# Using tampons, cups and discs

> First-time tips, how long to leave them in, and what to do if things go wrong.

Category: Period care · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/period-care/using-tampons-cups-discs

## Quick answer

- Follow the leaflet. Use the lowest absorbency you need, and wash your hands first.
- Tampons: never more than 8 hours. Cups: 8 to 12 hours. Discs vary by brand.
- A tampon cannot get lost, but a stuck one needs help, not poking around.
- TSS is rare, but act fast on fever, rash, dizziness or confusion.

Internal products are brilliant for swimming, sport and white trousers, but the first few goes can feel fiddly. That is normal. Here is the practical guide.

## Getting started

1. **Read the leaflet in the box.** Every brand is a bit different, and the NHS says [tampons](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/products-compared) come with instructions for a reason.
2. **Wash your hands first** (and after).
3. **Pick the lowest absorbency for your flow.** The FDA says if one tampon lasts 8 hours without changing, it may be too absorbent.
4. **Relax if you can.** Tensing makes insertion harder. Try different positions, such as one foot up on the loo seat or squatting.
5. **Check it feels right.** The NHS says that when a tampon is in properly you should not be able to feel it. If you can feel it or it hurts, it may not be in far enough.

For cups and discs, the folding, positioning and removal are different for each design. Follow the instructions that come with yours. Many people need two or three cycles to feel confident, and it is fine to use a pad or period pants as backup meanwhile.

## How long can they stay in?

- **Tampons:** change at least every 4 to 8 hours (ACOG and the FDA). Never leave one in for more than 8 hours.
- **Cups:** empty every 8 to 12 hours, sooner on heavy days (ACOG).
- **Discs:** follow the packet, as times vary by brand.
- **Overnight:** if you will [sleep](https://splash.care/learn/movement-sleep/sleep-cycle) for more than 8 hours, a tampon is not ideal. A pad, period pants or a cup that is rated for overnight use may suit better. If you do use a tampon, put in a fresh one just before bed and take it out as soon as you wake up.

## When things go wrong

- **Stuck or forgotten tampon:** the NHS says it cannot get lost, but it can turn sideways or become compressed, which makes it hard to pull out. If you cannot remove it, see [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) or ask NHS 111 where to go. Do not poke around with sharp objects.
- **Strong smell or unusual discharge:** a forgotten tampon is a common cause. See the guide on smells for what else it could be.
- **Cup will not come out:** relax and follow the removal steps in the leaflet (most involve pinching the base to break the seal before pulling). If it will not budge, ask for help from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.
- **Pain, itching or soreness:** stop using the product. The FDA says to contact a health professional if you have pain, fever or unusual symptoms with tampons.

> **Splash says:** swimming on your period is fine with a tampon or cup. Period pants are not made for swimming unless they say so on the label.

### When to see a doctor

If you have a high temperature, feel hot, cold or shivery, vomit, have diarrhoea, a rough rash, or feel dizzy or confused while using a tampon or cup, take it out and get help from NHS 111 straight away. Call 999 for confusion, trouble breathing, blue or blotchy skin, or a rash that does not fade under a glass. See the toxic shock section in the products guide.

**Quick quiz:** You cannot find the string of your tampon. What is the best first step?

1. Panic, it is lost inside you
2. Stay calm: it cannot get lost. Wash your hands, relax, and try to feel for it
3. Leave it in for a few days to see what happens

Answer: Stay calm: it cannot get lost. Wash your hands, relax, and try to feel for it. The NHS says a tampon cannot get lost. If you cannot remove it, see a GP or ask NHS 111 where to go, and do not leave it in.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Periods](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/)
2. [NHS: Starting periods](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/)
3. [NHS: Toxic shock syndrome](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/)
4. [ACOG: Your first period](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-first-period)
5. [US FDA: Facts on tampons and tampon safety](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-tampon-safety)
6. [van Eijk et al. (2019) Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Lancet Public Health](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669309/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).