Will Using Tampons Make Your Menstrual Cramps Even More Unbearable? We weren’t able to create a summary for you. Refresh your page to try again. “There is probably a confounding variable when you feel cramps after you insert a tampon ,” Dr. “The cramps are occurring because you’re on your period —it’s unlikely that the tampon itself is causing them.” “There is probably a confounding variable when you feel cramps after you insert a tampon ,” Dr. “The cramps are occurring because you’re on your period —it’s unlikely that the tampon itself is causing them.” “There is probably a confounding variable when you feel cramps after you insert a tampon,” Dr. “The cramps are occurring because you’re on your period—it’s unlikely that the tampon itself is causing them.” Many wonder if tampons, which absorb menstrual flow internally, can make these cramps more intense or frequent. The short answer is no: tampons themselves do not cause or worsen cramping. 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.