A tampon is a small, compressed plug of absorbent fiber designed to be inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood during a period. Most tampons are made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of both, and they come with a string attached for easy removal. They’re one of the most common period products worldwide, classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, meaning they undergo safety testing before reaching store shelves.
What Tampons Are Made Of
The core of a tampon is an absorbent bundle of cotton and rayon fibers, both plant-based materials that soak up fluid effectively. Around that core, you’ll find several other components: an overwrap (a thin layer of cotton, rayon, or synthetic material that holds the shape together), a sewing thread that attaches the removal cord, and the removal cord itself, which is typically made of cotton or polyester braid and hangs outside the body for pulling the tampon out.
Some tampons also contain trace amounts of other materials (less than 1% of the product) that help with fluid handling, like paraffin or glycerin. The FDA recommends tampons be free of dioxin residues and pesticide or herbicide traces, and manufacturers must demonstrate that the finished product doesn’t promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
Applicator vs. Non-Applicator Types
Tampons come in three main styles: plastic applicator, cardboard applicator, and non-applicator (sometimes called “digital” tampons, meaning inserted with your finger). The applicator is a tube-shaped device that pushes the tampon into place. Plastic applicators tend to glide more smoothly, while cardboard versions are less expensive and more biodegradable. The absorbent core inside is generally the same material regardless of applicator type.
Non-applicator tampons skip the tube entirely. They’re smaller to carry, produce less waste, and typically have a thin, slick coating on the outside to make insertion easier with just your finger. The tradeoff is a slight learning curve if you’re used to applicators.
One difference worth knowing: tampons expand in different ways once they absorb fluid. Some expand outward in a round “blossom” shape, while others expand lengthwise. This affects comfort and leak protection, and personal preference plays a big role in which style works best for you.
Absorbency Sizes and What They Mean
Tampons are sold in standardized absorbency levels based on how many grams of fluid they can hold. These ranges are set by the FDA, so the terms mean the same thing across brands:
- Light: 6 grams or under
- Regular: 6 to 9 grams
- Super: 9 to 12 grams
- Super Plus: 12 to 15 grams
The general recommendation is to use the lowest absorbency that handles your flow. On lighter days, a regular tampon is usually enough. On heavier days, you might move up to super. Using a higher absorbency than you need can make removal uncomfortable because the tampon hasn’t fully saturated, and it slightly increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called toxic shock syndrome.
How to Insert a Tampon
Start by washing your hands with soap. Then get into a comfortable position. Sitting on the toilet with your knees apart works well, or you can stand with one foot propped up on the toilet seat or edge of the bathtub, which gives you a better angle.
If you’re using an applicator tampon, hold the grip area of the applicator and gently slide the tip into your vaginal opening. The key detail most people miss: angle the tampon toward your lower back, not straight up. The vaginal canal has a natural curve in that direction, so following it makes insertion much easier and more comfortable. Once the applicator is in place, push the plunger to release the cotton core, then slide the applicator out. The string should hang outside your body.
For non-applicator tampons, you unwrap the tampon, place a finger on the base, and push it in at that same backward angle until your finger is about knuckle-deep. If you’re feeling tense or nervous, take a few slow breaths first. Tension causes the vaginal muscles to tighten, which makes insertion harder or uncomfortable. A correctly placed tampon sits far enough inside that you shouldn’t feel it at all. If it feels like it’s poking you, it likely needs to go a little further in.
How Long You Can Wear One
Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Never leave a single tampon in for more than 8 hours, including overnight. If you need protection while sleeping, either set an alarm to change it or use a pad instead. After the time is up, remove the tampon by pulling gently on the string, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Tampons should not be flushed, even if the packaging suggests otherwise.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is the risk most people associate with tampons. It’s a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The incidence in the United States is estimated at 0.8 to 3.4 cases per 100,000 people per year, and that includes both tampon-related and non-tampon-related cases.
TSS became a major concern in the early 1980s when higher-absorbency tampons were linked to a spike in cases. Since then, FDA regulations have tightened considerably. Manufacturers must now test that their products don’t enhance the growth of the bacteria responsible or increase production of the toxin that triggers TSS. Your practical steps to reduce risk are straightforward: use the lowest absorbency you need, change tampons within the 8-hour window, and only use them during your period.
Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a sunburn-like rash, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness, and muscle aches. If you develop these symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove it immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Environmental Considerations
Disposable period products generate significant waste. Roughly 12 billion disposable menstrual products are used globally each year, contributing an estimated 245,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. In the UK alone, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down toilets every day, causing sewage problems and environmental contamination.
If this concerns you, alternatives like menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear are reusable options that produce far less waste over time. Some people also switch between tampons and reusable products depending on the day or situation. Organic cotton tampons with cardboard applicators are a middle ground: still disposable, but they break down more readily than those with plastic applicators or synthetic fibers.