How long should you wear a tampon?

Answer 1

Well, it is my understanding that you should change more often when experiencing heavier flow, so this will certainly vary from woman to woman - which is why the answer below of 1-2 hours is not really correct. I've been told for many years that the maximum time is 8 hours, as a good guideline, but if you are having heavy flow, change it more often. You can probably "feel" when you need to change it out. Try different levels of absorbency, as well. Hope this helps!

Answer

Well, you're only supposed to wear tampons for about 1 or 2 hours. This to make sure you don't get the deadly Toxic shock syndrome. This happens when bacteria from your period blood gets on the tampon. If the bacteria is left there too long, it may go into your bloodstream, and that bacteria, if left untreated, could kill you.

Answer 2

This is very important!! anyone that has a period should never go to bed with the tampon on this could cause major infection. we should change are tampons at least 4 times a day. once every 4 hours. when you are ready to go to bed you should wear a pad. by: Natalie hollaway

Answer 3

Read the leaflet that comes with your particular brand. The time is affected by how absorbent your tampons are, i.e. a heavy one can be left in longer than a light one. Generally the guidelines say maximum of 8 hours, or if you're sleeping more than 8 hours put a new one in before bed and change it as soon as you wake up.

Answer 4

Every 4-6 hours.

Leaving it in longer could result in Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infection.

All brands of tampons have a safety panel in the instructions, and this is where you can read about TSS.

Answer 5

This depends on what size you have. Some tampons that allow for more volume to be collected can be left in for 4 to 6 hours. If you are using a smaller tampon and have heavy flow, you may want to change every 2 hours. If you are having a light flow, or are nearing the end of your periods, it won't hurt to leave them in for around 8 hours. But remember when your periods have ended, you don't put them in any more, not until your next period.

Answer 6

Tampons should be changed at least every 4-6 hours - or sooner if full or leaking before this time. Tampons risk vaginal infections and TSS, these risks are always present but the longer you leave a tampon the higher the risks.

Answer 7

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours.

Some tampon companies say up to 8 hours maximum but this isn't healthy or hygienic, the longer you leave a tampon in the longer bacteria have to multiply and they do so exponentially, also if you can go up to 8 hours without leaking you're using too high an absorbency which is not safe.

If your flow is too heavy for your flow you may leak before 4-6 hours, in which case change and if you leak within 1-2 hours you can safely use the next absorbency up from what you're currently wearing. If the tampon isn't completely saturated by blood after 4-6 hours then you are using too high an absorbency so use lower absorbency or switch to pads if you're already using lowest absorbency.

Answer 8

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours, or sooner if the tampon leaks.

If the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours you can safely use the next absorbency up, but if the tampon isn't saturated in blood after 4-6 hours then you need to use a lower absorbency or switch back to using pads. You should always change within 4-6 hours as the longer you leave tampons the greater the risks, just change absorbency when required so you can change without leaking or being too dry.

Answer 9

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours.

If your tampon leaks before this time then change sooner, if the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours you may want to consider using a higher absorbency. Remember to change absorbency as your menstrual flow changes, if a tampon isn't completely saturated in blood after 4-6 hours you need to use lower absorbency or if using lowest absorbency then you'd need to switch to pads.

Remember as well as changing regularly you need to alternate with pads as often as possible - don't use tampons with light flow or overnight while you're sleeping.

Answer 10

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours to remain hygienic and reduce health risks.

The longer tampons are left the longer you give bacteria to multiply while preventing vaginal cleaning, also if you can go over 4-6 hours without leaking it suggests you're using too high an absorbency which increased tissue damage caused by tampons - this all increases risks of vaginal infections and TSS. If the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours you may want to use the next absorbency up, but remember that if not saturated in blood after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or pads.