Can a tampon fall out during exercise?

Fitness experts weigh in and provide tips on wearing a tampon during a workout.

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double board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist in Los Angeles, California

Ahead, what every person with a monthly gym membership and menstrual cycle needs to know.

First up: Is it safe to wear a tampon while you exercise?

The levels of these metals measured in the 24 tested tampons were minuscule.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Meaning, theres no proof that the chemicals actually make their way into your system through your vagina.

All that said, yes, it is safe to exercise while wearing a tampon, says Dr. Chavez.

To date, theres no scientific evidence suggesting any risk from wearing one during exercise, she says.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

This is important because the benefits of exercise while menstruating arewell-documented2, says Dr. Zeno.

Fears of your tampon safety or security shouldnt keep you from the gym.

So…cana tampon fall out during exercise?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

double board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist in Los Angeles, California

No, it shouldnt.

That said, therearea few rare instances when a tampon could fall out during exercise.

Here are four reasons a tamponcouldfall out while you exercise.

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However, if they become overly saturated, they can shift or fall out, she says.

But when there is an underlying issue, tampon placement, location, and security can all be affected.

Pelvic floor muscle weaknesscan also lead tampons to fall out, according to Dr. Chavez.

In both cases, working with a pelvic floor therapist can help.

(FYI: The pressure sparked by bearing down can even lead tohemorrhoidsand anal fissures).

Broadly speaking, rather than bearing down while you lift, experts suggest bracing your core.

I highly recommend working with pelvic physiotherapists if youre experiencing tampons falling out while you lift, she says.

I highly recommend working with pelvic physiotherapists if youreexperiencing tampons falling out while you lift.

Aldene Zeno, MD, FACOG

Do I ever need to avoid exercising while wearing a tampon?

Fears of your tampon safety or security shouldnt keep you from the gym.

However, therearetimes when your menstrual symptoms can (or should!)

Just be sure to insert the tampon properly and change it regularly.

2024 Aug;190:108849. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849.

Epub 2024 Jun 22.

Huang WC, Chiu PC, Ho CH.

J Sports Sci Med.

2022 Dec 1;21(4):595-607. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2022.595.

PMID: 36523895; PMCID: PMC9741723.

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