At LOLA, we know that every period is different , and we’re all about making it easy to curate your perfect period routine, especially when it comes to tampons. Some advantages to using tampons include portability and small size, ease of use for activities (like running or swimming), invisibility under tight clothes (slay that date night fit), and last but never least, environmental impact with tampons made with 100% organic cotton and a recyclable tampon wrapper .
Tampons are essentially little cotton plugs that go inside your vaginal canal to soak up menstrual blood . Some tampons come with an applicator to help with insertion. There is also a tampon string attached to the end to easily pull them out.
LOLA offers tampons with three applicator types ( compact plastic applicator , cardboard applicator , and non-applicator ) in a range of absorbency levels.
While all of our tampons offer powerful leak protection and a comfortable fit, they are constructed in two different ways:
We follow FDA absorbency guidelines , so you’ll get the same absorbency level from LOLA tampons as you would from any other tampon brand.
Before inserting a tampon, remember hand hygiene is best practice.
Next, be sure to select the right absorbency level before insertion. How can one choose the best tampon size and absorbency for their body? Refer to this chart to learn more, or watch our video below!
Remember, you don’t need to clean your vagina before insertion. Internal vaginal cleansing is not necessary , period or not. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you insert a tampon.
Tampon Absorbency
Tampons Per Day
Applicator Availability
Light tampons absorb up to 6 grams of menstrual fluid .
Light flow days
Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons
Regular tampons absorb 6-9 grams of menstrual fluid .
Moderate flow days 4 Regulars/day
Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons
Cardboard Applicator Tampons
Super tampons absorb 9-12 grams of menstrual fluid .
Heavy flow days
4 Super or Super+/day
Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons
Cardboard Applicator Tampons
Super+ tampons absorb 12-15 grams of menstrual fluid .
Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons
The LOLA tampon, made with 100% organic cotton (tampon and string), is contained inside a plastic applicator, which is made of two tubes — one inside the other. Here are the steps on how to insert a tampon with an applicator .
Opt for no plastic with our curved tip cardboard applicator.
Our applicator-free tampon is pocket-sized and offers mighty leak protection.
Trying a tampon for the first time, or a new applicator style for the first time comes with natural concerns. How far should a tampon go in? How do you know if a tampon is inserted correctly? Can you feel a tampon the first time you put it in? You might have a few human errors as you get started, but the most important thing to task yourself with is managing common fears and anxieties. If you mess up, you can try again. If it feels like it’s not for you, you have other options like pads or reusable Period Underwear .
So, what are the most common mistakes beginners make when inserting a tampon?
What are the signs that a tampon is not inserted properly? Discomfort. Remember, your vagina can contract enough to hold a tampon in place, so focus on how you insert your tampon, and leave the rest to your body to naturally hold it comfortably in place. Pointing the tampon upward or toward your stomach will create an uncomfortable position. Point the tampon toward your rectum or your back. This angle follows the natural curve of the reproductive system and will provide optimal comfort.
Make sure you take it out of your body! The applicator's only two functions are to encase the tampon and aid with insertion. Once the tampon is inside your vagina, remove and discard the applicator.
As you figure out what absorbency matches your flow throughout your cycle, you might have some discomfort if your tampon is too big for your flow. This might feel like the cotton is dry and tugging or scratching at the inside of your vaginal walls. If so, remove that size tampo, and try sizing down to a lighter absorbency. If the dry or tugging sensation only occurs when you begin insertion, you can try putting a bit of lubricant on the tip of the applicator to make insertion more comfortable.
We hope rounding up some of the most common tampon insertion errors , as well as tips for first-time tampon users has helped you feel more informed before beginning to use tampons. The next item our agenda? Aftercare and hygiene when using tampons. Keep reading!
The FDA recommends that you change your tampon every 4-8 hours. You should never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours and always make sure to use the lightest level of absorbency possible . No tampon should be used more than once.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) results when normal bacteria found in our bodies—called staph and strep bacteria—multiply, overgrow, and release a poisonous toxin in our bodies. Although it can develop without the presence of a tampon, it has been connected with the use of tampons because tampons can act like a good home for the bacteria to multiply. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. While TSS has been tied to tampon usage, it can also be caused by a variety of other things. There is no widely accepted evidence to support that material composition affects TSS risk; however, studies have shown that risk may increase with heavier absorbency products.
Gently pull on the tampon string that is outside of your vagina to remove the tampon from the inside of your vagina, and immediately discard the tampon.
We do not recommend flushing tampons, as they can cause blockages in your plumbing or septic systems.
If you feel self-conscious of someone seeing your tampon and/or applicator in the trash, you can wrap it up in the tampon wrapper and/or toilet paper to make discarding more discreet!
Our compact applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons are wrapped in recyclable plastic. Our compact applicators are made of recyclable BPA-free plastic , but because they come in contact with menstrual fluid, we always instruct customers to contact their local recycling facility to ensure that they do not classify tampon applicators as a biohazard and unsuitable for recycling.
Our cardboard applicator tampons are wrapped in compostable and recyclable paper. Our cardboard applicators are made of recyclable cardboard, but because they come in contact with menstrual fluid, we always instruct customers to contact their local recycling facility to ensure that they do not classify tampon applicators as a biohazard and unsuitable for recycling.
Enhance your period care routine with our soothing and effective vaginal wash and cleansing products. Discover Our Vaginal Health Products
Only you know what feels most comfortable when it comes to managing your period . But here’s a few rave reviews from real LOLA customers:
“100% best tampons I've ever used. Just like normal compact applicator tampons but they don't leak and also don't have toxic chemicals like a lot of brands do.”
“Switched to a LOLA tampon subscription a few years ago and will never go back to toxic tampons! So happy that there are organic, safer alternatives for us girlies who really care about what we are putting into our bodies - especially when it comes to feminine and reproductive care.”
“I got these mainly for my daughter. I love the peace of mind we both get from not having to use all the chemicals. They work great on any flow, even really heavy.”
“They are perfectly comfortable, easy to insert, and I'm really happy that they have a light flow option because that is sometimes hard to find in stores. They are also comfortable to remove, even when my flow was really light and there wasn't much to absorb. I especially like knowing the product is free of unnecessary chemicals and something safe I can trust to put in my body.”
“I love how you can customize the pack of tampons specific to your flow. Best idea ever!”
“These tampons are the best! I get a mix of heavy and regular and they are very absorbent, don't hurt when removing them and my favorite part is they are the safest and cleanest tampons ever. Been a customer since the company opened and will continue as a customer forever!”
So whether you’re new to using tampons, or are super+ informed, we hope you were able to learn a bit more health and safety tips when it comes to all things tampons here on our blog.
Find your perfect fit and absorbency with LOLA's tampons. Gynecologist-approved. Explore our range of tampons made with 100% organic cotton, perfect for first-time users.
This content should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
