The pros and cons of tampons

Learn more about this popular period product

If your teen has started or is about to start their period, they might be curious about tampons.

Tampons are a popular choice for many people managing their periods, but lots of parents do have concerns about this so we thought it might be helpful to give you an overview of how they work and their pros and cons, particularly when it comes to teen use.

What are tampons?

A tampon is a small cotton plug designed to sit inside the vagina to absorb period blood.

It’s removed by gently pulling on the small string attached to it.

Tampons are single use and disposable.

There are many types of tampons available to suit different flows. Some come with applicators, which can make insertion easier.

Tampons are easy to find in pharmacies, supermarkets, and corner shops.

Why might teens like using tampons?

Tampons are a popular choice for several reasons:

• They’re more discreet than other period products
• Comfortable when inserted correctly – you shouldn’t feel them
• They can be used even when swimming or bathing – looking for alternatives to tampons for swimming? Check out period swimwear for teens or menstrual cups as another great option
• They’re safe to use with an IUD (a form of contraception)
• You can sleep with a tampon which can help with leaks, but it’s vital to change it after a maximum of 8 hours to reduce the risk of infection

Why might teens avoid using tampons?

While tampons are convenient, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here are some reasons why:

• They can be messy, especially if your teen has a heavy flow, as they may need to wash blood off their fingers after insertion (though this likely won't be an issue if they use applicator tampons)
• They’re a less environmentally friendly option since they’re disposable
• Tampons need to be changed regularly, and so a teen needs to be much more responsible with use – typically every 4–8 hours

What parents should know about safety

There is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) when using tampons. TSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection. To minimise this risk, your teen should:

• Not leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours
• Use the lowest absorbency tampon suitable for their flow

For more details about safety and tampon use, you might find this doctor’s explanation about tampons and teens helpful.

It’s also worth addressing the recent study about there being lead in tampons. If you are concerned about this, luna's article "Is there really lead in tampons?" explores this.

What parents should know overall

Tampons are a safe and convenient way to manage periods and might work well for teens who feel comfortable using them, especially those who are sportier or like to swim.

If tampons aren't right for your teen, you can explore this guide to choosing period products for tweens and teens to help your teen make an informed choice.

Finally, why not support your teen with luna premium?

Our app, luna, has dedicated advice on this topic as well as a period tracker which can help them feel more empowered through adolescence.

You can think of luna as a modern, digital version of the puberty books we had growing up – it’s cost-effective, verified by doctors and safeguarding experts, and has a direct line into the biggest concerns facing teens today – so it’s actually addressing what they need advice on, when they need it.

If you’ve been looking for an antidote to the misinformation and negativity shared on social media or forums, you can get luna for your teen via our luna premium page for the price of a coffee each month or manage their subscription by downloading luna yourself and signing up as a parent (it's "we are luna" in app stores).