Dotampons really make cramps worse? We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps — regardless of what's causing them.How to soothe cramps. Tampons may not be the cause of your cramps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find relief. Tampons & period cramps: Anecdotal evidence. The scientific answer is out of the way: Prostaglandins cause cramps, not tampons. But how do we reconcile this with the many accounts from people with periods that tamponsdo, in fact, lead to cramping? No, tamponsdo not make cramps worse, ob-gyn Sameena Rahman, MD, confirms. "Period cramps are due to contractions in the uterus," she says, and tamponsdo not come into contact with the uterus or have anything to do with the contractions that may come from the uterus. Tampons can make cramps worse due to tension in the vaginal muscles, absorbency mismatch, or sensitivity to materials. Learn how these factors impact comfort. Uterine contractions cause menstrualcrampsMechanical pressure creates tampon-related discomfort There’s no evidence that tampons actually make cramps worse. Menstrualcramps – the kind you feel in your lower abdomen, back, or thighs – are caused by prostaglandins. These hormone-like chemicals trigger your uterus to contract, helping to shed the uterine lining. Menstrualcramps are throbbing, aching cramps you get in your lower belly just before and during your period. They’re some of the most common, annoying parts of your period.