Tampons, like pads, are products used to absorb menstrual flow. They’re made of soft cotton pressed together to form a cylinder-like shape so that they can be easily inserted into the opening of the vagina. Tampons are “worn” inside of the vagina (just during a women’s period) to absorb menstrual flow. They come in all different sizes and absorbencies. Most tampons come with an applicator that is used to insert them. The applicator is then thrown away. Tampons have a string built-in so that it can be pulled out when it’s time to change it.