Can you wear a tampon for discharge?

Answer 1

No, tampons should only be used during menstruation.

Vaginal discharge is how your vagina keeps itself clean and it protects vaginal tissues, preventing discharge leaving your vagina traps bacteria within the vagina and tampons allow that bacteria to thrive, without menstrual flow tampons will dry-out vaginal tissues causing damage. This damage to vaginal walls allow bacterial toxins responsible for TSS direct access to the bloodstream so increases the risk of TSS. If you need to use something for discharge use cloth pantiliners.

Answer 2

No, never use tampons when not menstruating.

Tampons are dry and absorbent, with no menstrual flow tampons will dry-out vaginal tissues resulting in the vaginal walls becoming damaged and ulcerated - this occurs whenever tampons are used but damage will be more severe when using tampons without any flow at all. This damage can not only cause discomfort but gives TSST-1 toxins responsible for TSS a more direct route to the bloodstream, thus using tampons before menstruation increases TSS risks.

Discharge is how your vagina cleans itself, it flushes out dead cells, dirt and bacteria in order to keep your vagina clean and healthy - it is not a good idea to prevent this self-cleaning function, particularly by giving bacteria a porous warm and moist environment such as a tampon.

If discharge seems excessive, smelly or causes itching, check in with your doctor. It may be an infection.

Answer 3

No, you cannot use tampons for discharge - you can only use tampons if you're menstruating. Tampons dry-out and damage vaginal walls so without sufficient flow this can be worse, this can be uncomfortable and increase risks of Toxic shock syndrome - tampons shouldn't be worn when not menstruating, with spotting, or with light flow, and you should also always use lowest absorbency.

If you have excessive discharge then it may be a sign of a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis, thus you should talk to your doctor about tests and treatment. In the mean time use pantiliners.

Answer 4

You should only use tampons when you are having your period. They make pantyliners (very thin, small pads) for all types of underwear for the purpose of soaking up discharge.