Choosing Your Product

Why I Prefer Pads

Using pads versus tampons is a personal choice. Learn why there's no need to be embarassed about being a pad user.

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How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly

There may come a time in any menstruator’s life that a pad simply doesn’t feel like the best option. Maybe you have plans at the beach or the pool and your period wants to join the party....

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I just put a pad in and it's really awkward feeling. Is this just something you get used to, or should it feel normal?

Just as you wouldn’t want to wear a bra that was too big or too small, you also want to find a pad that is right for you.

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How do I get the tampon out without a string?

It is possible to remove the tampon without a string. The first step is to not panic! Read on for tips from a peer, expert and a mom.

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How can I avoid the pain from taking my tampon out dry? Can you pee through the tampon before you remove it to avoid the dry pain?

Peer Answer: Ah, yes. The old dry tampon removal. I've dealt with it plenty of times! As far as strategies to minimize the discomfort, I think it would be fine to pee with your tampon in if that makes it easier...

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Whenever I use a tampon, no matter what brand, I ALWAYS have to use a liner. I think the blood soaks down the string but yet it never soaks the whole tampon. How do I solve this problem? I'd love to go swimming without worrying about it.

Peer Answer: You're so not alone on this!  I can think of quite a few times that I've gone to the bathroom to change my tampon only to find the string soaked and the tampon almost unused. I haven't figured out how...

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Choosing the Right Tampon

Regular, super, super plus? Compact or full-size? Dr. Jessica Shepherd breaks down how to select the right tampon to manage your period.

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When I play soccer do I have to wear a tampon, or can I wear a pad?

Peer Answer: There are no hard and fast rules for what to wear and when — it’s really about wearing what is comfortable for you.  I was playing a lot of sports when I first started my period (soccer and...

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Can you wear pads all the time or only on your period?

Read more to learn about the best time to use feminine care pads.

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I may have forgotten I have a tampon in. How can I tell? I am cramping.

Peer Answer: The best way that I know of is to get up in there and do some recon. If you’re unable to find the missing tampon and are still concerned, it’s time to call your health provider to have a look-see...

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Can I use a tampon if my period is almost over?

Tampons can be worn any time during your period, but chosing the right absorbency for your flow is key.

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Can you lose a tampon inside you?

Peer Answer: I had this same fear when I was first considering using tampons and I am happy to say the answer is definitely, no! Although it is possible to get the string caught up in there and forgotten. Been...

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Can tampons give me a yeast infection?

Peer Answer: I've never gotten a yeast infection and I'm a regular tampon user. But I'm not completely sure if tampons can or can't give you one, so you should see what health expert panelist Dr. Molly says about...

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How to Choose a Menstrual Pad

Here at U by Kotex® we know that everyone has their own journey when it comes to being introduced to menstrual products. Maybe you were excited for this stage of your life or maybe you felt...

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Overnight Tampon Use during Sleep

Of the many topics you may be curious about in regards to tampons (like how do I insert one?), we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon in? We understand you have concerns –...

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A Guide to Postpartum Pads – Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy

Congratulations! If you’re reading this then it’s likely that you’re about to experience all the joys and transitions of a new baby and we’re thrilled for you! You might...

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Which is healthier to use – tampons or pads?

Peer Answer: It’s great to hear you are concerned about using the best products for your body! I never would have thought to ask this. And since you’ve asked, I have to tell you—aside from the risk of TSS from...

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What do I do if my tampon gets stuck?

Peer Answer: It’s a tricky situation, but manageable. The immediate solution for this would be to use your fingers to pull it out. Actually, that’s the only solution that comes to mind. I know how to avoid the...

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Period Chats: Period Gush? We’ve got a pad for that!

The dreaded Gush! If you’re a pad user like Sylvia, you know what she means! You stand up, here comes the rush of gush, and you have a moment of panic – “did I just leak onto my clothes?” Sylvia...

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I know you’re not supposed to sleep in a tampon if you sleep more than 8 hours, but what would I do if I ONLY use tampons? Is it okay to go over the 8 hour limit by say 15 minutes?

Peer Answer: Um, this is an awesome question. High five for asking it. So, as long as you don’t have one single tampon in for any longer than 8 hours, you’re set and good to go. There isn’t a time limit on how...

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What if a tampon gets too far up? I'm afraid and nervous about putting my fingers all the way in to find it.

Peer Answer: I have great news for you: You can't put a tampon "too far" in! And a tampon can't get lost inside you, either. If your tampon has a string, it will be really easy to just pull out. If your tampon...

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What are the slimmest and smallest tampons for a first-time user?

Peer Answer: Regular tampons can be intimidating, so I think it’s a genius idea to give tampons a first try using the slimmer and smaller size. I definitely think “light” tampons would be the best for you to use...

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Some people think that tampons will clog your toilet if you flush them. I don't believe it, but I'd like to be sure. Can flushing tampons be dangerous?

Peer Answer: Toilets and plumbing systems are mysterious beasts, and many people don't think much about what happens to the things they flush. But plumbers and the people who run city sewer systems are pretty...

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I know it says you can't leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours, but can you leave one tampon in for, say, 6 hours, and another in for 6 hours consecutively?

Peer Answer: Um, this is an awesome question. High five for asking it. So, as long as you don’t have one single tampon in for any longer than 8 hours, you’re set and good to go. There isn’t a time limit on how...

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I ALWAYS leak through the tampon even the "super" tampons made for heavy flows. What can I do? I would really like to use tampons.

Peer Answer: I’ve had a few of those times where even a super absorbency has leaked through, but it was usually close to the end of the time in which I would be changing my tampon (every 4-6 hours). Make sure you...

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Do you think it's okay to go swimming without a tampon?

Peer Answer: You know what? I’m actually not sure what happens when you go swimming without a tampon. I’ve actually been too nervous and intimidated to find out. I’ve always assumed that there’s the possibility...

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Can you wear a tampon on the first day of your period?

Peer Answer: If you’re immediately comfortable using a tampon on the first day of your period, go for it. Tampons were made to be used when you’re on your period, whether it’s your first or your last. I wasn’t...

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Why do tampons hurt when you sit down?

Peer Answer: Tampons should definitely not hurt when you sit down. What I’m thinking is you didn’t insert it properly. I know it can be a little tricky at first, but it will get easier and soon enough, you’ll be a...

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Why does my period stop when I use a tampon?

Peer Answer: I know sometimes it seems like your period stops when you have a tampon in, but actually, the tampon is just temporarily blocking the blood from coming out of your vagina. It acts like a barrier for...

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When you're using a tampon, how far back do you put the applicator? When I put one in it didn't catch any blood?

Peer Answer: Though it probably won’t be helpful, most of what I can say is that you’ll know you put your tampon in right just by kind of feeling it out. It’s not in enough if when you sit down you can feel it....

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Whenever I wear a tampon, when I walk I don't feel it but when I sit down, if I move in just the right position, I feel it. What do I do?

Peer Answer: It sounds like you are not inserting the tampon completely. I remember when I first starting using tampons, I was afraid to fully insert them and would often find they would get more uncomfortable...

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What if you accidentally have two tampons inside of you? Can that happen?

Peer Answer: I hate to admit that I’ve been there and done that -- but I have. Once I totally forgot that I had one in and then put in another! I was pretty freaked out. Luckily, there is an end to it all of it up...

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What do you do if you don't have a pad or a tampon with you and you start your period (and you aren't at home)?

Peer Answer: If you start your period and you aren’t at home and you don’t have a pad or tampon with you, you’re not in as bad of a situation as you may think you are. What’s comforting about having a period is...

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Is it possible to put a tampon in the wrong hole?

Peer Answer: There is more than one hole down there, but it’s pretty unlikely you would mix them up. I totally had the same fear when I first started using tampons. We have a great video on our website that gives...

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I'm sore after using a tampon. Did I do it wrong? What would make it feel more comfortable?

Peer Answer: Using a tampon definitely takes some getting used to! I definitely think the best way to make tampons feel more comfortable is make sure it’s inserted as far as possible. When inserted properly, it...

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I can't use tampons. They hurt way too much when I try to put them in and I don't think I can break my hymen.

Peer Answer: If it hurts when you put a tampon in, you may not putting it in right. Using a tampon shouldn't hurt. When you insert a tampon in correctly, it should feel almost non-existent – that's the incentive...

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How do I know if I am putting a tampon in right?

Peer Answer: I know my tampon is in right if I can't feel it. It's, of course, a little easier for me to gauge based on the fact that I've been using tampons for more than 4 years. If you're just switching to...

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Does wearing a pad vs. a tampon shorten your period?

Peer Answer: Great question! I’m not sure if this is medically true (you’ll need to see what our health expert Sandy has to say for the real deal), but when I use tampons it can sometimes seem like my period is...

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Video: Choosing the Right Tampon

In this video, Dr. Shepherd breaks down how choose the right tampon for your period.

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When is the time to use a panty liner? I never know.

Get advice from others on when to use panty liners.

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Which Absorbency is Right for Me?

From one day to the next, and even from morning to evening, the amount of menstrual blood your body sheds changes. Learn how to pick the right absorbency for your period.

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Why does my tampon leak sometimes?

Leaks can happen for multiple reasons. Choosing the right absorbency and changing them frequently will help reduce leaks. Read on to learn more.

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I'm TERRIFIED of using tampons in public! Example: if I have a tampon in and I need to change it but can't find a bathroom. Help please!

Hear from others how they recommend preparing for a situation where you might not have a bathroom nearby to change your tampon.

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How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it?

Hear from a mom, a peer and an expert about the best time to change your panty liner.

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How often should I change my pad?

How often you need to change your pad depends on how heavy your flow is and what type of pad you are using.

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Can you pee with a tampon in?

Time for a big sigh of relief. Yes, you can pee with a tampon in.

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Do tampons hurt?

Tampons shouldn't hurt when you use them. Learn why choosing the right tampon for the the different days of your flow is important for your comfort.

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Go With Your Flow!

Knowing the right kind of product for your flow will help you be prepared so you won’t waste product on light days and you won’t ruin clothes on heavier days.

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How do I dispose of a tampon after I have used it?

No, tampons shouldn't be flushed. Learn the most responsible and respectful way to dispose of a tampon.

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Can I wear a tampon for discharge when I do not have my period?

Tampons are not recommended for vaginal discharge. Read on to learn why.

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Can I wear tampon all night long?

Learn why it's not recommended to wear a tampon all night.

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Can someone tell me how to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome?

Learn more about safe tampon use and the causes of TSS.

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