The symbols and letters convey standardized information about the product’s absorbency. Understanding these symbols is necessary for comfort and a health consideration for minimizing potential risks associated with tampon use. These labels allow users to select the appropriate product for their menstrual flow, which often changes throughout the course of a period. The system provides a consistent way to compare products across different brands, ensuring consumers can make informed choices about the protection they need.
Decoding the Letter S and Other Symbols
The letter “S” on a tampon wrapper or box is a standardized symbol that signifies “Super” absorbency. This designation is intended for days when a person experiences a heavier menstrual flow.
Other letters indicate different absorbency levels within the standardized system. For example, “R” stands for “Regular” absorbency, suitable for moderate flow days. Products designed for the lightest flow often use the letter “L,” representing “Light” absorbency. These letters act as quick visual markers for the amount of fluid the tampon is designed to absorb.
The Standardized Absorbency Scale
The system of letters is part of a standardized absorbency scale, regulated by bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure consistency. This standardization is based on a measurable scientific test, often called the Syngyna test, which determines the amount of fluid a tampon can absorb, measured in grams. The “Super” category (S) is defined to absorb between 9 and 12 grams of fluid.
The full range of absorbency extends beyond the Regular, Super, and Light categories. The scale includes “Super Plus,” which absorbs 12 to 15 grams, and “Ultra,” designed for the heaviest flow, absorbing 15 to 18 grams. The “Light” category represents the lowest end of the scale, absorbing 6 grams of fluid or less.
Choosing the Right Absorbency for Safety and Comfort
Selecting the correct absorbency level is important for both comfort and health safety. Using a tampon that is too absorbent for the flow can increase the risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a bacterial infection. The recommendation is to use the lowest effective absorbency needed to manage the menstrual flow.
Higher absorbency tampons, such as “Super,” have been linked to a greater risk of TSS. Using an absorbent tampon when the flow is light may cause vaginal dryness or micro-abrasions upon removal, which can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. A tampon that is too absorbent might inadvertently lead a user to leave it in for longer than the recommended maximum of eight hours, which also promotes bacterial growth. A good strategy involves adjusting the absorbency throughout the menstrual cycle, using a higher absorbency like “Super” only on the heaviest days and switching to “Regular” or “Light” as the flow lessens.