Why I always uncomfortably felt my tampon with every movement
You know the feeling.
In the middle of yoga. While running. While swimming.
That slight pressure. That dry, rubbing tug.
You know it's there.
And at some point, you just stop doing certain things – because you know how it will feel.
I had known that feeling for years. And I always thought: It's because of me. Because of my body. Maybe I'm just more sensitive than others.
Until I found out that wasn't true at all.
Facts for the Impatient
• Tampons consist of synthetic fibers that not only absorb blood – but also natural vaginal moisture.
• This leads to dryness, irritation, and the constant sensation of the tampon.
• Menstrual sponges made from natural materials absorb only blood – without causing dryness.
• Hardly noticeable: during sports, yoga, swimming, in the sauna.
• HERA sponges are sustainably hand-harvested and lab-tested for purity.
• Reusable for up to 6 months, 100% natural, without chemicals or other residues.
What I didn't know for years
For a long time, I just endured my period. Painkillers, only loose comfortable clothing, canceling appointments. Not because the cramps were so bad – but because that uncomfortable feeling of being somehow hindered was always there. Not really sick, but not completely fit either.
What frustrated me most: I knew that exercise would do me good. Warmth. Yoga. Sometimes even just intimacy. But precisely in those moments, I felt least ready for it. Go to the sauna? Too risky. Exercise? Too uncomfortable. Sex? Rather not.
I've tried pretty much every menstrual product there is. Tampons of all absorbencies, various menstrual cups, pads, period underwear. None of it ever felt really good. Either too stiff, too dry, too noticeable – or just that unpleasant feeling.
At some point, I started to accept it as normal. That's just how it is with your period.
Until a friend told me something I had never heard before.
The reason I didn't know
She explained to me why tampons feel the way they do – and why it has nothing to do with my body.
Tampons were developed to absorb as much fluid as possible. That sounds sensible at first. The problem is: most tampons consist of highly absorbent synthetic fibers – rayon, viscose, often mixed with cotton. And these materials don't distinguish what they absorb. They soak up everything – not just blood, but also the natural vaginal moisture that the mucous membranes need to stay supple and irritation-free.
The result: The mucous membranes become drier. The tampon rubs. You feel it with every movement. And on lighter days, when less blood flows anyway, it becomes even more uncomfortable – because the tampon still soaks up everything and completely dries you out.
A study in the journal Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology confirms exactly this: tampons can significantly reduce vaginal fluid – far beyond what would be necessary for absorbing menstrual blood. [Gunter et al., 2004]
That was the moment I realized: The problem isn't me. The problem is the product.
Why other alternatives didn't work for me either
Once I understood that, I also realized why the other products hadn't worked better for me. The menstrual cup sits differently – but it sits firmly. I felt it when sitting, bending, exercising.
Period underwear gave me a diaper-like, damp feeling that I disliked even more than the tampon.
And trying different tampon brands didn't help either, because the actual problem – the material – was the same for all of them.
What I needed was something fundamentally different. Something that adapted to my body instead of disturbing it.
👉 You're realizing now: The problem was never your body. If you want to know what a period without dryness feels like – click here for the HERA Starter Set
How I discovered the menstrual sponge
I was honestly skeptical when my friend told me about the menstrual sponge. A sponge from the sea – that you insert? I immediately had images of sand and dirt in my head. And then you also have to wash it out, and see your own blood while doing so?
But then I held it in my hand. Soft, flexible, clean – completely different from what I had imagined. And the blood when washing it out? Much less than I thought.
What really surprised me was the wearing comfort. A natural material like the sea sponge has a porous, cellular structure. It absorbs fluid – but it doesn't dry out the environment because it doesn't actively wick like synthetic fibers. It absorbs what comes and leaves the rest as it is. The mucous membranes remain moist. There is no friction. And because its flexible structure adapts to the shape of the body, you hardly feel it.
The first time I wore it, I felt like: there's nothing there. Really nothing. During yoga – nothing. In the sauna – nothing. While sleeping – nothing. No pulling, no rubbing, no constant reminders.
Why I use the HERA Organics sponge
I use the HERA Organics menstrual sponge because I know what's in it – and what's not. It comes from sustainable hand-harvesting in the Mediterranean, is regularly lab-tested for purity, is 100% natural and free of residues or contaminants. Especially with a product that is so close to the body, that's important to me.
The retrieval string is much shorter than with conventional products, has the shape of a tab and is therefore very discreet. It consists of medical silicone and does not absorb any liquid – whether when peeing or swimming. And if I want, I can even remove it completely: for the sauna, for sex, for moments when I simply don't want to see or feel anything at all.
The HERA sponge comes in three sizes: S for light, M for medium, and L for heavier flows. You can also cut it to size until it fits perfectly – and it's reusable for up to six months.
What has changed since then
Six cycles later, I can say: The sponge hasn't made my period perfect. But it has made it a lot easier – more natural, more comfortable, and less complicated.
I no longer plan around my period. I don't cancel appointments when I actually want to move. I go to the sauna when I feel like it. And sometimes I just feel like intimacy – without the constant question of whether that's possible right now.
No more feeling of dryness. No foreign body. No uncomfortable fumbling. Just a small, soft piece of nature that does exactly what it's supposed to – without bothering me.
Of course, there are still days when I prefer to lie on the couch. But I do that because I want to – not because my period product leaves me no other option.
What other women say
I'm not the only one who has experienced this. Over 25,000 women have already switched to HERA – and a large number of them thought exactly the same thing as me before: that the feeling of dryness and the many small restrictions simply came with it. That's just how it is with your period. What they – and I – didn't know: It's not about the body. It's about the product. Here are some of their experiences.
"After my period and using tampons, I always had such a dry vagina and also quite a lot of pain, so I tried the sponges and I'm so happy. I have much less pain at the beginning of my period." – Yvonne
"With tampons and pads, I almost always got a vaginal yeast infection during my period due to the drying out of the mucous membranes. The HERA products have made my period very pleasant." – Anonymous
"I was looking for a more natural option that doesn't dry out the mucous membrane like normal tampons, as I had problems with dryness and itching. Now I barely feel the sponges – I found everything great." – Vani
"I always felt tampons, they pressed, and I often had yeast infections after using them. Since I've been using the sponges, I don't feel them at all, and changing them is not at all difficult or unpleasant." – Kira
Who the sponge is suitable for
The sponge is not a miracle cure – but it is a real relief if you are looking for something that works with your body instead of against it. Especially recommended for anyone who wants to be active during their period, has sensitive mucous membranes, or finds tampons uncomfortable.
Important: The sponge is a natural product. If you feel unwell, have an infection, or are unsure, please consult a doctor.
TRY IT NOW: THE HERA STARTER SET
If you're curious, the Starter Set is the easiest way to get started. It contains everything you need for the first few cycles.
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FAQs
How do I find the right size?
HERA offers three sizes: S for light, M for medium, and L for heavier flows. You can also trim the sponge individually until it fits perfectly.
Can I wear the sponge overnight?
Yes – it can absorb up to three to four times more than a conventional tampon. Just be sure to change it directly in the morning.
Is the sponge also suitable for beginners?
Yes, many find it gentler than tampons or cups. It is important to take your time and choose the appropriate size at first.
How environmentally friendly is the menstrual sponge really?
HERA sponges come from sustainable hand-harvesting in the Mediterranean, are completely compostable, and replace single-use products for months. The packaging is also plastic-free.
Can I exercise or go swimming with the sponge?
Yes – the sponge stays securely in place, is highly absorbent, and discreet. The silicone retrieval string does not absorb external liquid (like sea or pool water).
What is the difference between the medical silicone retrieval string and a tampon string?
The HERA sponge's retrieval string is made of medical silicone and is water-repellent – it doesn't soak up water. A cotton tampon string absorbs chlorinated or salt water, which can irritate the intimate area and promote infections.