A tampon comprising an absorbent pledget and a time-lapse indicator associated therewith is provided. The time-lapse indicator includes a sensory material surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release, until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The time-lapse indicator is located on or in the tampon or tampon removal string, or, optionally, the tampon packaging. After the time-lapse indicator is activated and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the sensory material is released and alerts the user that it is time to change the tampon.
