Lastly, we made sure to prioritize tampons that have no fragrances or dyes, as well as those that have the most biodegradable materials possible. Yang, Yingzhi (18 March 2016). "China made 85 billion sanitary pads last year, and not one tampon. Here's why". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 December 2016.

This is a temporary situation, and the Tampax team is producing tampons 24/7 to meet the increased demand for our products,” a Procter & Gamble publicist tells Prevention. “We are working with our retail partners to maximize availability, which has significantly increased over the last several months.” Once the inner tube is all the way in, use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator or outer tube. (See picture 3) Make sure that the string hangs outside of your vaginal opening. Later, when you are ready to remove the tampon, hold the string and gently pull it downward until the entire tampon is out. If you're concerned about pain, though, try buying light absorbency tampons. You'll have to change them more frequently, but they'll be slimmer and more comfortable. A good beginning tampon is Tampax Pearl Lite. You can also just get "junior" or "slim" tampons. Using a smaller sized tampon at first will help you get used to inserting them and they will also be easier to take out. You can buy heavier tampons later if you discover light absorbency doesn't work for you. The applicator is a bit easier to use than some brands due to a substantial ridge for improving grasp. They come recommended by experts, too. Dr. Montes says this is one of the top two brands she recommends (alongside Tampax). If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not feel it. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, you may have inserted the tampon incorrectly or the tampon may not be placed far enough into your vagina. If this happens, just remove the tampon and start again with a new tampon. Remember that practice makes perfect. If you don’t get it on the first try, your second try will most likely be successful. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, relax and try again! What if I still don’t succeed?Then take a look at your o.b. ®tampon. Is it totally sealed? Good. (If not, don’t use it. Get another one.) By following the simple guidelines below, as well as the instructions that come with the tampons, your first experience with tampons should be easy. Remember, the more you relax, the easier the insertion will be. When you are nervous, your muscles tense up, which can make inserting the tampon more difficult. Delaney, Janice; Lupton, Mary Jane; and Toth, Emily (1988). The Curse: A Cultural History of Menstruation, pp. 134–135. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0252014529 Wash your hands with soap and water. With dry hands, unwrap the tampon. If you drop the tampon on the floor, throw it away and begin again with a new tampon. The tampon should be completely sealed in plastic wrap. If not, select another tampon and unwrap it with clean hands.

Worth noting: Like pads, you can’t use period panties when you go swimming. 4: Stopping your period if you’re on birth control Some research suggests the longer answer is—it’s a bit complicated. In one study, researchers collected 79 commercially available feminine hygiene products, and all had some level of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Another study pointed to potential associations between tampon use and elevated levels of mercury and oxidative stress biomarkers, saying tampons as a source of exposure to metals and chemicals have been “largely ignored.” The short answer is no, there is no proof that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. Since tampons are inserted inside our bodies for hours at a time, it makes sense that people would have safety concerns, but Dr. Ross says there is no reason for alarm.

Just a head's up

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.