Many tampon manufacturers provide slim or junior tampons. These are the smallest tampon sizes available and are suitable for first-timers to experiment with as their body adjusts to using them. Organic tampons aren't just easier on the environment, however, they also provide some additional health benefits for your body. Organic tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and are free of rayon, chlorine bleaching, or pesticides, says Erica Montes, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and feminine health advisor. Although regular tampons are safe and usually free of harmful chemicals, organic period products are a great choice if you’re sensitive to non-organic tampons or prefer using hypoallergenic, sustainable products, says Sherry A. Ross, MD, OB-GYN.

We love that these tampons are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that 92% of the applicator consists of plant-based materials. Not to mention they're great at preventing irritation and dryness, and they’re so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing a tampon at all. Anate Brauer, MD, FACOG, reproductive endocrinologist and IVF director in Manhattan, New York at Shady Grove Fertility Many doctors recommend light absorbency tampons for your first menstruation. Others recommend starting with pads first, then moving to tampons once you’re comfortable.

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Tampons can come with plastic applicators, cardboard applicators, or can be applicator-free. Applicators are small pumps that contain the tampon, which you press to insert the tampon into your body. In contrast, you insert applicator-free tampons directly with your finger. The lowest absorbency tampon, light tampons hold up to six grams of blood, the equivalent of a light flow. Regular Lil-Lets SmartFit™ Non-Applicator tampons (ultra) are suitable for an extremely heavy flow or your extremely heavy days. We researched the best organic tampons by analyzing which options had the least leakage, the most sustainable and least irritating ingredients, and offered the most comfort during insertion and use. We also consulted the following experts on which products they recommend to their patients: After the infamous Burn Book, a scrapbook full of gossip, goes public, a character says, “Someone wrote in that book that I’m lying about being a virgin ‘cause I use super-jumbo tampons, but I can’t help it if I’ve got a heavy flow and a wide-set vagina.”

Tampons can certainly stretch the hymen, but this isn’t always the case. Not all people are born with intact hymens, so plenty never “break” or “pop” at all. Tampons should be chosen based on how much menstrual fluid is passed during a short time, rather than choosing larger capacity tampons and leaving them in longer. Tampons need to be changed regularly to avoid infection. Benefits of using tampons Tampons are available in so many different varieties, from applicator to size. Whether you've had a heavy flow for years or are totally new to periods, we broke down all your tampon options and important considerations: Pull the string away from the base of the tampon and then give it a gentle tug to ensure it is secure.The line from Mean Girls was accurate: Just like each of us has a different and unique vulva, each of us has a different vagina, too. Variations in vagina size and shape are natural, but our vaginas can also become larger after childbirth. The particular size and shape of your vagina will impact the best tampon size for you. Flow Volume Lil-Lets SmartFit™ Non-Applicator Ultra tampons gently expand all the way round for great comfort, fit, and protection against leaks.

Light” describes the tampon absorbency rather than the width. Light tampons are low absorbency, holding up to 6 grams of fluid. “Slender fit” isn’t a medical description, but a manufacturer designation. It usually describes the width of the tampon, rather than its absorbency. Slender fit tampons are typically narrower than standard tampons but may have a “regular” absorbency of 6 to 9 grams. What’s the difference between sport tampons and typical tampons? When selecting tampons for the first time, choose those with a small insertion applicator. Plastic applicators may be more comfortable for less-experienced users than cardboard ones. There are also tampons that don’t have an applicator. These types of tampons can be placed and positioned using only the fingers to achieve a comfortable insertion.

On the other hand, Anate Brauer, MD, FACOG, reproductive endocrinologist and IVF director in Manhattan, NY at Shady Grove Fertility, says there is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are any safer. In contrast, most organic cotton tampons are made without the use of pesticides or synthetic fabrics, and, depending on the brand, are chlorine- and BPA- free. They’re a good choice if you want to know exactly what is in your tampons and minimize potential exposure to harmful chemicals. Should I use a tampon with or without an applicator? This option has an eco-friendly cardboard applicator stem that boasts 40% less plastic waste than traditional tampons. The tampon itself is made of 100% organic cotton without any fragrances or dyes. And while it does include a plastic tip, this feature makes insertion more comfortable. If you’re switching from a fully plastic applicator, you might find the cardboard stem is a bit harder to use at first. But, with a little practice, using this eco-friendly applicator will eventually become second nature. Plus, the plastic applicator tip also offers multiple ridges for an easy grasp.

Tampons have many benefits compared to other methods of catching menstrual flow. They’re more discreet than pads and cups and can be more hygienic to change as well, with most of the expelled blood soaking into the tampon. Tampons can be left in while urinating and only need to be handled when inserting and removing. Seven billion tampons are thrown out each year, and they're not going away any time soon as period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose. Plus, the average menstruator uses around 11,000 tampons in their lifetime, which is why using organic tampons is a great way to reduce the impact on our environment. If you have a heavy period, you're probably all-too-familiar with the unexpected leaks that come with it. That's why it's no exaggeration when I say that finding the best tampons for heavy periods can change your life for the better — take it from someone who knows.Tampons are regulated by the FDA as low-risk medical devices. Tampons are generally made of a mixture of cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers. In the past, manufacturers used chlorine gas to bleach tampons, which resulted in a deposit of dioxins, a group of harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on the reproductive system. These tampons provide great absorption but keep in mind the “super” absorbency isn’t as super as some other brands’ heavier flow options. For that reason, we think these are a great option for teens or for those with light to medium flows. It’s also normal to have variations in our flow over the course of our period. You may notice a lighter period at first or a lighter period toward the end. It’s a good idea to choose tampon sizes that are suited to your flow at different points in your period. Insertion