Tampon Sizes report
Looking back in history, the birth of tampons was only a few years later than sanitary napkins. In 1929, American doctor Earle Cleveland Haas used two cardboard tubes and cotton wool compressed into slivers to make menstrual products inserted into the vagina. In 1933, this invention was patented, and Hass named it Dambis.
Nowadays, tampon products have been sold in the global market, and many women have used tampons regularly. Because tampons do not affect clothing and exercise, this product was once an essential product for menstruation.
There is a lot to know about your tampon options, including the size, amount, period flow, etc. Choosing between tampon sizes can be a challenge, especially to adolescents when they begin to experience a monthly menstrual cycle for the first time. Here is a simple tampon size guide for all people who are new to tampons.
Tampon Size Guide
Tampons are easy to use and can simplify your life during the menstrual cycle. Beyond convenience, knowing your flow is also important for your health. If your flow is too heavy, it can cause health problems or signal a medical condition. And even knowing the correct tampon sizes to use can have an impact on your health.
If you are new to tampons, you may not know how to choose the right size for your flow. There are many important factors to consider when selecting a tampon size, and you may need small or large tampons depending on how active you are or where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Tampon Sizes by the Flow
Several tampon sizes are available. Most women may not realize the tampon size corresponds to the amount of flow absorption rather than the actual size of the tampon itself. It means that light tampons can not absorb as much fluid as regular or super tampons. When you find your tampon cannot capture 100 percent of your menstrual flow, it is time to choose the larger tampon sizes. But you'd better choose the smallest possible tampon that absorbs the flow for about four to eight hours. The following are common tampon sizes:
Your flow type | Light/junior tampon | Regular tampon | Super tampon | Super plus tampon | Super plus extra/ultra tampon |
Light | Evenly soaked | Light white space | Some white space | Plenty of white space | Majority white space |
Light to moderate | Evenly soaked to some overflow | Evenly soaked | Light white space | Some white space | Plenty of white space |
Moderate | Some overflow on string | Evenly soaked | Evenly soaked to light white space | Light white space | Some white space |
Moderate to heavy | Some overflow on string or underwear | Evenly soaked to some overflow | Evenly soaked | Light white space | Some white space to plenty of white space |
Heavy | Heavy overflow on string or underwear | Heavy overflow on string or underwear | Overflow to evenly soaked | Evenly soaked | Evenly soaked to light white space |
- Light tampons can hold about 3ml fluid, regular tampon can hold almost 5ml fluid,super tampon can hold nearly 12 ml fluid.
- Some brands may offer even more absorbent sizes like super plus, which hold 15 ml and ultra, which hold up to 18 ml.
How to pick the best tampon size
You have a lot to choose from with five different sizes, but you need to keep in mind that tampon sizes are based on the amount of fluid they absorb. Some people experience differences in their menstrual flow every month, making it a good idea to keep several sizes on hand for the most comfort and leak protection. There are several things you should notice when choosing the tampon.
- Know the amount of your menstrual fluid. If you think you have a lighter flow, choose a light size, but stick to regular to start if you feel you have a heavier flow. To prevent TSS, you should always use the lowest absorbency level to meet your needs.
- Tampon insertion should never hurt. If it does, it might indicate that the size of the tampon is too large.
- You can choose to wear several different tampon sizes throughout the period. There may be a lighter flow at the beginning and end of their period that is easy to manage with smaller tampons.
- If the tampon you choose does not leak any blood for four to six hours, you have most likely picked the correct size.
Tips for the tampon first-timers
I can not deny that using a tampon for the first time can feel uncomfortable, but, indeed, the tampon will never break your hymen. Many tampon manufacturers provide slim or junior tampons that are the ideal choice for first-timers to experiment with as their body adjusts to using them. The following are important things the first-timers should know.
- Tampons should be chosen based on how much menstrual fluid is passed during a short time, rather than choosing larger tampons and leaving them in longer.
- Tampons need to be changed regularly every 4 hours to avoid infection.
- When selecting tampons for the first time, choose those with a small insertion applicator that would be more comfortable.
- First-time tampon users can also use slim pads or panty liners to capture leakage.
- The string from a tampon should hang freely, making it easier to remove the tampon when it’s time to change.
Tampons can be a safe, comfortable, and effective way to manage your period, but they will work best if you choose the right size for you. You might also want to try a few different brands to find the one that works best for you.