Not all tampons are the same! Or how to choose tampons?

What sizes are tampons?

Tampons are available in three sizes: mini (light), regular (normal) and super. Sometimes you can also find tampons in the super plus size . These are terms regarding the absorbency of the tampon. Interestingly, these levels are independent of the brand you choose - it was calculated during standard laboratory tests.

Most manufacturers offer one size in one box, but there are also companies that give you the option to personalize your packaging (see our Your KAYA tampons , we bow low). In this case, you decide on your needs and choose the number of tampons in each size. So you don't have to have three boxes in your bathroom "for every occasion", but just one, but perfectly tailored to you .

And how to choose the right tampon when you haven't had your period yet? Unfortunately, before your first period, buying tampons in this option must be intuitive , until you find out what your period looks like and what configuration will be the most suitable. It is good to start with the smallest size.

It is worth adding that sometimes painless use of tampons is not possible due to the structureof the hymen (read more about it here) , and if the hymen is preserved, it is better to use smaller tampons.

Does tampon absorbency = capacity?

Yep, that's right – absorbency is the capacity of tampons , i.e. the amount of menstrual fluid that a tampon inserted into the vagina can absorb.

Tampon Absorbency – When to Choose Which One?

As I mentioned, the most common tampons you'll see on the hygiene shelves are mini , regular , and super . I'll start at the end and explain that usually the largest tampons (the most absorbent) are needed for the first 1 or 2 days of your period . Sometimes the first few hours of your period are just spotting , which a regular pad or mini tampon will handle, but things change quickly and you may need more solid support.

As time (or rather menstrual discharge) passes, you will move from one absorbency level to another , so – to put it simply – you will reach for smaller and smaller tampons: regular and mini .

Which tampons to start with?

The smallest tampon (with the lowest absorbency) is best to start with . Larger tampons will come in handy in the next step!

It is equally important that they are good tampons, i.e. made of natural materials , such as organic cotton , and that they are not bleached with chlorine (again – we recommend ourselves!). This is very important – after all, you leave them inside you for several hours!

Be sure to check out our instructions on how to insert a tampon .

You can read more about virginity and using tampons here: Can you use tampons if you are a virgin?

How to adjust the tampon to the heaviness of your period?

To best match the tampon to the heaviness of your period, you need to observe the changing flow. For light spotting , the smallest tampon will be enough , but if your period is heavy and abundant , you will need a tampon with a higher absorbency .

Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing tampons for the entire period, we do not have a universal rule for all menstruating people. This is a very individual matter - some people have very heavy bleeding from the first day, for others the first day is kind in terms of the volume of the period, while the heaviest spotting occurs on the 2nd and 3rd day of the period - then you have to reach for the largest tampon. That is why it is so important to observe your body and increase your self-awareness .

After some time after the first period, the period usually stabilizes (and subsequent bleeding is similar to the previous one), which makes it easier to estimate how many sanitary products of a given size are used during one period.

Also check out the articles about tampons and peeing and about throwing away used tampons .

Incorrectly fitted tampon – how to recognize it?

You can have one tampon in for 4 to 6 hours , up to 8 hours ( read more about how long to keep a tampon in here ). If after less than that you see stains on your underwear or pad (some people use it as an additional protection for their underwear) or you notice blood on the string of the tampon , it means you need to reach for a more absorbent tampon (if possible) or increase the frequency of its replacement (you can set a reminder on your phone to check the situation regularly).

However, if you partially remove the white tampon after 4-6 hours , you can reach for a smaller size or – if you use a mini one – switch to a pad.

What are the side effects of a bad fit?

An ill-fitting tampon is definitely a tampon that leaks – then it simply does not fulfill its function (it is unable to absorb menstrual fluids completely). So the side effect here will be stained underwear or simply discomfort related to leakage.

It might seem that choosing a tampon with a higher absorbency than you actually need would be a good idea – but nothing could be further from the truth. A tampon that is too large will collect your natural vaginal moisture (physiological discharge), which can cause dryness and irritation and promote the development of infection.

It certainly won't be soaked enough to be unnoticeable - which can cause discomfort, both during use and when removing the tampon . Remember: removing a well-soaked tampon is easy and painless.

Psst! For more info on taking out tampons, head here !

I hope you now have all the information you need to get started with tampons. Good luck!