Purchasing Tampons at 7-Eleven Convenience Stores

Purchasing Tampons at 7-Eleven

When your period arrives unexpectedly, making a quick tampon run to your local convenience store is sometimes necessary. With over 9,000 locations across North America, 7-Eleven is often the closest option. But are the tampons sold at 7-Eleven a good choice when you're in a bind?

7-Eleven's Tampon Selection

7-Eleven typically carries Tampax and Playtex brand tampons in regular absorbency. You may find super absorbency as well, but likely not ultra absorbency options. The tampons are non-applicator cardboard or plastic applicator types.

Packaging sizes include 18-22 count tampons per box. Popular picks are Tampax Pearl Plastic Regular Absorbency and Playtex Sport Plastic Regular Absorbency tampons.

In addition to tampons, 7-Eleven stocks menstrual pads from brands like Always and Stayfree in regular, long, and overnight absorbencies.

Price

A 20 count box of Tampax Pearl Plastic Regular Absorbency tampons costs around $7-8 at 7-Eleven. This comes out to about $0.35-0.40 per tampon.

Other major convenience store chains like Wawa, Circle K, and QuikTrip offer tampons at similar pricing. Considering name brand tampons can cost over $10 per box at grocery and drugstores, the prices at 7-Eleven are reasonable.

Quality and Safety

Tampax and Playtex are leading tampon brands that undergo extensive safety testing. Their tampons sold at 7-Eleven are high quality products that meet industry standards for materials, absorbency, and performance.

However, tampon absorbency at convenience stores is limited. If you require a higher absorbency on heavy flow days, you may need to make an additional stop at a retailer with more options.

Managing Long Periods

Having to make frequent tampon runs is inconvenient and can get costly. For those who experience long or heavy periods, strategies to manage flow are essential.

Understanding Long Periods

A normal period typically lasts 3-5 days, with heaviest bleeding on days 1-2. Long periods, also called heavy menstrual bleeding, are defined as:

• Bleeding for more than 7 days
• Bleeding that requires changing a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours
• Passing large blood clots

Menorrhagia is the medical term for abnormally heavy or long menstrual bleeding. It often signals an underlying health condition.

Causes of Heavy Periods

In some cases, long periods can be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Use of blood thinners
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Cancer of the uterus or cervix

Your doctor can run tests to determine if an underlying condition is contributing to heavy bleeding.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause but may include:

• Hormonal birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles
• NSAIDs to reduce bleeding
• Endometrial ablation to destroy the uterine lining
• Special tampons designed for heavy flow
• Medications to slow blood clot breakdown

If other treatments are ineffective, surgical options like dilation and curettage (D&C) or hysterectomy may be considered.

Choosing the Right Tampon Absorbency

Picking the optimal tampon absorbency for your flow can make a big difference in comfort and leakage prevention. Here's what to know about absorbency levels:

Light Absorbency

Light or regular absorbency tampons are intended for light flow days. They absorb around 6-9 grams of fluid.

On low flow days at the beginning or end of your period, a light tampon may be all you need for leak protection. This is the absorbency typically sold at convenience stores.

Medium Absorbency

Medium or super absorbency tampons offer more protection at 9-12 grams of absorbency. They are ideal for medium menstrual flow.

If regular tampons are not cutting it on day 2 or 3, it may be time to switch to a higher capacity super absorbency tampon.

High Absorbency

Extra, ultra, and super plus tampons provide the most absorption at 12-15+ grams. They are designed for heavy flow days when you need to change tampons frequently.

On heavy days with long periods, ultra tampons are a must. Stock up so you're not caught without enough absorbency.

Knowing When to Change

Always change your tampon at least every 4-8 hours, even if it isn't full. Choose the lowest absorbency needed for your flow to reduce leakage and odor.

Consider alternating between pads and tampons to give yourself a break. Pad use at night is also recommended to give your body a rest.

Other Period Supplies at 7-Eleven

In addition to tampons and pads, 7-Eleven offers other period supplies that can come in handy:

Pain Relievers

Midol, Pamprin, Aleve and generic ibuprofen are available to help relieve menstrual cramps and ease other period pains. The convenience store prices are higher than grocery stores, but you can't beat the quick access.

Panty Liners

Thin, lightweight panty liners are useful as backup on light days when using a tampon. They can also help protect your underwear from leaks and stains.

Emergency Dark Chocolate

When PMS strikes, a chocolate fix may be all you need. 7-Eleven has you covered with a wide selection of chocolate bars at the register.

Other Essentials

Don't forget snacks like nuts and dried fruit to provide energy. Hydrating drinks to prevent dehydration from blood loss are also key.

Making a Period Emergency Kit

Being prepared for your period wherever you are is smart. Pack a to-go period emergency kit with these supplies:

• Tampons in a variety of absorbencies
• Pads with wings
• Ibuprofen or other pain reliever
• Dark chocolate or other snacks
• Bottle of water
• Extra underwear
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Small bag for used products

Keep your kit in your purse, car, backpack, or desk drawer. Having your own supplies means one less frantic run to 7-Eleven when your period strikes!

Saving Money on Period Supplies

Menstruating for up to 7 days or longer each month means you may spend a lot on tampons. Use these budget-friendly tips to keep costs down:

Buy in Bulk Online

Order larger packages of your preferred brands and absorbencies from sites like Amazon to stock up. The cost per tampon is significantly lower than individual boxes from convenience stores.

Use Coupons and Cash Back

Look for coupons and promos from tampon brands. Install cash back browser extensions to earn a percentage back on online purchases.

Store Brands are Cheaper

Opt for the CVS, Kroger, Target, or Walmart brand tampons instead of big names like Tampax and Playtex to save up to 25%.

Reusable Options

Menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads cost more upfront but save money over time. They are better for the environment too.

Buy Multipacks

Multipacks with a combination of different absorbencies ensure you have what you need at a discounted rate.

When to See a Doctor

If heavy periods persist despite over-the-counter treatments, check in with your gynecologist. You should also see a doctor right away if you experience:

• Bleeding for more than 7 days
• Changing a pad or tampon every hour for multiple hours
• Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
• Low iron causing fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath

A medical evaluation can determine if an underlying condition is causing heavy bleeding and discuss prescription medication options to better manage your flow.

The Takeaway

When an unexpected period hits, 7-Eleven and other convenience stores have you covered for tampon emergencies. But frequent tampon runs can get expensive, and absorbency choices are limited.

For manageable, affordable periods every month, build an emergency kit, buy in bulk, and choose budget-friendly period products. If heavy flow persists, see your doctor to protect your health and improve your quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.