11 Feminine Hygiene Products Indian Women Should Know About

5. Tampons — Internal protection with caveats for Indian context

Tampons are absorbent plugs inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow internally. They can be convenient for swimming, sports, or tight clothing since they don’t show under clothes, but they are less commonly used across India than pads. Safety is generally good if tampons are used correctly, but users should be aware of rare conditions like toxic shock syndrome (TSS); proper change frequency and hygiene reduce this risk substantially. Accessibility and privacy can be barriers in some towns and villages, since buying tampons might feel uncomfortable for some women; discreet packaging helps. Tampons also create disposal issues; never flush them down the toilet unless packaging says “flushable,” and wrap them before discarding. For first-time users, start with lower-absorbency tampons and follow package instructions closely. If you notice strong odors or unusual symptoms, remove the tampon and seek medical help. As with any internal product, personal comfort varies — some women try tampons briefly and return to external options, while others adopt them regularly for specific activities.