How Many Tampons Do You Actually Need For One Period? An Expert Weighs In

Math problem: Day one of your period is around the corner. You look in your Tampax box and see that you have 15 light tampons left. How many tampons do you need to buy when you make your Walgreens run?

While yes, this question sounds like it came from an old textbook, the reality isn’t far off for some people who (no judgment!) may not keep track of how many tampons they use in one menstrual cycle. So what is the recommended number?

To help you find out, Bustle asked menstruation expert Catherine Salva, MD, MSEd, Yale School of Medicine all the questions about tampon use. Read her answers below, and learn the facts that will help you make a confident decision next time you find yourself standing in the feminine care aisle.

Online searches say the average number of tampons used per day while you’re on your period is three to six. Why such a range?

There are a few key reasons that the number of tampons used per day is different for everyone. For one, your flow will vary on different days of your period. “Typically, people will report light flow on day one, moderate to heavy flow on days two, three, and four, and then light flow tapering for days five to seven,” says Dr. Salva. This pattern can also be different from one person to another.

Other reasons there’s no set number of tampons to use per day is because of personal factors that can affect the heaviness of your flow and the length of your period. “Those taking birth control pills or using levonorgestrel IUDs usually have a lighter flow,” says Dr. Salva. “Also, certain gynecologic conditions can cause increased menstrual flow. Others may have medical conditions that cause excessive bleeding, or may be taking blood thinners which can cause excess flow.”

Your personal comfort level and your lifestyle also play a role. “One person may be comfortable with fewer tampon changes than another person, or schedules may make it hard to change tampons frequently.” To stay prepared, stock up on a trusted tampon like Tampax Pearl next time you’re on a Walgreens run.

Is there an ideal number of tampons to use in one day?

The short answer? Not really.

The long answer is more nuanced. You should change your tampon every four to eight hours (which equals that range of three to six tampons per day), with eight hours being the upper limit of how long a tampon should stay in your body. If you find you need more than six super plus tampons in a day, Dr. Salva says it’s best to contact your doctor.

What are some signs I need to change my tampon?

You can tell when it’s time to change your tampon based on timing, with four to eight hours being the window that indicates it’s time for a change. There may be some physical signs as well, like if you notice menstrual flow on toilet paper when wiping or if you notice the tampon leaking — both of which are signs that the tampon is saturated and needs to be changed.

How can I tell which tampon absorbency is right for me?

Dr. Salva’s rule of thumb is to go for the least absorbent tampon that can adequately soak up the menstrual flow with the appropriate number of changes. You’re looking for an option that gives you four to eight hours of comfortable wear time without becoming saturated. If you notice leaking within just a few hours, this could be a sign that you need to go up in absorbency. However, if the tampon is uncomfortable to change within the four to eight-hour time frame, you may need to go down in absorbency.

How can I keep from leaking?

Preventing leaks comes down to choosing the best tampon for your body, according to Dr. Salva. A tampon like Tampax Pearl is designed with a leakguard braid that can help stop leaks before they happen. Plus, the tampon will gently expand to fit your unique shape. Tampax Pearl is also widely available at retailers like your neighborhood Walgreens, where you can find a multipack of three different absorbencies so you can adjust based on the day of your cycle.

How does physical activity impact the number of tampons I need in one day?

“Physical activity should not impact the number of tampons needed in one day. Next question.”

Can I wear a tampon overnight?

Yes, but Dr. Salva reminds you that the maximum amount of time that a tampon should be worn is eight hours. If you do wear one to bed, set your alarm for eight hours after you insert the tampon so you can ensure you’re removing it first thing in the morning.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a full-body, systemic bacterial infection that’s caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. TSS became associated with tampon use in the 1980s, but these days “TSS associated with tampons is extremely rare,” says Dr. Salva.

Common symptoms of TSS — a high fever over 102° F, body or join aches, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or fainting or confusion, and sometimes a red rash — can easily be confused for flu symptoms. If you’re wearing a tampon and notice any of these symptoms, you should remove your tampon, immediately seek medical attention, and tell your healthcare provider that you’re concerned about Toxic Shock Syndrome. In her 20 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Salva has only seen one case of tampon-associated TSS (“Fortunately the person responded well to antibiotics and supportive care!”), but it never hurts to be informed.

Expert: Catherine Salva, MD, MSEd, Yale School of Medicine