Tampons often come with a lot of myths and confusion, but we’re here to clear things up. Let’s bust 5 common tampon myths and get the facts straight.
Tampons are one of the most popular menstrual products out there BUT they’re also surrounded by myths and misinformation.
Some people worry that tampons can get lost inside the body or believe they’re unsafe to use. These myths can cause unnecessary fear and confusion, especially for those trying tampons for the first time.
We’re here to clear things up. In this article, we’ll bust some of the most common tampon myths and share accurate, reassuring info on how to use tampons safely and confidently. Whether you’re a regular user or just starting out!
Reality: Lil-Lets non-applicator tampons come in six different absorbencies, so there’s one for every flow—light, medium, heavy, and even super heavy!
You might have heard that non-applicator tampons are only suitable for heavy periods, but that’s simply not true. At Lil-Lets, we offer a wide range of absorbencies from Lite (for very light flow) to Ultra (for extremely heavy flow)—making us the only brand in the UK to do so!
Everyone’s body is different, and your flow can change from day to day. That’s why many people use 2–3 different absorbencies throughout their period. It might take a little trial and error to find what works best for you, but rest assured there’s a Lil-Lets tampon for every kind of period.
No matter what your flow, the Lil-Lets range has you covered. From lite to ultra absorbency, there’s a comfortable and reliable option for everyone.
And if you prefer applicator tampons, organic tampons or even reusable tampons - there’s a comfortable and reliable option for you too!
Tampons OrganicReality: You definitely can sleep in a tampon. Just remember to change it every 8 hours.
We hear this one all the time, in fact it’s probably the most common tampon myth. Lots of people find tampons more practical and comfortable than pads at night - especially when it comes to reducing those dreaded night time leaks
We’ve all had those nights where we go to bed with a pad perfectly in place, only to wake up and find it’s shifted or worse, leaked.
Lil-Lets width-ways expanding tampons are designed to fit comfortably and offer reliable protection while you sleep. Remember to use the right absorbency for your flow.
The key thing to remember is that tampons should be worn for no longer than 8 hours. So, the best routine is to insert a fresh tampon right before bed and remove it as soon as you wake up.
Reality: Nope - it can't! There's literally nowhere for it to go!
We get it, this one sounds kind of scary, but your body isn’t some endless tunnel! Your cervix (which sits at the top of your vaginal canal) acts like a little barrier, and it’s way too small for a tampon to pass through. So, even if it feels like it’s “gone missing,” it’s definitely still there.
Plus, tampons come with a string that stays outside your body, so when it’s time to take it out, just give it a gentle pull and it’ll slide right out. Easy!
Reality: They might take a little practice but once you’ve got it, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about.
Let’s be honest: we’ve all looked at a non-applicator tampon and thought, umm… how does this work? But they’re not as intimidating as they seem. A good tip is to try them on a heavier flow day, it makes insertion easier and more comfortable.
And don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it. Everyone’s different, and it might take a couple of cycles to feel confident. But once you’ve nailed it, non-apps are super convenient, discreet, and better for the planet.
Ready to give it a go? Check out our non-applicator tampon range and watch our How To Insert A Tampon to get started.
Reality: Tampons have nothing to do with virginity.
There’s a lot of confusion out there about tampons and virginity, but let’s clear it up: using a tampon doesn’t affect your virginity in any way. Virginity is a social and cultural idea not something physical that can be changed by a period product.
Tampons are designed to help you manage your period comfortably and confidently. That’s it. They don’t change anything about your body or your identity. So if you’re thinking about trying tampons, go for it!
When it comes to tampons, separating fact from fiction is key. They’re safe, reliable, and suitable for all kinds of flows and they don’t affect your virginity.
Listen to your body, learn what works for you, and feel empowered to make choices that support your menstrual health. We’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Why not check out our FAQ's at the end of this article!
Whether you’re new to tampons, or just looking for some helpful tips, our step-by-step guide has you covered.
How To Insert A TamponWhether your period is like clockwork or a little irregular, menstruation is unique for everyone. Discover the 4 different menstrual cycle phases and how to manage them.
Menstrual Cycle PhasesWe receive many questions around flushing and disposing of tampons correctly, therefore we thought it would be useful to explain exactly how to dispose of these types of products and improve your ecological footprint. Let’s get into it!
Can You Flush A Tampon?
You can start using tampons once you’ve had a few periods and feel ready, there’s really no set age, but it’s best to wait until you’re comfortable with your body and how your period works.
Tampons are completely safe to use, but many girls prefer to begin with pads for their first few cycles, as they’re easier to manage while you get used to your flow. When you’re ready, tampons can be a great option, especially for swimming or sports.
Not usually. If you're relaxed and insert the tampon in a slanted direction towards the base of the spine, you shouldn't be able to feel it at all. A good tip is to first try on your heavy days, usually days 2-3.
No. When you insert a tampon, it goes into your vagina a flexible, muscular canal that leads to the cervix, which is the small, firm opening to the uterus. The cervix sits at the top of the vagina and has only a tiny opening, far too small for a tampon to pass through.
This means a tampon can never get lost inside your body it stays within the vaginal canal and can always be removed using the string. Even if the string shifts or tucks up, the tampon is still reachable, and with clean hands and a little patience, you can gently remove it.
While tampons can be worn for up to 8 hours, most people find it more comfortable to change them every 4 to 5 hours especially on heavier flow days. To get the best experience, it’s important to choose the right absorbency for your flow. Tampons come in different sizes like lite, regular, super, and super plus, and your flow can change from day to day, so don’t be afraid to switch it up as needed. Using the right absorbency helps you stay comfortable and protected without needing to change too often.
Yes, you can totally pee with a tampon in! Your tampon sits in your vagina, while pee comes out of your urethra, which is a separate opening so one doesn’t affect the other. If you're worried about the string getting wet, you can gently move it to the side before you go. It’s a small trick that makes things a bit more comfortable and keeps everything feeling fresh
Yes, you can sleep with a tampon in as long as you know you’ll be sleeping for 8 hours or less. A good tip is to pop in a fresh tampon right before bed so you’re starting with a clean one. That way, you’re covered through the night without needing to worry. Just remember to change it as soon as you wake up. If you tend to sleep longer or want extra peace of mind, a pad might be a better option for overnight.
Getting the hang of inserting a tampon can take a little practice, and that’s totally normal. If it feels uncomfortable or like it’s not in quite right, it might not be far enough in. You can use a clean finger to gently push it in a bit more until it feels snug and you can’t really feel it anymore. If it still doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to remove it and try again with a fresh one, sometimes starting over is the easiest fix. Just remember to stay relaxed, take your time, and find a position that works best for you.
Changing the absorbency of your tampon is important because your menstrual flow isn’t the same every day, it can be heavier at the start and lighter toward the end. Using a tampon that matches your flow helps keep you comfortable and protected without needing to change it too often.
If you use a tampon that’s too absorbent for your flow, it can feel dry and uncomfortable to remove, and it may slightly increase the risk of irritation. On the flip side, if it’s not absorbent enough, you might need to change it more frequently to avoid leaks. So switching absorbencies throughout your period helps you get the best fit for your body each day.
No. Using a tampon doesn’t affect your virginity - period! Virginity is more about personal beliefs or cultural ideas than anything physical. Some people think that inserting a tampon might “take your virginity,” but that’s just not how bodies work. The hymen (a thin bit of tissue near the vaginal opening) can stretch or tear from all kinds of things like sports, dancing, or even just moving around and not just from using a tampon. So if you want to try tampons, go for it! It’s totally your choice and has nothing to do with your virginity.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very rare but serious infection caused by certain bacteria that release toxins into the body. While it’s sometimes associated with tampon use, it’s not just about tampons. TSS is also linked to things like menstrual cups, burns, piercings or even after surgery or skin infections. The important thing to know is that TSS is extremely uncommon, and using tampons safely helps keep the risk extremely low.
It’s also really important to read the instruction leaflet that comes with your tampons. It’s full of helpful advice, including how to use them properly and safely. Knowing the signs of TSS—like a sudden fever, rash, or feeling very unwell—just helps you stay informed, not worried.
