How long can you leave a tampon in for?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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)

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

3 or 4 hours is usally best.