FDA outlines key tips for safe tampon usage

If you use tampons during your period, it's important to know how to use them safely, and to understand how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates their safety and effectiveness. 

What are tampons and how are they used?

Tampons are absorbent products that you insert into your vagina to soak up menstrual flow during your period. Tampons come in different absorbency levels — like light, regular, and super — so you can pick the right one for your flow. Some have a plastic or cardboard applicator to help with insertion, and others are inserted with your finger.

Tampons are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. The FDA has not authorized any reusable tampons. 

What are tampons made of?

FDA-authorized tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-authorized tampons are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). 

Are tampons safe? 

Yes. The FDA considers FDA-authorized tampons a safe option for managing your period. As with any menstrual product, there is a small risk of serious infection, including toxic shock syndrome (TSS). To help reduce your risk, follow the instructions on the package, use the lowest absorbency needed, and change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. 

How does the FDA evaluate tampon safety?

The FDA is responsible for overseeing the safety of tampons by reviewing them before they can be legally marketed in the United States. Tampons are regulated as medical devices, and companies that make tampons must show that their products are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons.

As part of the FDA's review, manufacturers submit data showing that the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if included) are safe. They also provide data on tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity (whether the tampon will stay together during use), and whether tampons increase certain harmful bacteria or change the balance of natural bacteria levels in the vagina. 

The FDA monitors tampon safety on an ongoing basis to make sure these products remain safe for the public.

Do tampons contain heavy metals?

Very small amounts of metals can be detected in both conventional and organic tampons, just as they can be found in many everyday materials. However, because a substance is detected in a product doesn't mean it's present at a level that could cause harm. The FDA commissioned an independent systematic literature review in 2024 and also published a peer-reviewed study in 2026, which reported that the amount of metals that are likely to be released during use is too small to cause harm. 

Are reusable tampons safe?

The FDA has not authorized reusable tampons and discourages their use. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections.

The only tampons authorized by the FDA are designed for single use.

Can tampons cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death.

TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. One reason is that the FDA evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS before the product can be legally marketed. Only tampons that have been authorized by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips below.

Tampon safety tips

Talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. If you use tampons, consider the following:

1. Follow all label directions. Even if you have used tampons before, read the instructions in the package.
2.  Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria.
3. Only use tampons when you have your period. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or for any other reason.
4. Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
5. Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed. If you can wear one tampon up to 8 hours without changing it, the absorbency may be too high.
6. Contact your health care provider if you have pain, fever or other unusual symptoms. If you have discomfort, pain or other unexpected symptoms like unusual discharge when trying to insert or wear a tampon, or if you have an allergic reaction, stop using tampons and contact your provider.
7. Know the signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and how to reduce your risk. Symptoms and signs of TSS may include a sudden fever (usually 102°F or more), vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or feeling like you are going to faint when standing up, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. If you have any of these symptoms during your period or soon after your period, stop using tampons and seek medical attention immediately. To reduce your risk of TSS, use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary, wear a tampon for no more than 8 hours and then throw it away, and use tampons only when you have your period.

Additional resources

• Menstrual Product Options, Facts, and Safe Use: Learn more about FDA review and oversight of menstrual pads and liners, tampons, and menstrual cups. 
• Do metals in tampons pose a health risk? A toxicological risk assessment study: Read the study by FDA scientists published in the June 2026 issue of Toxicological Sciences.

If you have had discomfort or became ill as a result of using a tampon, consider reporting it to MedWatch, the FDA's safety information and adverse event reporting program. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA ensure tampons remain safe.