Tampon absorbency ratings

TL;DR

Navigating through the various tampon absorbency ratings can be daunting, especially with the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and the fear of leaks. This guide breaks down the ratings from Mini to Ultra, helping you make informed choices based on your menstrual flow and reducing the chances of ruining another pair of underwear.

It can be hard to judge what sort of flow you are going to have at any given time, so having a selection of tampon sizes and absorbency ratings until you get the hang of you flow are useful.

Low tampon absorbency ratings have been associated with less risk of toxic shock syndrome, but TSS isn’t your main concern; ruining another pair of underwear is.

  • Mini up to 6mls less than a teaspoon
  • Light 6mls about a teaspoon
  • Regular 6-9mls up to 2 teaspoons
  • Super 9-12mls just over 2 teaspoons
  • Super Plus 12-15mls up to 3 teaspoons
  • Ultra 15-18mls just under 4 teaspoons
  • Greater than 18mls are available, but the FDA does not rate these



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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