# Lady Dopers - Do you vary your tampon absorbency? (Prob. Gross) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 8, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721 "2008-07-08T18:02:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sateryn76](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/1 "2008-07-08T18:02:58Z")
I was just buying tampons, and they were out of Super Plus!! :eek: :eek: ☹ So, I got Super. Which led me to think “Does anyone actually vary their tampon absorbency to their flow?” Like everyone else, I have read the tampon instructions when I have nothing else to read in the bathroom, and read their suggestions about using the least absorbent for the lightest times, but, really, it just seems like too much work… (Please note - I have no interest in the DivaCup. Please don’t go on and on and on about how they’re going to save the world 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![samm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/858c86/32.png) [@samm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samm)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/2 "2008-07-08T18:07:40Z")
I don’t vary mine. But I thought I saw a box in the supermarket that had a variety of sizes included. Seems like a good option. I’m not about to buy 3 different boxes in 3 different sizes. ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/3 "2008-07-08T18:09:12Z")
[I have already made my opinions on the matter very clear.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=466845) ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/4 "2008-07-08T18:12:08Z")
I currently use a Divacup (sorry!), but . . . back when I did use [Satan’s little cotton fingers](http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0999/cotton.html), I just used the regulars all the time. I gotta wonder, wouldn’t you have to be psychic to know how light or heavy the next several hours’ flow will be? Yeah, mine varies, but I have no idea how much or when. And I’m not obsessed enough with Aunt Flo to keep a chart or something. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/5 "2008-07-08T18:14:14Z")
I used to, when I used tampons. If my flow was light enough that I only needed a regular, I would just use a pad, though, since tampons dry me out. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/6 "2008-07-08T18:25:27Z")
No. I have to admit I’ve wondered whether other people do, but generally I prefer to vary the amount of time between changes instead. ---
**Author:** ![Litoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9f8e36/32.png) [@Litoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Litoris)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/7 "2008-07-08T18:26:45Z")
Yes. I swear I think I am going through early menopause with my periods being completely insane. I use the right absorbency for my flow. I know, I am weird. I also always read the little information sheets that come with my drugs when I get prescriptions. ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/8 "2008-07-08T18:28:21Z")
I never used to until I got an IUD. Holy moses my flow is much heavier now, so I need the thickest bullet I can fit in the chamber on a few days of the cycle. Otherwise, I can go with something thinner. It’s kind of a pain, because I now have to manage inventories on multiple SKUs, but I guess I do what must be done. ---
**Author:** ![Susie\_Derkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@Susie\_Derkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Susie_Derkins)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/9 "2008-07-08T18:30:08Z")
Nah, I just use super plus and pads. I do vary the combination, though…just a tampon on the first day (I start out a little slow) then both for the next two days, then just a pad at the end. I hate my periods. TMI: I was staying with a friend last month and I used one of her regular/slender tampons because I was out. This also happens to be the kind they keep in the bathroom at work for emergencies. Well, I was VERY busy that day and I ended up with two tampons in there by mistake. I would feel bad about it, but the two little ones seemed to have the same bulk as one of my super pluses. I guess if a wad of cotton the size of my thumb fitting up there doesn’t make me feel slung out, two the size of my pinkie shouldn’t, either. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/10 "2008-07-08T19:00:13Z")
I only use them at night, but yes, I do vary – the first night gets a super, because I always have one heavy day at the start and the next night, if I use one (I use a pad as well) it’ll be a regular because things have slowed down. I only use two or three of them a month, so having a couple of boxes around isn’t a big deal because I rarely have to buy them. I wanted to like the DivaCup but it just didn’t like me. ---
**Author:** ![Audrey\_Levins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@Audrey\_Levins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Audrey_Levins)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/11 "2008-07-08T19:17:48Z")
I buy the Tampax “Multi pack” but generally I end up using mostly Supers. I’ve never used a Super Plus…I guess I’m lucky I’ve never needed to…but I’ve been known to use only regulars the entire period because that’s all I have. It’s kinda why I like the Multi packs…it kinda ensures that I always have some kind of tampon on hand, even if it isn’t the kind I really want. I do like using Supers at work though, even if I could get away with a regular, because I don’t have to worry about it the whole time I’m there. I’ve read the literature, too, but Toxic Shock Syndrome was associated with a kind of tampon that is no longer made–or at least with an ingredient or fiber that is no longer used, I forget–and apparently there haven’t been any reported cases of TSS from tampons in over two decades. I wish I had a cite, but I’m lazy. And I’ve left a tampon in (because I’m stupid and forgetful) for over 24 hours without any ill-effects, so TSS is low on my list of Things To Freak About. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/12 "2008-07-08T19:31:54Z")
Yeah, it may be relevant that I usually use Regulars, and occasionally ponder Supers–and usually use a pad as well, both for “back-up” and because it’s what my mother always did. (We never used the same brand–which is odd because she’s the one who picked out my first tampons and pads. We did use the same brand but different styles of pads.) ---
**Author:** ![Morelin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Morelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morelin)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/13 "2008-07-08T19:40:15Z")
I don’t use tampons, but if I did, I might use different ones. I know the first day or two my cycle is heavier and then gets lighter the next two days. ---
**Author:** ![trustno\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc29f/32.png) [@trustno\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trustno_1)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/14 "2008-07-08T19:57:33Z")
I never vary unfortunately for me I have to wear the pads with the highest absorbency as well as a super plus tampon even then I have to change both every two/two and a half hours. _sigh_ I cant wait til its all over! ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/15 "2008-07-08T20:10:14Z")
Yes, although one of my college roommates thought that I was weird for doing so (“Did you _mean_ to buy two different sizes?”) But she was kind of odd. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/16 "2008-07-08T20:19:30Z")
I also buy the multi-packs. It’s not that difficult to monitor your flow; I change mine about three times a day and if I’m spotting earlier than that, I change to a heavier model. If it’s still mostly unfilled by the time changing time comes, I use a smaller one the next time. Sigh. The Diva Cup. I bought one and was more excited than I’ve been since I GOT my damn period (finally) at the age of almost-15 … It won’t stay in. Boo boo face. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/17 "2008-07-08T20:38:45Z")
Nope. Super Plus all the time for me. Yes, they’re harder to remove when flow is lighter, but that’s OK. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/18 "2008-07-08T22:51:07Z")
I pick up the o.b. multi-pack, and that way I can vary with the flow without buying multiple boxes. [QUOTE=Ellen Cherry] I Sigh. The Diva Cup. I bought one and was more excited than I’ve been since I GOT my damn period (finally) at the age of almost-15 … It won’t stay in. Boo boo face. [/QUOTE] Yeah, was supposed to be the best damn thing since sliced bread, right? I can’t get the damn thing to seal like it’s supposed to. I want to like it, I’ve tried to like it, and I keep trying every month - first day or two, seems ok, then as soon as it gets heavier, here come the leaks. ---
**Author:** ![sugar\_and\_spice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e8c25b/32.png) [@sugar\_and\_spice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugar_and_spice)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/19 "2008-07-08T23:36:04Z")
Yep. I just buy whole boxes of three different kinds. They get used eventually. ---
**Author:** ![RedRosesForMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/91b2a8/32.png) [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721/20 "2008-07-08T23:41:57Z")
I usually do, OB makes multipacks. As for not being able to predict the flow, I know (based on :eek: looking at the tampons when I remove them :eek:) that I’m light at the beginning, very heavy in the middle, and light at the end. So I use different absorbencies accordingly. In the days before multipacks, though, I didn’t. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-dopers-do-you-vary-your-tampon-absorbency-prob-gross/455721.md?page=2)