How often should I change my tampon?
You will get to know your regular flow with more practice, but changing it more often is always better!
With tampons, changing it every 4-8 is recommended. This will prevent leakage but also Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a disease caused by the build up of bacteria. Wearing a tampon for too long is one way to develop TSS. Although it's rare (1 in 100,000 people), TSS is still something to take seriously.
Read this for a guide on how to use tampons comfortably
For pads, it's also good practice, and more comfortable for you, to change it for a new one every several hours. Especially if you're soaking through it often. You'll likely need to change your pad 3-4 times a day during your period.
Read this for how to use a pad properly
Talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or reproductive health.