The Best Tampons You'll Find For Heavy Flow
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Cramps, mood swings, and intense cravings are just a few of the pains of having a period. Every 28 days or so, people with periods face the lows of having a uterus. Among the downsides is the struggle of having a leaky tampon. Those with a heavy flow often fear that they're one sneeze or cough away from staining their clothes.
Anything from polycystic ovarian syndrome to a hormonal imbalance can cause a heavy period flow, according to the Mayo Clinic. While pads absorb better and are great for a heavy flow, the ease of tampons makes them more appealing to many people. Their small size is great for carrying them on the go, and they provide ease of mind when it comes to physical activities such as swimming, biking, or other forms of exercise.
Despite the flexibility tampons provide, they often don't compare to the coverage and absorbency of most pads. Many tampons are best suited for people with lighter flows. A common problem people using tampons often face is that their flow is too heavy for the rate at which they change them, causing their tampons to leak (via U by Kotex).
Which tampon is best for heavy flow?
To avoid leakage, it is important to use the correct size tampon, even if the thought of inserting a thick piece of cotton inside you may sound uncomfortable. However, Good Housekeeping discovered that the Playtex Simply Gentle Glide Tampons are best for those with heavy flow. They are highly absorbent, and testers found them comfortable and easy to use. The science of their product is all in its shape: it expands 360 degrees rather than side to side, thus providing protection at all angles. According to The Atlantic, the tampon was invented to be cylindrical, yet Playtex's tampons are more in line with the shape of a vagina, which helps safeguard against leaks.
The Playtex Simply Gentle Glide has a great fluid retention rate and comes in multiple sizes — including the difficult-to-find ultra size — so users can find the perfect fit. One Amazon user claimed out of all the period products they've used for their heavy flow, this one was the best.
How often should you change your tampon?
Although your tampon may provide all-around protection, it's still important to change it periodically. To avoid toxic shock syndrome, Tampax recommends that you change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. You should also ensure that the tampon you're wearing is the right fit for you. It may take a bit of trial and error, but when removed, it shouldn't be too soaked or too dry. Experiencing pain or friction when removing a tampon means you should have left it in a bit longer, or you might need to opt for a smaller size or absorbency level.
When it comes to your nighttime routine during your period, you probably shouldn't sleep with a tampon in. Even if your usual sleep cycle is shorter than when you need to change your tampon, you never know when you might feel a bit sleepy and hit snooze on repeat. If you still don't want to wear a pad, products such as the Think Hi-Waist Period Panties are a great alternative.