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Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours.

Some tampon companies say up to 8 hours maximum but this isn't safe - the longer you leave tampons the longer you give bacteria to multiply, also if you go this long it suggests you're using too high an absorbency - companies do this to make their products seem more convenient


If the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours you can change and it's safe to use the next absorbency up but just remember if the tampon isn't saturated after 4-6 hours switch down to a lower absorbency again or switch to pads. Leaving too long or using too high an absorbency increases TSS risks.

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9y ago
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11y ago

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours - or sooner if full.

Some tampon companies say up to 8 hours maximum but they say this just to make their products seem more convenient, as tampon companies are largely self-regulated they can make this claim despite increased risk to hygiene and health.

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9y ago

Tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours.

Some tampon companies say up to 8 hours but they say this to make their products seem more convenient, leaving tampons longer increases risk of vaginal infections and Toxic shock syndrome by allowing bacteria longer to multiply. If you can go up to 8 hours it also means you're wearing too high an absorbency which increases TSS risks too, if the tampon isn't saturated with blood after 4-6 hours you need a lower absorbency or to switch to pads. If you leak before 4-6 hours obviously change sooner, and if you leak within 1-2 hours you may want to consider a higher absorbency.

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9y ago

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours.

The longer tampons are left the longer bacteria are allowed to multiply and the vagina is prevented from cleaning itself, also if you can go over 4-6 hours without leaking you're wearing too high an absorbency, this increases risks of vaginal infections and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).


If the tampon leaks before 4-6 hours then you change sooner, if you find you're leaking within 1-2 hours of use then it is safe to use the next absorbency up. Remember that if the tampon isn't saturated in blood by 4-6 hours then you need to use lower absorbency or switch to pads.

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9y ago

TSS most commonly occurs within the first few hours of tampon use.

TSS occurs when certain strains of bacteria multiply and start to produce TSST-1 toxin, these toxins enter your bloodstream where if you lack immunity they overwhelm the immune system - these bacterial toxins don't sit around waiting until the 8 hour mark, they will have an impact immediately. The idea that TSS only occurs from leaving tampons in too long is a myth, this just increases risks.

Leaving tampons in for longer increases risks of TSS and vaginal infections as it allows longer for bacteria to multiply (and it does so exponentially so a few hours can make a big difference) and longer without allowing your vagina to clean itself. Also if you can go over 4-6 hours without leaking it suggests you're using too high an absorbency which also increases TSS risk.

For more information visit You ARE Loved - http://www.you-are-loved.org
(site includes stories, you'll see most TSS victims contracted TSS within a few hours)



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9y ago

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours.

The longer tampons are left the longer bacteria have to multiply while your vagina cannot clean itself, also if you can go over 4-6 hours without leaking you likely have too high an absorbency which increases TSS risks. You need to make sure to change often to stay hygienic and prevent health risks.



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10y ago

Tampons should be chaged at least every 4-6 hours, or sooner if they leak before then - some tampon companies say up to 8 hours maximum but that's really too long to leave a tampon in, it's unhygienic and unsafe to leave tampons for too long.

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7y ago

My advice is just know the symptoms and go to the doctor if it ever happens and you're really scared.

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15y ago

You should change a tampon several times a day, as well as first thing in the morning and the last thing before bedtime. This will keep you from getting toxic shock syndrome.

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13y ago

3 or 4 hours is usally best.

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Q: How long can you leave a tampon in for?
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Can a tampon get stuck on its own accord or does it have to be pushed somehow?

A tampon cannot really get stuck at all. A tampon can go no further than your vaginal canal, it can't be pushed any higher than that. As long as you are using a tampon and relaxed upon removal the tampon will come out.


How long is a tampon?

A conventional tampon such as a rayon tampon like Tampax or a cotton tampon like Natracare is around an inch and a half long. A soft tampon like Beppy is only about an inch wide and a quarter of an inch deep. A sponge tampon size will vary depending on how heavy your flow, but often is around the size of a golf ball. A cloth tampon size will vary depending on how long it is made.


Can you swim while you have your Period?

yes as long as you use a tampon


Is the whole tampon supposed to go in?

Yes, the whole tampon is supposed to go into your vagina.You can't leave some of the tampon hanging out, apart from the fact that it'd not be able to do the job properly if not inserted correctly but it'd be very uncomfortable. When inserted fully you can't feel the tampon, although if you're using tampons with a string that should still be outside your body.


Can you go swimming when you're having your period?

yes you can go swimming when you have your period. If you want to do this then its best to use a tampon. Just find what type of tampon suits you and you should be fine.


How can women protect themselves from getting toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome is always a tiny risk when using tampons, though this risk increases if you leave the tampon in for longer than you're supposed to. The general consensus is that around 8 hours is the longest you should leave a tampon in for. Toxic Shock Syndrome can come from leaving your tampon in a lot longer than this. Some ways to protect yourself would be: - Make sure you are keeping track of how long you have your tampon in, i.e. make sure it isn't TOO long. - If your period is light enough, think about using more pads rather than tampons. - Consider switching away from tampons altogether, whether to pads or even to menstrual cups, which are made of silicone and do not expose you to TSS.


How long can you leave something in your vagina?

you shouldn't leave anything in your vagina . if you have something stuck in there then just put in two fingers and take it out. the only thing you should be leaving in there is a tampon, and then you should only ever leave it in for a few hours and change it because its unhygenic otherwise. and only use them on your period. hope this helps x


What happens if you leave a tampon in and you don't know how long it has been there until it falls out?

If you are feeling well, no special care is needed if you forgot a tampon and it's fallen out. You don't need to have antibiotics or any other special care if you're feeling well. If you have any complaints, see your health care provider or your local family planning agency.


What is a ploko?

it is a tampon it is a tampon


Can you move your bowels if you have a tampon in?

Yes, you can make bowel movements when you're wearing a tampon.A tampon goes into your vaginal canal and your bowel movements leave your body via your anus, they are two different canals so a tampon in the vagina is unlikely to cause problems. Sometimes if a tampon is at an angle or expanded it can put a little pressure on the anus which can sometimes make bowel movements a little more difficult, but if it is a problem just remove the tampon.It is a good idea to make sure your tampon string (if using tampons with strings) are out of the way, otherwise you're going to get poop on the tampon string which is very unhygienic.


When you wipe you have blood but when i put a tampon in theres nothing?

Well depending on how long your tampon has been in. When you first put the tampon in there should be no blood when you wipe, the tampon should absorb it up, after a few hours and depending on your flow, you might start to notice some blood when you wipe. When that happens you should probably change your tampon to avoid leaking or staining. Good Luck


What is the length of a regular tampon?

The size of a regular absorbency tampon depends on the type and brand of tampon. Most commercial and organic tampons are around 1 1/5-2 inches long, whereas sponge tampons or cloth tampons may vary in size greatly.