Changing products: the simple guide

Different products need changing at different times.

  • Pads — Change when full, wet or uncomfortable.
  • Period pants — Change when full, wet or uncomfortable.
  • Tampons — Change by 4 hours.
  • Cups and discs — Empty and clean as needed.
  • Ask for help — Ask if you are unsure or uncomfortable.

Change sooner if you leak, smell, feel sore, or the product feels full.

Quick answer

Change your period product when it feels full, wet, uncomfortable, starts to leak, or you are not sure it is still comfortable and clean.

Why does changing matter?

Changing period products helps you stay comfortable, reduce leaks and keep clean. It is also important for safety, especially with products that go inside the vagina, such as tampons, cups or discs.

Different products have different timings

Not all products are the same. Ask a trusted adult if you are unsure how long to use a product for.

  • Pads: change when full, wet or uncomfortable.
  • Period pants: change when they feel full, wet or uncomfortable, then wash them safely.
  • Tampons: change by 4 hours. You may need to change sooner on heavier days.
  • Menstrual cups or discs: empty and clean regularly. Ask for help if you are unsure.

Change sooner if...

  • blood is reaching the edges of the product
  • you feel wet or uncomfortable
  • you can smell blood strongly
  • you are leaking
  • your flow is heavier than usual
  • the product hurts or feels wrong

What should I do at school?

Try to keep spare products in your bag or locker. Ask to go to the toilet when you need to change. If someone asks why, you do not have to explain your period. You can say, “I need to use the toilet.”

Hygiene tips

  • Wash your hands before and after changing if you can.
  • Wrap disposable products before putting them in a bin.
  • Do not flush period products down the toilet.
  • Ask a trusted adult how to wash reusable products if you are unsure.

Ask Luma

You could ask: “How often should I change my period product?” or “How do I know if my product is full?”

Final reassurance

You will learn your own flow with time. At first, it is okay to check more often until you feel confident.

Developer source note

Content is grounded in NHS period product guidance, NHS toxic shock syndrome guidance, UNICEF menstrual health and hygiene principles, and the user-supplied BBC News link for current public discussion of period products. Final live pages should keep source links in the CMS or editorial notes.