Tampons can intensify cramps by expanding in the vaginal canal, putting pressure on sensitive nerves or the cervix, and being too rigid for your body's contractions, especially if they are the wrong size or inserted incorrectly; this physical pressure can amplify the uterus's natural cramping sensations, though tampons don't cause cramps, which stem from uterine contractions. Factors like pelvic floor sensitivity (vaginismus, vulvodynia) or irritation from dry/poorly placed tampons can make this discomfort worse, leading some to prefer menstrual cups or discs for less pressure.
However, cervical sensitivity due to low estrogen levels during menses can worsen cramping as tampons can put pressure against the cervix. To avoid this sensation, many people report switching to silicone menstrual cups or menstrual discs during their period.
The pain you're experiencing is likely due to the tightness in your pelvic floor muscles. When the muscles down there are holding too much tension all the time, it can cause a plethora of symptoms including pain or discomfort with tampon use.
That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body. "Use the lowest absorbent type of tampon necessary for your flow," Tyson suggests, to avoid bacteria growth and micro-tears in the vaginal wall.
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
You have endometriosis
Endometriosis usually flares when you have your period, Dr. Minkin says. “If you insert something [like a tampon], that could put pressure on some endometriosis tissue, leading to pain,” she says.
While some outlets suggest that tampons may hinder blood flow to a certain extent, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that your menstrual product choice impacts your cycle length [14].
There is no scientific research that links free bleeding to shorter menstruation.
A super pad/tampon should be able to cope for 4+ hours. If you need change your pad or tampon 1-2 hourly or have to wear a pad or period undies as well as a tampon in case of bleeding through, then you are experiencing “heavy periods”.
Cons of using tampons
Foods that may worsen period pain or cramps
A 2022 review found sugar consumption had little association with painful periods. However, some observational studies (which do not involve an intervention) suggest women who eat more processed foods may have more intense period pain.
Recognizing Symptoms of a Flare-Up
Intense cramping, especially during menstruation. Lower back and leg pain. Fatigue and exhaustion. Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
A recent case in point is the viral Tik Tok claim that titanium dioxide used as a whitener in tampon strings caused a young woman's ovarian cysts. Period products simply can't do that; it's not biologically possible. Furthermore, titanium dioxide is a whitening ingredient used in toothpaste, sunscreens, and many foods.
The 1-2-3 rule is a simple aide-mémoire describing the nomenclature of any small simple anechoic cystic appearing structure within an ovary on ultrasound: <1 cm = follicle. 1-2 cm = dominant follicle. >3 cm = cyst.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
It's also is often used to make things like paint, and most relevant for our purposes, it's used to make pads and tampons appear whiter. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The form of blood that comes out becomes thinner so that it is easy to come out of the vagina. However, there are times when the shed uterine wall has a tremendous flow that forms a clot. These lumps are similar to flesh and are red. This is very normal to occur at the beginning of menstruation.
6 Endometriosis Imposters That Could Delay a Correct Diagnosis and Wreck Your Future
Period pain red flags include pain so severe it stops you from daily activities (work, school), doesn't improve with OTC meds (ibuprofen, Panadol), involves very heavy bleeding (soak pad/tampon hourly), or comes with new symptoms like painful sex, fatigue, digestive issues, or fever, signaling potential conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis needing medical attention.
To relieve period cramps fast, use heat (heating pad, warm bath), take NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, stay hydrated with warm drinks (ginger tea), try light exercise (walking, yoga), gently massage your abdomen, and consider supplements like magnesium or omega-3s, all while reducing stress and inflammation.
Over time (particularly from their late 20s and into their 30s and 40s), their periods may become increasingly painful.
Free bleeding is generally safe. There's no scientific evidence of health benefits to free bleeding, but it can be beneficial to some people. For example, if you're not buying period products, you're going to save some cash (although period-proof clothing also costs money, too).
Use of period products
However, urine leaks when using a tampon could also be a sign of bladder prolapse, also known as a cystocele. This is a condition where weakened vaginal walls cause the bladder to shift from its normal position.
Tampons can increase the risk of TSS in two ways, including: Tampons (especially super-absorbent varieties) that are left in the vagina for a long time may encourage the bacteria to grow. Tampons can stick to the vaginal walls, especially when blood flow is light, causing tiny abrasions when they are removed.