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Urinary System Health
Urination
Can I Pee with a Tampon In? (Plus, How to Avoid Peeing on the String) Download Article Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved
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Can you pee with a tampon in?
|
Moving the String to the Side
|
Addressing Common Problems
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 658,992 times.
Tampons are a convenient way to have your period and continue swimming, playing sports, and going about your daily life, without even noticing you're wearing protection. But what do you do when it comes time to use the bathroom? How do you pee without getting the string all wet, or do you need to change the tampon every time? Learn the quick and simple solution for keeping your tampon string clean, and when it's necessary to use a fresh one.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Can you pee with a tampon in?
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Yes, absolutely! Because urine and period blood come out of different holes (urine comes out of your urethra, while period blood comes out of your vagina), a tampon will in no way hinder your ability to pee. With that said, the string at the end of your tampon can get in the way and end up soaked with pee, which can be kind of annoying. Fortunately, a wet string won't cause any health issues, and there are some ways you can avoid getting the string wet in the first place (more on that below!).[1]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 2 of 3:
Moving the String to the Side
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1 Sit on the toilet seat, but don't pee yet. If you are using a public toilet, you may wish to squat above the toilet, without actually resting on the seat. Otherwise, you can use a seat-liner or tear several strips of toilet paper, lay them on the toilet seat, and sit.
Make sure you have pulled down your pants and underwear or lifted your dress or skirt before sitting down.
Squeeze the muscles around your urethra (the opening through which urine exits your body). You only have to do this for a moment, but squeeze tight so you don't start peeing as soon as you sit down.
2 Reach your hand between your legs and pull the tampon string to the side. Hold the string against your thigh, and it should be out of the way when you pee.[2]XResearch source
You may also want to reach behind and pull the string back, toward your anus. Only do this if you aren't also going to defecate, and be sure the string doesn't actually touch your anus.[3]XResearch source
3 Lean forward a bit and begin to urinate. Keep your hand and the string out of the way as you urinate.
4 Wipe as normal. Continue to hold the string off to the side, using your free hand to tear off some toilet paper and wipe yourself from front to back.
Flush, pull up your pants, and remember to wash your hands.
Advertisement Section 3 of 3:
Addressing Common Problems
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1 Don't worry if your tampon string gets wet. There shouldn't be any health repercussions if you accidentally pee on the string.[4]X Trustworthy Source Go Ask AliceMedical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source You can squeeze the string with a piece of toilet paper to dry it off before pulling up your pants.[5]XResearch source
It's really a matter of preference--if you are uncomfortable with the feeling of a wet string, or worry about smell, you can change your tampon if you wish.
There has never been a documented case of infection due to urinating while wearing a tampon.[6]X Trustworthy Source Go Ask AliceMedical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
2 Change your tampon if the tampon itself gets wet. If the actual tampon gets wet, it means it wasn't inserted properly and should be changed. Your tampon should be inserted far enough into your vagina so no part of the tampon itself is showing (the absorbent part), only the string.[7]XResearch source
It is not necessary to change your tampon every time you urinate. Change your tampon based on how long you've had it in (never over eight hours) or if your tampon is leaking or "full."
If your tampon isn't ready to be changed, you will meet some resistance when you pull on the string.
Always try to match your tampon to your flow--don't wear a super-absorbent tampon on a day when your flow is light. This can make removing the tampon uncomfortable.
3 Hold your tampon string to the side or front if you are defecating. While it's fine to get urine on your tampon string, feces contains tons of bacteria that can lead to infection.[8]XResearch source
If you do get feces on your tampon string, use a wad of toilet paper to remove the tampon and throw it away.
Make sure your hands are clean before attempting to insert another tampon--if there is feces on your hands, you could spread an infection to your urinary tract or vagina.
4 Don't be afraid to urinate while wearing a tampon. Before trying tampons, some people are unsure if it's even possible to wear a tampon and urinate. This can keep them from using tampons, since they don't want to change it every time they pee, or somehow harm themselves or disrupt their periods.
Your body has an opening specifically for urine--the urethra. Feces comes through the anus. Your menstrual blood comes out of your vagina, which is located between your urethra and anus.[9]XResearch source
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Get Comfortable with Tampons with this Expert Series
Using tampons is a new experience, and it can be intimidating. Don't worry, we have all the expert advice you need to use them effectively and painlessly. 1 How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time 2 Use a Tampon 3 Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon 4 Insert a Tampon Without Applicator 5 How to Insert a Tampon Without Pain 6 How to Remove a Tampon
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Tips
If the tampon string breaks, add a lot of intimate lubricant on your fingertips — you can wear a glove if you'd like — and slide your fingers around the tampon to get it out. It's important that you don't panic.[10]X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DOBoard Certified Obstetrician & GynecologistExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. This article has been viewed 658,992 times. 24 votes - 83% Co-authors: 29Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 658,992 Categories: Tampons | UrinationArticle SummaryX
To avoid peeing on the tampon string, squeeze your muscles around your urethra when you first sit down on the toilet so you don’t pee right away. Then, reach your hands between your legs and gently pull the tampon string to the side so it rests against your thigh. Alternatively, you can reach behind and pull the string back, just make sure it doesn’t touch your anus, which can increase your risk of infection. Once you’ve moved the string out of the way, lean forward a bit and urinate. If you accidentally pee on the string, don’t worry! There aren’t any health issues linked to this happening. Simply squeeze the string with a piece of toilet paper to dry it off. For more advice, like how often you should change your tampon, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
P. Newt
May 27, 2016
"I never knew this myth existed. I looked this up for my sister, since I've been peeing in peace with my tampon in for at least 10 years now. Thanks wikiHow! You changed my sister's life!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Co-authors: 29Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 658,99283% of readers found this article helpful. 24 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
P. Newt
May 27, 2016
"I never knew this myth existed. I looked this up for my sister, since I've been peeing in peace with my tampon in for at least 10 years now. Thanks wikiHow! You changed my sister's life!"..." more
Kayla Wilkie
May 26, 2019
"it worked on my first time wearing a tampon, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend. wikiHow has helped me with a lot of things, and this article is really helpful."..." more
Dale Halstead
Jun 6, 2016
"The steps were very helpful for beginners. Awesome article! Thanks to the author(s) and people who edited this."
Milly Mason
Jun 17, 2016
"I think that the common problems helped me the most. :) Once again, something brilliant from wikiHow."
Tasha Johnson
Oct 9, 2018
"I never thought that we girls could use tampons at the same time as peeing. Thank you so much!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO 
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Co-authored by: Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. This article has been viewed 658,992 times. 24 votes - 83% Co-authors: 29 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 658,992 Categories: Tampons | Urination Article SummaryX
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1 Sit on the toilet seat, but don't pee yet. If you are using a public toilet, you may wish to squat above the toilet, without actually resting on the seat. Otherwise, you can use a seat-liner or tear several strips of toilet paper, lay them on the toilet seat, and sit. 
2 Reach your hand between your legs and pull the tampon string to the side. Hold the string against your thigh, and it should be out of the way when you pee.[2] 
3 Lean forward a bit and begin to urinate. Keep your hand and the string out of the way as you urinate. 
4 Wipe as normal. Continue to hold the string off to the side, using your free hand to tear off some toilet paper and wipe yourself from front to back. 
1 Don't worry if your tampon string gets wet. There shouldn't be any health repercussions if you accidentally pee on the string.[4] You can squeeze the string with a piece of toilet paper to dry it off before pulling up your pants.[5] 
2 Change your tampon if the tampon itself gets wet. If the actual tampon gets wet, it means it wasn't inserted properly and should be changed. Your tampon should be inserted far enough into your vagina so no part of the tampon itself is showing (the absorbent part), only the string.[7] 
3 Hold your tampon string to the side or front if you are defecating. While it's fine to get urine on your tampon string, feces contains tons of bacteria that can lead to infection.[8] 
4 Don't be afraid to urinate while wearing a tampon. Before trying tampons, some people are unsure if it's even possible to wear a tampon and urinate. This can keep them from using tampons, since they don't want to change it every time they pee, or somehow harm themselves or disrupt their periods.