Menstrual Product Options, Facts, and Safe Use

Update: July 6, 2026

In July 2026, the FDA announced a new scientific study in Toxicological Sciences, a peer-reviewed journal, describing testing conducted by FDA laboratories and a toxicological risk assessment related to metals found in tampons. The study found that, while trace metals are present in tampons, the amount released during use is too small to cause harm. This study is consistent with findings from an independent systematic literature review previously commissioned by the FDA.

In October 2025, the FDA issued a draft guidance titled, Menstrual Products — Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations. This draft guidance provides recommendations to industry to support the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products, including recommendations for evaluating these products for contaminants and promoting transparency in menstrual product ingredients. When finalized, this guidance will supersede the 2005 guidance document: Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions (510(k)s).

Menstrual Products

Menstruation, also called a “period,” is a natural biological process in which the uterus sheds blood and tissue from its lining. For most women, menstruation happens about once a month from puberty through menopause and is a normal function of the body. Menstrual products refer to tampons, pads, and menstrual cups used to absorb or collect menstrual fluid or other vaginal discharge.

These web pages are intended to provide information on:

• The types of menstrual products available in the U.S., how they work, how to use them, and their benefits and risks
• How the FDA reasonably assures the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products

Types of menstrual products

Different menstrual products are available to meet individual preferences and needs. Tampons and menstrual cups collect menstrual flow inside the vagina. Menstrual pads and period underwear absorb the flow outside the vagina.

Some women choose different menstrual products for different stages of their menstrual flow, and some menstrual products can be used together (menstrual product placed inside the vagina and menstrual product placed outside the vagina).

Menstrual pads (sometimes called sanitary pads)

Menstrual pads, which include liners or period underwear, absorb menstrual flow after it leaves the body.

Learn more about menstrual pads and liners.

Tampons

Tampons are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body.

Learn more about tampons.

Menstrual cups (sometimes called menstrual discs)

Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and collect menstrual flow.

Learn more about menstrual cups.

Health tips

Always follow the instructions that come with the menstrual product and follow these hygiene habits to help you stay healthy no matter which menstrual product you choose.

• Wash your hands before and after using a menstrual product. 
• Only use tampons and menstrual cups when you have your period. Menstrual pads can be used to collect menstrual fluid during your period and can also be used to collect other types of vaginal discharge, if needed.
• Change your menstrual products regularly. Wearing a menstrual product too long can allow harmful bacteria to grow.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have pain, fever, or other unusual symptoms.

How the FDA reasonably assures the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products

All menstrual products marketed in the United States are subject to regulation by the FDA as medical devices. This means that menstrual products are required to meet applicable FDA regulations related to manufacturing, labeling, and reporting device malfunctions and adverse events to the FDA.

Before products reach the market:

• Certain menstrual products, like tampons, are subject to FDA review.
• The FDA reviews data submitted by manufacturers on the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials, how well the product works, and any potential health risks, such as bacterial growth, that may be associated with using the product.

After products reach the market:

• The FDA monitors reports of device malfunctions and adverse events.
• The FDA conducts inspections of manufacturers when necessary.

FDA research on tampon safety

The FDA committed to further evaluating the safety of tampons because an outside study published in 2024 found low levels of metals in tampons during laboratory testing. While that study reported that some metals were present as part of the tampon materials, it did not evaluate the potential release of metals under typical physiological conditions, which are less exaggerated and expected to cause the release of fewer metals.

Furthermore, the study did not test whether metals were absorbed into the vaginal lining or into the bloodstream. As such, the FDA commissioned an independent systematic literature review and initiated a laboratory study on metals in tampon materials.

Scientific literature review of metals in tampons

In September 2024, the FDA commissioned an independent systematic literature review. On December 23, 2024, the FDA shared the report detailing the study’s findings. The purpose of the literature review was to determine the available evidence on contaminants in tampons and their related health effects. It included nine published articles that evaluated a variety of different contaminants in tampons, including metals, phthalates, parabens, bisphenols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and triclocarban.

The available evidence continues to support the FDA’s conclusion that tampons remain a safe menstrual product option.

Laboratory study on metals in tampons

The FDA conducted a laboratory study to evaluate whether metals from tampon materials can be released under conditions that simulate normal use. To evaluate potential exposure risk, FDA scientists tested 11 different types of tampons from six brands and five manufacturers. The experimental conditions were specifically designed to mimic actual use but for three times longer than manufacturers recommend. 

FDA scientists then measured the levels of metals that were released to conduct a toxicological risk assessment, which determined the worst-case risk of exposure from metals in tampons when used over a lifetime.

In evaluating harmful metal exposure from tampons, the key considerations are whether metals are released from the tampon during use, whether those metals are absorbed through the vaginal lining, and whether any absorbed amount reaches a level that could affect health. The study confirmed the presence of lead and 20 other metals. However, the FDA found that the levels were far below what would be considered harmful.

Findings from the study and the associated toxicological risk assessment were published in Toxicological Sciences in June 2026.

The FDA’s scientific publication supports the agency’s ongoing efforts to further understand whether potential exposure to metals contained in tampons is expected to result in adverse health effects and to further evaluate the safety of menstrual products.

Updated menstrual products draft guidance

The FDA published an updated draft guidance on Menstrual Products – Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations for industry that aims to ensure consistency in performance testing of tampons and other menstrual products as well as promote transparency in the labeling of such menstrual products. The draft guidance includes recommendations for menstrual product ingredient labels as well as other important information on device safety.

When finalized, this guidance will supersede the 2005 guidance document: Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions (510(k)s).

Resources

For consumers:

• MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Submit a report if you have experienced a problem with any menstrual product.
• The Facts on Tampons—and How to Use Them Safely: A consumer update on FDA-cleared tampons, what they are made of, how the FDA evaluates their safety, and how to use them safely to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome and other concerns.
• Metals in Tampons: What the Science Says : A fact sheet for consumers on the FDA’s research on metals found in tampons, what the findings mean for your health, and why the FDA says tampons remain safe to use.
• Do metals in tampons pose a health risk? A toxicological risk assessment study: A study by FDA scientists published in the June 2026 issue of Toxicological Sciences.
• Contaminants in Vaginal Tampons: A Systematic Literature Review: The December 2024 report on the results of an independent literature review commissioned by the FDA.

For manufacturers:

• Menstrual Products – Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations: The FDA's October 2025 draft guidance for menstrual products.
• Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions (510(k)s): The FDA’s current guidance for menstrual products.