Choosing the Right Absorbency of Tampon for Your Flow

28 Jul

Choosing the right absorbency for you can be a daunting task, considering how many types of tampons are available and the different colours of packaging and jargon that is used to help you pick the right ones for you and your period. What is important is that you feel comfortable when you are using a tampon, nobody enjoys period cramps and bloating let alone having to deal with leaking or feeling like the tampon just isn’t right for you. Luckily, the FDA mandated absorbency ratings to help you pick the right tampon for you. Why? Because there is said to be a risk between high absorbency tampons and TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) so it is very important that you know what absorbency is right for you.

No period is ever the same and the flow that you experience will vary on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, you can’t expect to have the same flow throughout your period each day, it’s only natural that it will change each day so you may require different absorbencies of tampons.

All tampon manufacturers, conventional or organic/ natural are now required to measure the absorbency of their tampon using the Syngyna test which determines the volume of fluid measured in grams that a tampon can absorb.

How do you know if you’re using the right absorbency?

If it’s your first time, it might be best to use the lowest absorbency tampon (regular), this is typically more comfortable to inset for your first time too.

If it isn’t your first time, then there are a few ways for you to know what absorbency to use.

You may find on the first day or so of your period that it is a lighter flow, so opt for a Regular tampon (holds approx. 8g), but ensure to keep a spare tampon at hand in case your period becomes heavier and you need to change it within the first few hours or find that you bleed through the tampon and leak onto clothing. If this is the case, then you should use a heavier tampon, like the Organ(y)c Super tampons (holds approx. 11g). In some cases, you may find that you require a more absorbent tampon, so opt for Super Plus tampons (holds up to 14g).

Does the applicator type matter?

All tampons come with different applicators, at Organ(y)c we have non-applicator tampons, compact applicator tampons and cardboard applicator tampons. Some people prefer non-applicator tampons and other prefer carboard applicator tampons, its all about finding what you feel is comfortable. The type of applicator doesn’t make a difference to the absorbency of the tampon, it is simply there to help you insert the tampons.

What do the colours mean on the boxes?

Organ(y)c tampons, like many other brands use colours to indicate the absorbency of the tampons.

Absorbency

Colour

Absorbency in grams

Non-applicator

Compact Applicator

Cardboard Applicator

Regular

Super

Super Plus

Yellow