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Toxic Shock Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes

What are TAMPAX tampons made of?

Safety Promise

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 for ingredients safety

UK- ADP - Quality and composition of Tampax tampons

Quality and composition of Tampax tampons

Tampax

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Is your period normal or irregular? light or heavy? What tampon size should you get? Know your flow and what it means for your health and period protection.

What are Tampax tampons made of?

Tampax  reassures on ingredient safety with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification since 2018

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What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Pearl Compak

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a serious illness that can impact anyone. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Get tips for preventing TSS.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): causes, symptoms and treatment

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 logo

Our safety protocols are extremely strict and robust, but we know it’s important to get outside validation too. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification provides that extra level of reassurance that all substances in Tampax Tampons are within safe limits. 

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification is the gold standard when it comes to testing materials and end products against harmful substances. The safety limits that it sets are well below those
 which are shown to cause harm (sometimes even10-100 timeless), even with prolonged and repeated use, and OEKO-TEX® only awards its OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate to products
that meet these standards fully (i.e., all components must fulfil the requirements without exception). We’re proud to have had continuous certification since 2018.

Tampax is used in the intimate area by millions of women across the world and we have a responsibility to each of those women to ensure our products are safe. Independent testing for harmful substances by a respected and trusted organisation, such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, is one of the many ways in which we reassure women on our rigorous approach to safety.

Why do we test Tampax through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?

## Why do we test Tampax through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?

Pearl

Don't want to give up on your training or physical exercises during your period, but are afraid about possible leakage? Worry not - [Tampax Pearl Compak Regular](/en-gb/our-tampons/pearl-compak-with-applicator/regular/) tampons come with a unique MotionFit technology that gently expands and fits your body's unique shape, while a LeakGuard braid prevents any leakage before it even happens. With Tampax Pearl tampons you can exercise to your heart's content!

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Cotton Protection

Question 9

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What is a tampon? 

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a globally recognised, fully independent testing and certification association that
provides solutions for sustainable products and processes, e.g., analysing products for harmful substances. The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate is awarded to products that can
demonstrate compliance with in the safety limits for harmful substances.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 tests each material in a product against over 1000 harmful substances, including regulated substances, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, but also against a whole range of unregulated substances that have been shown, through research, to have a potential impact on human health.

The safety limits that OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 sets go above and beyond the requirements set by governments and other regulatory bodies, comply with the law and follow the latest scientific research as it evolves. This means that the substances tested, and the limits defined, are updated as science uncovers new understanding.

What is OEKO-TEX®?

## What is OEKO-TEX®?

Question 12 Oeko-Tex

How to insert a tampon

UK- ADP -How to manage a heavy period (aka menstrual menorrhagia)?

How to manage a heavy period (aka menstrual menorrhagia)?

__So, what's a ‘normal’ cycle anyway?__

First of all, stop thinking about normal. Every girl is different. What’s important is that you find out what’s normal for you; a period [tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker-and-calendar/) will help you to do just that. All cycles are unique, but between pre-period, period and ovulation, there are a few things we all have in common: 

__Pre-period__

The dreaded [premenstrual syndrome](/en-gb/period-health/what-is-premenstrual-syndrome-pms/). Some common symptoms of PMS are headaches, bloating, irritability and crying more than usual. In other words, that urge to sit on the couch in joggers with a tub of ice cream and cry over ‘The Notebook’. We’ve all been there. 

It’s common to experience PMS in the three days leading up to your period. And just so you know: diet, caffeine and [stress](/en-gb/period-health/stress-and-period/) can increase the intensity of PMS symptoms. 

While these symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, the good news is there are ways to help manage them: 

- Resist the urge to have an extra cup of coffee 
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller 
- Use a hot water bottle. 

__Period__

This is the start of your cycle and when bleeding begins. But why do we bleed in the first place? Since your egg wasn’t fertilised, your womb lining sheds and leaves your body. Thus, blood. 

Here are some facts about periods: 

- Healthy periods generally last between four and seven days, with the heaviest days being the first and second 
- An average cycle is 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days (to work yours out use a [period cycle tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker/)) 
- Bleeding usually amounts to somewhere between 10-80 grams, or 1 to 6 tablespoons of fluid (not that we’re measuring, but it’s good to know for keeping track of tampon changes). 

See your doctor if you find yourself bleeding through six or seven regular tampons a day, or if you’re on your period for more than seven days. 

__Peak ovulation__

This is the time when you’re ovulating and at the highest risk for pregnancy. This fertile time lasts about six days. In a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically occurs on day 14. 

__How to track your period__

To calculate your period, you'll need to count the days in between your last few periods. Start counting on the first day of your period and stop counting on the day before your next period. This is the number of days in one menstrual cycle. Do this for a few cycles, then add up the total number of days and divide them by the number of cycles. This will give you the average number of days in your cycle, and once you know this number, you'll be able to track your period easily. 

Have more [period questions](/en-gb/period-health/period-health/signs-and-stages-of-puberty-for-girls/)? We have answers. 

Period Calendar Bottom Text

Compak

content image

__SMOOTH REMOVAL LAYER:__
<br />The smooth removal layer is made of synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon. These fibers are often used in technical sport clothes and help here with smooth removal.

__ABSORBENT CORE:__
<br />The core is made of rayon. Rayon is a material derived from purified wood pulp and is processed into an absorbent cellulose fiber. Rayon is a common component, used in tea bags for example. It is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex.

__THREAD:__
<br />The thread is made of cotton for absorption and synthetic fibers like polyester that sew the tampon together.

__STRING:__
<br />The string is made of synthetic fibers like polyester. They help attach the string solidly to the core of the tampon.

__APPLICATOR:__
<br />Tampax plastic applicators are made without BPA and designed to make insertion easy and smooth.

Ingredient Transparency Paragraph - Compak

Light, regular, super and super plus Tampax tampons

UK- ADP - How to insert a tampon

How to insert a tampon?

Period Health - articles and advices from TAMPAX

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification image

Period Tracker Image

# Tampax reassures on ingredient safety with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification since 2018

Happy girls on image SP

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Physical changes during puberty for females

Question 7 purification of cotton

Do you want to know more about the specific composition of your Tampax tampon?

<div class="tabColorDarkBlue">
<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Tampax Tampons</th>
    <th>COMPOSITION</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Tampax Cardboard (Regular/Super/Super Plus)</td>
    <td>Rayon, polyester and cotton.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Tampax Compak (Light/Regular/Super/Super Plus)</td>
    <td>Rayon, polyester and cotton.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Tampax Pearl (Regular/Super/Super Plus)</td>
    <td>Rayon, cotton, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Tampax Pearl Compak (Regular/Super/Super Plus)</td>
    <td>Rayon, cotton, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Tampax Cotton Protection (Regular/Super)</td>
    <td>100% organic cotton core, polypropylene braid, polyester thread.</td>
  </tr>
</table>
</div>

Have a look at this video to understand our approach to ingredient safety.

Do you want to know more about the specific composition of your Tampax tampon?

How do you know if you have a vaginal yeast infection? Know the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and get tips for preventing yeast infections.

Yeast Infection - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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All your period questions, answered

The Science Behind Our Products

Cardboard

Happy girls on image 

the doctor and the patient are sitting at the table and talking

Tampax FR FR Articles Syndrome du choc toxique

# Toxic Shock Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes

Question 11

How to use 

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Which tampon sizes do you need? Know your flow

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Period Tracker & Know your flow

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Are you considering using tampons for the first time? Do you have questions about how to use tampons? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Our purification process ensures Tampax tampons are made without elemental chlorine bleaching and do not add any perfume to the tampon.

<h3 style="font-weight: bold;">Learn about the composition of our tampons by clicking on each product category</h3>

<div class="tabColorDarkBlue">
  <table>
    <tr>
      <th>Component</th>
      <th>Benefits</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Rayon</td>
      <td>Natural-based fibres (wood pulp) that help absorb and retain liquids</td>
    </tr>
     <tr>
      <td>Cotton</td>
      <td>Natural fibres that help absorb and retain liquids</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Polypropylene</td>
      <td>Synthetic fibres that help channel fluid back to the core</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Polyethylene</td>
      <td>Synthetic fibres that enable smooth removal</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Polyester</td>
      <td>Thread that sews tampon together</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
</div>

table

<ul>
  <li><a href="#what-is-toxic-shock-syndrome">What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#what-causes-toxic-shock-syndrome">Know the facts about Toxic Shock Syndrome</a></li>
  <li><a href="#rare-and-treatable">TSS is rare and treatable</a></li>
  <li><a href="#who-is-at-risk-of-tss">Who is at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#whre-in-body-could-the-bacterium-causing-tss-be-found">Where in body could the bacterium causing TSS be found?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#reducing-the-risk-of-toxic-shock-syndrome">Reduce your risk</a></li>
  <li><a href="#will-organic-tampons-reduce-my-risk-of-tss">Will organic tampons reduce my risk of TSS?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#is-it-possible-to-get-tss-more-than-once">Is it possible to get TSS more than once?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#how-long-can-i-wear-a-tampon-safely-and-not-get-tss">How long can I wear a tampon safely and not get TSS?</a></li>
  <li><a href="#lets-recap">Let’s recap</a></li>
</ul>

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare

When it comes to your period, paying attention to your menstrual flow can be beneficial for several reasons. Obviously, it can make your life easier to know when to expect your period and to be able to plan for it by having tampons on hand.

Beyond convenience, knowing your flow is also important for your health. If your flow is too heavy, it can cause health problems, or it might even be a sign of an existing medical condition. Even knowing the which tampon sizes to use and when can have an impact on your health. Read on to get to know your flow.

## Is my period normal?

If you’ve had more than a few periods, you probably know what’s normal for you by now, but you may wonder if your flow is like other people’s. Most [periods](/en-gb/period-health/menstrual-cycle-phases/) last 3-7 days, but all days aren’t the same. It’s normal for your flow to change throughout the duration of your period. Typically, days 1-3 are the heaviest, then it tends to taper off over the remaining days, becoming light or ‘spotty’ towards the end. It’s also totally normal to have an irregular period – maybe your period starts late, you bleed more heavily than normal, or you’ve skipped a month entirely, all of which can happen. Check out this guide on [irregular periods](/en-gb/period-health/irregular-periods/) to learn more.

## What tampon size should I use?

Firstly, it’s important to clarify that tampon size has nothing to do with vagina size (and there’s no such thing as a “wide-set vagina”)! It’s all about absorbency. Larger tampons are for heavier period flow and smaller tampons are for lighter flow. This is important because the [safest](/en-gb/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/) way to use tampons is to always use the lowest absorbency that will manage your flow. That’s why Tampax Pearl has four different absorbencies for your needs: Light, Regular, Super and Super Plus.

Which tampon sizes do you need? Know your flow 1

Question 6 Bleaching 

Compare products image for all products

UK- ADP - Can tampons expire? 

Can tampons expire?

Period Tracker

__Why should I use a period tracker?__

Do you wonder each month when your period is due? Using a [period cycle tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker-and-calendar/), like our [Tampax period tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker-and-calendar/), can give you a heads up so you’re never surprised when that time of the month rolls around. You’ll know exactly when to expect it. When you track your cycle with a period [tracker](/en-gb/period-tracker-and-calendar/) and know when to have tampons on hand, you can face every day with greater confidence. 

# Period Tracker

UK- ADP - What is a tampon?

What is a tampon?

Question 1

Period health

Period Health

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## Tampax tampons are safe to use

Every woman wants the best for her body. That is why Tampax is here to reassure you that our tampons are completely safe to use.

Each component is evaluated before being used in our tampons: more than 1,000 quality tests are conducted on raw materials.

We share our safety assessments with scientists, healthcare professionals and authorities to ensure that our products can be used safely. We also work with independent organisations, who perform more than 10,000 tests per year on our tampons and their components. These experts confirm that our tampons and the substances used in their manufacture are safe to use.

In addition, our products are tested by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, one of the most stringent certifications for harmful substances.

## Risk-free hygienic protection

Many consumer associations and governmental institutes have tested the safety of feminine hygiene products in recent years. It should be noted that all of these tests (Que Choisir, DGCCRF in France but also in Switzerland) have verified the safety of these products. Likewise, ANSES carried out a quantitative assessment of skin health risks. “It concluded that there was no health risk in tampons, sanitary napkins and/or pantyliners – whether these chemicals were detected or quantified.” – ANSES, Safety of intimate protection products, June 2018.

It is true that these same studies have occasionally reported the presence of traces of potentially toxic substances. These are only present in infinitesimal quantities (less than a trillionth per gram), can be found anywhere, and are considered safe by experts. What is more, we want to assure you that we do not use any of these substances and never intend to do so. All of our components are selected and evaluated in a rigorous way, and they exceed the requirements of the French and European authorities.

We are deeply committed to understanding the broader societal issues involved in the presence of traces in our environment by participating in a panel of independent experts in France, led by the JIM (International Journal of Medicine).

## 12 questions about the components of our tampons and their functionality

Tampax tampons are safe to use