Can Using Tampons Increase Menstrual Cramp Intensity and Duration? We weren’t able to create a summary for you. Refresh your page to try again. Tampons, when inserted correctly, do not worsen the intensity of the uterine contractions that cause primary dysmenorrhea. The pain of true menstrualcramps originates in the uterus, a muscular organ situated deep within the pelvis. Tampons don’t affect period cramps because they sit in the vagina, while period cramps happen in the uterus. That said, wearing a tampon may cause pelvic pain or increase discomfort.Some people swear that tampons make their cramps worse. Cramps are a pain — literally — but tampons don’t have anything to do with it. See full list on healthline.comPeriod cramps happen when hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins trigger the muscles and blood vessels in your uterus to contract. Any OTC pain reliever will offer some relief, but for period cramps, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), work best. They don’t just reduce inflammation to relieve pain, they also reduce the number of prostaglandins your body makes and lessens their effects.•Apply heat. Applying heat where you’re cramping can help relax your muscles and increase circulation to the area for relief from cramps. You can get your cramp-busting heat via heat patches, a heating pad, or a hot water bottle.•Take a hot bath. Soaking in a hot bath for 15 minutes can help cramps by relaxing the muscles in your pelvis, lower abdomen, and back. You may be able to boost your bath’s cramp-relieving powers by adding a few drops of cinnamon bark essential oil, which has a warming effect and is an anti-inflammatory.•Get some exercise.