Myths
All sorts of things are said about periods, but not all of them are true! Here are some things you might have heard – see if you know whether they are true or false.
‘If I go to the pool with a tampon, I can have leaks in the water.’ False!
You don't need to worry about leaks, because the flow is absorbed while still in the vagina. Just insert a fresh tampon just before you swim and change it right afterwards.
‘If I go for it when playing sport, I could loose the tampon.’ False!
You can play any sport while using a tampon – it expands and gently stays in place, even if you’re running or jumping for the ball.
‘I can do sports during periods.’ True!
Now that you’re using the right tampon for your flow, you can do sports any day of the month! Hidden inside, the tampon stays in place and won’t leak even during exercise. Just remember to regularly change it either when it has reached maximum capacity or before it has been in place for 8 hours. Always choose the lowest tampon absorbency for your menstrual flow. Sport is also great for keeping you relaxed and can help prevent cramps.
‘A girl under 12 can’t use tampons.’ False!
As soon as you have started having periods you can use tampons. o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini tampons are specially designed for young girls. Thanks to their narrow tip, slim shape and silky-soft SilkTouch™ cover, these tampons are especially easy to insert.
‘A virgin can also use a tampon.’ True!
Because of hormonal changes before the first period, the hymen (located at the lower front of the vaginal opening) will have become a soft, stretchy skin fold. That means smaller tampon sizes, like o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini and Light Days tampons can be normally used, even if you’re a virgin. o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini is particularly easy to insert.
‘I may lose the string and not manage to remove the tampon.’ False!
Tampons are designed so that the string always shows outside the body, and there’s no reason why it should disappear inside. o.b.® tampons are made to the highest standards and are developed in such a way that the string is firmly anchored in the tampon. At every step of the production process, we monitor the tampons to ensure the highest quality. To reassure yourself that the string is securely attached to the tampon, simply pull firmly on it before you insert the tampon! You’ll see just how securely the string is attached to the tampon!
‘A tampon can get stuck or lost inside me.’ False!
A tampon fits quite snugly into the space it’s designed for and there isn’t really anywhere else it can go! The tampon cannot pass into the uterus. The opening between the uterus and the vagina is too small to allow a tampon to pass through it. Tampons don’t get stuck – if it feels like it doesn’t want to move when you tug on the string it probably means it’s not ready to be changed, or that you are clenching too much and need to relax.
‘The tampon can be inserted too deep, so that I can’t find it anymore.’ False!
There are two reasons why this can’t happen. First of all, the length of the tampon’s string means that even after the tampon is inserted you can see the string. Second, and most importantly, the tampon cannot pass into the uterus – the opening is too small. You can see this clearly in the “how to insert a tampon” video.
‘I have to change a tampon a minimum of every 4 hours otherwise it can be bad for me.’ False!
Tampons can be worn up to 8 hours. It depends on your flow. Usually you will need to change every 3 to 6 hours for the first few days when bleeding will be heavier. For the lighter days, toward the end of your period you can usually use a smaller tampon and change it every 6 to 8 hours. Always choose the lowest absorbency tampon for your menstrual flow. A tampon is fine to use at night, too.
‘I can wear a tampon at night.’ True!
It’s perfectly okay to use tampons overnight! Just change your tampon before you go to bed and as soon as you wake up in the morning. Always use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow.
‘I should not wear a tampon every day of my period to give your body a rest.’ False!
Tampons work in harmony with your body, so there is no reason why you can’t use them from the beginning to the end of your period. The important thing is to always use the lowest absorbency for your flow and change your tampon when it has reached its maximum capacity, or before it has been in place for 8 hours.
‘I can try and practice how to insert a tampon before I have my first period.’ False!
You should wait for your periods to start before trying tampons for two reasons. The first reason is that the hymen (located at the lower front of the vaginal opening) may not be ready – it becomes soft and stretchy because of hormones when your periods are about to begin. Secondly, the menstrual fluid allows the tampon to be inserted and removed easily, and to expand in the body. Before this the vagina will likely be too dry and the insertion will be uncomfortable.
‘Tampons should not be used by teenage girls as their body is not ready.’ False!
As soon as you have started having periods your body is ready to use tampons. At the beginning it is best to try the smaller tampon sizes, like o.b.® ProComfort Mini and Light Days. o.b.® ProComfort Mini is particularly easy to insert.
‘Tampons block the blood.’ False!
Tampons don’t block your natural flow. They just absorb the fluid and draw it to their core until it is fully saturated. A full tampon then lets fluid flow through or around.
‘I have to change a tampon every time I go to the toilet.’ False!
You do not have to remove the tampon to go to the toilet because the vagina, urethra and bowels are separate organs, each with their own openings. Only the amount of flow determines how often you should change your tampon. To check if you need to change it, gently tug on the string. If the tampon moves easily, it is saturated enough and should be changed. If not, leave it in place and check again a little later (no more than 8 hours).
‘A tampon is too small to protect me properly.’ False!
Tampons may be small, but the fibres they are made of are very absorbent. They draw the fluid into their core and hold it there until it is time to change the tampon. You just have to find the right absorbency for you, which may change according to whether it’s the beginning or end of your period. Remember to always use the lowest absorbency tampon for your menstrual flow. When starting with tampons try o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini first – it is the easiest to insert. Try o.b.® ProComfort™ Normal for comfortable protection, if your bleeding is getting heavier.
‘As a teenager I should use only the smallest size.’ False!
It is definitely best to start with the smallest – o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini – because these are the easiest to insert and remove if you’re using tampons for the first time, but the one you should use depends on your flow. Bleeding during the first days of your period usually is heavier, so you need a tampon that makes you feel safe and dry. Try o.b.® ProComfort™ Normal for comfortable protection. We recommended that you always use a tampon with the minimum absorbency needed for your menstrual flow, which is signaled by the droplets on the pack.
‘I should not feel a tampon at all while wearing it.’ True!
When a tampon is correctly inserted you should not be able to feel it. If you can feel it when sitting down or bending, then you haven’t inserted it deeply enough. Watch our video to check you’re doing it right.
‘If I go to the pool with a tampon, I can have leaks in the water.’ False!
You don't need to worry about leaks, because the flow is absorbed while still in the vagina. Just insert a fresh tampon just before you swim and change it right afterwards.
‘If I go for it when playing sport, I could loose the tampon.’ False!
You can play any sport while using a tampon – it expands and gently stays in place, even if you’re running or jumping for the ball.
‘I can do sports during periods.’ True!
Now that you’re using the right tampon for your flow, you can do sports any day of the month! Hidden inside, the tampon stays in place and won’t leak even during exercise. Just remember to regularly change it either when it has reached maximum capacity or before it has been in place for 8 hours. Always choose the lowest tampon absorbency for your menstrual flow. Sport is also great for keeping you relaxed and can help prevent cramps.
‘A girl under 12 can’t use tampons.’ False!
As soon as you have started having periods you can use tampons. o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini tampons are specially designed for young girls. Thanks to their narrow tip, slim shape and silky-soft SilkTouch™ cover, these tampons are especially easy to insert.
‘A virgin can also use a tampon.’ True!
Because of hormonal changes before the first period, the hymen (located at the lower front of the vaginal opening) will have become a soft, stretchy skin fold. That means smaller tampon sizes, like o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini and Light Days tampons can be normally used, even if you’re a virgin. o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini is particularly easy to insert.
‘I may lose the string and not manage to remove the tampon.’ False!
Tampons are designed so that the string always shows outside the body, and there’s no reason why it should disappear inside. o.b.® tampons are made to the highest standards and are developed in such a way that the string is firmly anchored in the tampon. At every step of the production process, we monitor the tampons to ensure the highest quality. To reassure yourself that the string is securely attached to the tampon, simply pull firmly on it before you insert the tampon! You’ll see just how securely the string is attached to the tampon!
‘A tampon can get stuck or lost inside me.’ False!
A tampon fits quite snugly into the space it’s designed for and there isn’t really anywhere else it can go! The tampon cannot pass into the uterus. The opening between the uterus and the vagina is too small to allow a tampon to pass through it. Tampons don’t get stuck – if it feels like it doesn’t want to move when you tug on the string it probably means it’s not ready to be changed, or that you are clenching too much and need to relax.
‘The tampon can be inserted too deep, so that I can’t find it anymore.’ False!
There are two reasons why this can’t happen. First of all, the length of the tampon’s string means that even after the tampon is inserted you can see the string. Second, and most importantly, the tampon cannot pass into the uterus – the opening is too small. You can see this clearly in the “how to insert a tampon” video.
‘I have to change a tampon a minimum of every 4 hours otherwise it can be bad for me.’ False!
Tampons can be worn up to 8 hours. It depends on your flow. Usually you will need to change every 3 to 6 hours for the first few days when bleeding will be heavier. For the lighter days, toward the end of your period you can usually use a smaller tampon and change it every 6 to 8 hours. Always choose the lowest absorbency tampon for your menstrual flow. A tampon is fine to use at night, too.
‘I can wear a tampon at night.’ True!
It’s perfectly okay to use tampons overnight! Just change your tampon before you go to bed and as soon as you wake up in the morning. Always use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow.
‘I should not wear a tampon every day of my period to give your body a rest.’ False!
Tampons work in harmony with your body, so there is no reason why you can’t use them from the beginning to the end of your period. The important thing is to always use the lowest absorbency for your flow and change your tampon when it has reached its maximum capacity, or before it has been in place for 8 hours.
‘I can try and practice how to insert a tampon before I have my first period.’ False!
You should wait for your periods to start before trying tampons for two reasons. The first reason is that the hymen (located at the lower front of the vaginal opening) may not be ready – it becomes soft and stretchy because of hormones when your periods are about to begin. Secondly, the menstrual fluid allows the tampon to be inserted and removed easily, and to expand in the body. Before this the vagina will likely be too dry and the insertion will be uncomfortable.
‘Tampons should not be used by teenage girls as their body is not ready.’ False!
As soon as you have started having periods your body is ready to use tampons. At the beginning it is best to try the smaller tampon sizes, like o.b.® ProComfort Mini and Light Days. o.b.® ProComfort Mini is particularly easy to insert.
‘Tampons block the blood.’ False!
Tampons don’t block your natural flow. They just absorb the fluid and draw it to their core until it is fully saturated. A full tampon then lets fluid flow through or around.
‘I have to change a tampon every time I go to the toilet.’ False!
You do not have to remove the tampon to go to the toilet because the vagina, urethra and bowels are separate organs, each with their own openings. Only the amount of flow determines how often you should change your tampon. To check if you need to change it, gently tug on the string. If the tampon moves easily, it is saturated enough and should be changed. If not, leave it in place and check again a little later (no more than 8 hours).
‘A tampon is too small to protect me properly.’ False!
Tampons may be small, but the fibres they are made of are very absorbent. They draw the fluid into their core and hold it there until it is time to change the tampon. You just have to find the right absorbency for you, which may change according to whether it’s the beginning or end of your period. Remember to always use the lowest absorbency tampon for your menstrual flow. When starting with tampons try o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini first – it is the easiest to insert. Try o.b.® ProComfort™ Normal for comfortable protection, if your bleeding is getting heavier.
‘As a teenager I should use only the smallest size.’ False!
It is definitely best to start with the smallest – o.b.® ProComfort™ Mini – because these are the easiest to insert and remove if you’re using tampons for the first time, but the one you should use depends on your flow. Bleeding during the first days of your period usually is heavier, so you need a tampon that makes you feel safe and dry. Try o.b.® ProComfort™ Normal for comfortable protection. We recommended that you always use a tampon with the minimum absorbency needed for your menstrual flow, which is signaled by the droplets on the pack.
‘I should not feel a tampon at all while wearing it.’ True!
When a tampon is correctly inserted you should not be able to feel it. If you can feel it when sitting down or bending, then you haven’t inserted it deeply enough. Watch our video to check you’re doing it right.
