Can tampons make cramps worse or is that a myth?

[BeachBound24]

I have some pretty bad cramps and several people have told me to switch to pads because tampons can make them worse. I just don't understand how. 

My cramping tends to be worse when I am just starting my period as well and I will sometimes wake up from my bad cramps prior to even using a tampon.

[DaniD]

If they inhibit the flow, they can but you would have to really have it "up there" and need a very heavy flow for this to occur. It just doesn't happen for most women. Cramping is more aless contractions and has little to do with what products you use.

[MoonSkies]

I think if anything, they would make them less painful because they are making the area more open but I could be wrong. I have never heard of them causing issues directly for women and their cramps. Usually, there is an issue already within the lining that the tampons might be irritating.

[Stormy87]

I have heard from some women that they do make them worse and I think this is down to the size and shape of their vaginal wall. Like Dani mentioned, they can inhibit flow which will cause pressure to build up. This is more common with women who use the larger tampons though.