Knowing the Right Tampon Sizes
Tampons are usually a tubular design made from rayon or cotton, depending on the brand that you are using, with a string attached to it. These are usually inserted in a woman's vagina when they have their menstrual period. Tampons may come with applicators for easier insertions.
A tampon can be considered by many women as a savior during those times of the month when they regularly have their menstrual period. With the use of tampons, the fluid from the menstrual flow is efficiently absorbed and the unwanted menstrual odor is minimal. Pants and skirts silhouette is also preserved even during this time, unlike when using sanitary pads where it can be evident that one is using it.
A tampon's size is largely dependent on the tampon's ability to absorb. There are some brands wherein the tampons expand in length, while other brands expand in size, as they absorb the menstrual fluids. However, tampon size is standardized according to their absorbency rating regardless of how it expands or what brand it is.
Tampon Sizes in the US
Generally, when you look at tampon sizes in the US market, you will come to conclude that there are 5 sizes available.
The first one is the junior absorbency tampon which can absorb up to 6 grams of menstrual fluid. This would be ideal for those days when you expect your menstruation to be light such as towards the end of your cycle.
Regular tampons can absorb from 6 grams to a maximum of 9 grams of menstrual fluid. This is ideal for most women for the middle days of their period when the menstrual flow tends to be consistent.
Super absorbency tampons are great for those first couple of days of a woman's period when there is a tendency for sudden gushes of menstrual fluid. These can absorb from 9 grams up to 12 grams.
For those heavy days, super plus absorbency tampons are available for you and it can hold 12-15 grams of fluid.
Ultra absorbency tampons can absorb 15-18 grams of menstrual fluid. Use this only when there really is a very strong menstrual flow. However, check with your doctor to make sure that this flow is natural and doesn't indicate any disorder.
Tampon Sizes in the UK
Tampon sizes in the UK are based on the same absorbency levels as those available in the US but they just have different naming conventions. It would be good to familiarize yourself with their tampon sizes to get the right one in case you need it. Light tampons are the same as the US junior tampons; regular tampons and super (sometimes super plus in the UK) tampons are the same in both regions; super plus extra is the same as the US super plus absorbency tampons.
Be careful of using the bigger sized tampons for light menstrual flow days. You would want to avoid getting Toxin Shock Syndrome (TSS) which can come from improper use and hygiene during your period.
Regardless of where you are, it is important to know and understand the usual flow of your monthly period when purchasing tampons and getting the right tampon size for your need. Though there are tampon sizes bigger than the ones mentioned above, it would be good to consult your gynecologist or family doctor when the flow of your menstrual period is too strong.