in your body? What do you do if a tampon is stuck. Get the facts from gynecologist, Dr. Holmes.

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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

Pearl

Don't want to give up on your training or physical exercises during your period, but are afraid about possible leakage? Worry not - [Tampax Pearl Compak Regular](/en-gb/our-tampons/pearl-compak-with-applicator/regular/) tampons come with a unique MotionFit technology that gently expands and fits your body's unique shape, while a LeakGuard braid prevents any leakage before it even happens. With Tampax Pearl tampons you can exercise to your heart's content!

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__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. 