But we might as well come out and say it now: tampons do NOT shorten your period - quite the contrary actually.
Some people might feel like their periods end faster when they use tampons, while others say that using pads seemingly shortens their period length because pads do not hamper period flow. However, there is no scientific evidence that either tampons or pads can make your period end faster.
Tampons soak up menstrual blood, but they may also block some menstrual flow from the vagina, which could extend the duration of bleeding. Sanitary pads should not hinder the menstrual flow, so some people feel that using them can help their period to end sooner.
A fully saturated light tampon can hold up to 3 milliliters of fluid. A fully saturated super tampon may hold up to 12 milliliters of fluid. A fully saturated regular daytime pad may hold around 5 milliliters of fluid. A fully soaked overnight pad may hold 10 to 15 milliliters of fluid.
You should change your tampon regularly, about every four to eight hours. If you have a very heavy flow, changing your tampon as often as needed is never an issue. If you know you'll sleep longer than eight hours, use a sanitary pad, period underwear or menstrual cup.
Your flow is heavy if:
Soaks through your tampon or pads every hour for a few hours in a row. You need to change pads or tampons during the night. You collect more than 30ml of blood in your menstrual cup. You fully soak 6 or more regular ( or 3 or more super) pads/tampons.
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. The cycle isn't the same for everyone. Menstrual bleeding might happen every 21 to 35 days and last 2 to 7 days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.
Does free bleeding makes your period end faster? While there is some evidence to suggest that free bleeding may speed up the end of your menstrual cycle, there is no scientific proof that this actually works.
The first day of a woman's period is day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood in a period. Some women bleed more heavily than this, but help is available if heavy periods are a problem. Find out about heavy periods.
However, 3-6 products per day (pads or tampons) is normal. If you're using less than that, you may not be changing them enough for health and hygiene. If you're using more than that because they are filling up fast or leaking, you may want to try a bigger size.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
Stick to tampons only when you are menstruating properly, i.e., during the days when your flow is on the heavier side. Tampons work best with sufficient amount of moisture. So, switch to pads or panty-liners during the days when your flow is anything but heavy. Dr.
A shortened menstrual cycle could be caused by birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and more.
"Since there are 24 hours in a day and you are only supposed to wear a tampon for a max of 8 hours, you would need at least 3 tampons a day during the menstrual cycle, which would be a minimum of 21 tampons per cycle."
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be related to uterus problems, hormones or illnesses. Polyps, fibroids or endometriosis can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. There can be some bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy.
Setting yourself up for free bleeding menstruation
Start at home or in another place you feel comfortable, so you can work out what to expect from your period somewhere safe. Use a towel when sitting on furniture, or to lie on when you're in bed at night. Only go outside if you feel comfortable.
BY GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN. Key finding: Study shows that drinking 8.5 cups of water daily reduces menstrual cramp pain and shortens the length of menstrual bleeding compared to drinking 7 cups or less.
Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown.
Black or brown blood might look alarming, but it isn't necessarily a reason to worry. This color may look like coffee grounds. Black or brown is usually old blood, which has had time to oxidize, changing the hue. Brown blood, in particular, is often seen at the start or end of your period.
If you have to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, or bleed longer than 7 days, see your healthcare provider. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem. The symptoms of menorrhagia may look like other conditions or medical problems.
There's a few reasons why tampons leak when they're not full. It's been inserted incorrectly. You're not wearing a tampon made from absorbent organic cotton. Lots of tampons on the market are made from synthetic materials that are unable to absorb much menstrual fluid.
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.