The 10 Best Tampons Of 2023

For our best tampons ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed over 40 different tampons, with and without applicators. We evaluated tampons on:

• Price
• Availability across retailers, both online and brick and mortar stores
• Type of applicator
• If applicator is BPA-free
• Number of sizes (also known as absorbency levels)
• If tampons are made of certified organic cotton
• Unscented or fragrance-free

Tampons are plugs of cotton inserted into the vagina to absorb and soak up menstrual blood during a person’s monthly cycle. Some tampons have an applicator designed to make insertion of the cotton plug easier. Tampons also come with a string on the end to help with easy removal.

Tampons come in different levels of absorbency designed to prevent leaks during your menstrual period. It’s best to use the lightest absorbency needed to prevent leaks from happening, based on how much you are bleeding and for how long.

Tampons with applicators make insertion easier for most people, as it gives the user something to hold while inserting the cotton plug into the vagina. If you feel you can insert a tampon without an applicator, then you may consider a non-applicator tampon. When used properly, tampons do not hurt to use or keep inside of you.

• Before using a tampon, wash your hands.
• Find a position you feel comfortable in––it varies for each person, but a tampon can be inserted while squatting, sitting or putting one leg up on the toilet seat.
• Push the tampon inside the vagina, using an applicator or your own finger if your tampon doesn’t have an applicator. A smooth and rounded applicator will make insertion easier for most people.
• Relax as much as possible––tampons go in more easily when the user isn’t tensing up.
• You can put a little lubricant on the end of the tampon to make it go in more easily.
• If you’re struggling to insert a tampon, ask someone you trust, like your mom or sister, who has used tampons to help you.
• Do not flush the applicator or wrapper. Throw them in the trash can when you are finished.
• Make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours, depending on your flow and comfort. Do not leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours. You can wear a tampon overnight, but insert right before going to sleep and remove it as soon as you wake up.
• Your tampon should come out easily if it’s full. All you need to do is gently tug on the tampon’s string.
• Wrap your used tampon in toilet paper if desired and throw it into the trash can––do not flush them.

As mentioned above, it’s not recommended to leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours. This increases the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a serious infection caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. It is extremely rare, but very dangerous. A tampon left in the vagina for too long can cause this illness.

If you’re using a tampon and develop the following symptoms, remove the tampon immediately and call your doctor right away:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Sunburn-like rash
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion

Ways to prevent TSS include using the lowest absorbency tampon possible for your flow and changing your tampon regularly, every four to eight hours (or as often as needed).