Vaginal Irritation from Tampons: A Sign of Allergy?

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I’m 21 and have used tampons since I was 14 with no problems. I recently tried a new brand, and at the end of my period the inside felt sore, so I took a peek – it looks like a little tear or hole.

It’s been hurting for about three days and I can feel the irritation when I walk. Should I see a doctor or will it heal? Could I be allergic?

Sincerely,
Torn
United States

Hi there Torn,

This really does sound like your vagina reacting to the new tampon brand rather than anything to worry about.

A different brand can bring a different shape, a more drying absorbency, or fragrances and materials your usual one doesn’t have, and any of those can cause friction or irritation – sometimes enough to leave a small sore spot or ‘tear’ that you notice towards the end of your period, when the flow is light and the tampon’s drier going in and out.

An allergy or simple sensitivity is possible too; the upshot is the same.

So switch back to your usual tampons (or try a plain, fragrance-free organic cotton brand) and the problem will very likely not come back – that alone is the test of whether it was the brand.

While the sore spot heals, give tampons a miss for the rest of this period if you can and use pads instead, keep the area clean with plain water, wear loose cotton, and it should settle within a few days, since this tissue heals quickly.

See a doctor if it hasn’t healed in a week or so, the irritation spreads, or it gets worse rather than better – but I suspect your vagina simply didn’t like the new brand, and going back to what it knows will be the end of it.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.