Many women wonder if it is safe to leave a tampon in for an extended period of time, such as 9 hours. There are some risks associated with leaving a tampon in too long, but generally leaving a tampon in for 9 hours or less is considered safe by medical experts.
Quick Answers
- Medical experts recommend changing your tampon every 4-8 hours.
- Leaving a tampon in for up to 9 hours is generally safe, but leaving one in longer than that increases your risk of infection and TSS.
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible and change it more often if you have a heavy flow.
- Be aware of warning signs like odor, leakage, chills, nausea, or vomiting, which could indicate TSS or infection.
- Give your vagina time to rest by going without a tampon for a few hours each day.
How Long Can You Safely Leave a Tampon In?
Most medical experts recommend changing your tampon at least every 4-8 hours. The general rule is to change it every 4-6 hours on heavy flow days and every 6-8 hours on lighter days. Here are some guidelines from leading health organizations:
| Organization | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) | Change tampons every 4-8 hours |
| U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | Change tampons at least every 6-8 hours |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Change tampons at least every 4-6 hours |
Most tampon manufacturers also recommend changing tampons regularly every 4-8 hours. Leaving a tampon in for up to 9 hours is generally considered safe as long as you are using the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow.
Risks of Leaving a Tampon In Too Long
There are some risks associated with leaving a tampon in for longer than the recommended time:
- TSS (toxic shock syndrome) – TSS is a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by bacteria that can grow in the vagina. Leaving a tampon in too long increases risk of TSS.
- Vaginal infection – Leaving a tampon in for an extended period provides more opportunity for bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
- Vaginal irritation – A tampon left in too long can cause vaginal dryness, abrasions, ulcers or lacerations.
- Odor – Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to a foul vaginal odor.
To minimize risks, use the lowest absorbency tampon you can for your flow and be sure to change it regularly every 4-8 hours. Pay attention to warning signs like odor, leakage, chills, nausea or vomiting which could indicate a problem.
Is it Safe to Leave a Tampon In Overnight?
Many women use tampons overnight during their period. Here are some guidelines for safely using tampons at night:
- Insert a fresh tampon before going to bed, even if the previous one has hardly any blood.
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your overnight flow.
- Set an alarm to get up once during the night to change your tampon.
- Change your tampon first thing in the morning when you wake up.
- Never leave the same tampon in for more than 8 hours.
Changing at least once overnight helps prevent bacterial growth and minimizes risk. If you sleep more than 8 hours, set an alarm to change halfway through. Make sure you insert a fresh tampon in the morning.
Warning Signs You Need to Remove Your Tampon
Pay attention to the following warning signs, as they could indicate you need to remove your tampon right away:
- Odor – A foul or fishy odor likely means the tampon needs changing.
- Leakage – Leaking around the tampon often means it’s saturated and needs changing.
- Discomfort – Any pain or irritation could signal a problem.
- Chills, nausea, vomiting – These are signs of potential TSS and mean the tampon should be removed.
- Fever – A high fever can also indicate TSS. Remove the tampon and seek medical help.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness – This may occur if the tampon has absorbed too much blood or is causing an infection.
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Remove the tampon immediately if you experience any of them. If symptoms persist or you have a high fever, see your doctor right away as it could require medical treatment.
How to Safely Use Tampons
To safely use tampons and minimize your risk of complications, keep these tips in mind:
- Use the lowest absorbency needed for your flow to reduce your risk of TSS.
- Change tampons frequently – every 4-8 hours is recommended.
- Don’t leave a tampon in overnight for more than 8 hours maximum.
- Alternate tampon use with pads to give your vagina a rest.
- Keep track of the time a tampon has been in place.
- Remove tampons promptly if you have warning signs of a problem.
- Avoid flushing tampons as they can clog plumbing – wrap and dispose of them.
Following these precautions will help make your tampon use as safe as possible while minimizing risks like TSS.
How Often Should You Change Your Tampon on Heavy Days?
On heavy flow days, you will need to change your tampon more frequently than on lighter days. Here are some tips for tampon use on heavy days:
- Use a higher absorbency tampon matched to your heavier flow.
- Change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, or more often if needed.
- Watch for tampon leakage as a sign it needs changing.
- Consider using a pad or period underwear as backup on your heaviest days.
- Carry extra tampons when out if you need to change more often.
- If passing clots, switch to a pad for a few hours to give your body a break.
If you are changing a tampon every 2 hours or less because of a very heavy period, you should talk to your doctor. Extremely frequent changing may signal an underlying health condition. Your doctor can also advise on treatment options to help manage a very heavy flow.
Tampon Absorbency Levels
Tampons come in different absorbency levels suitable for different flows. Here is an overview of the main absorbency levels available:
| Absorbency | Flow Level | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Junior/Lite | Light | Light days, end of your period |
| Regular | Moderate | Average days |
| Super | Heavy | Heavy flow days |
| Super Plus | Very Heavy | Extremely heavy flow |
Always choose the lowest absorbency tampon that you can effectively manage your flow. Using higher absorbencies when you don’t need them increases your risk for TSS.
Can You Exercise or Swim While Wearing a Tampon?
It is generally safe to exercise, swim, or play sports while wearing a tampon. Here are some tips to help prevent leaks or issues:
- Insert a fresh tampon right before your activity.
- Make sure you are using a tampon absorbency level appropriate for your flow.
- Consider using a pad or period underwear as backup in case of leaks.
- Bring extra tampons if swimming or doing long workouts.
- Change your tampon soon after you complete your activity.
- Avoid using super plus tampons for swimming or high-impact exercise.
Most women can comfortably exercise, swim, play sports, or do yoga while wearing a properly inserted tampon. Change it frequently to lower your risk of TSS or leakage. Stop your activity if you feel any warning signs of a problem.
Can You Leave a Tampon In While Sleeping?
You can leave a tampon in overnight while sleeping, but doctors recommend taking some precautions:
- Insert a fresh tampon before bed, even if the previous one isn’t full.
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your overnight flow.
- Set an alarm to change your tampon halfway through your sleep time.
- Never sleep more than 8 hours with the same tampon in.
- Insert a new tampon first thing when you wake up in the morning.
Changing at least once per night helps prevent bacterial overgrowth and TSS risk. If you will be sleeping longer than 8 hours, set an alarm to change your tampon mid-sleep. Always put a fresh one in when you wake up.
Can a Tampon Get Lost Inside You?
It is very rare for a tampon to get lost inside the vagina. Here’s what you need to know about lost tampons:
- The vagina naturally tilts upwards, making it difficult for a tampon to migrate up and get lost.
- A tampon can’t go past the cervix, so it can’t travel to the uterus or get lost in the body.
- Fibroids or pelvic prolapse may cause a tampon to shift position but not be lost.
- If part of the tampon is sticking out, it can be safely removed.
- See a doctor if you can’t locate the removal string of a tampon inside you.
While tampon loss is extremely rare, always pay attention when removing a tampon. If you can’t locate the string, see your doctor. An exam and possibly an ultrasound can help locate and remove it.
Forgot to Remove a Tampon – What Should You Do?
If you’ve forgotten to remove a tampon or aren’t sure if one is still inside, don’t panic but take action right away:
- Try to feel for the tampon string with clean fingers and gently pull down if you locate it.
- You may be able to grasp the tampon itself with clean fingers if the string isn’t visible.
- Try bearing down with your pelvic muscles to lower a high sitting tampon.
- Wash your hands before and after attempting to remove it.
- Never insert anything else in your vagina to try to “fish it out.”
- See your doctor promptly if you can’t remove it yourself.
Leaving a tampon in for more than a day increases your risks for TSS and infection. Your doctor can safely remove a retained tampon and check that you haven’t developed any complications.
Signs of Vaginal Infection from Leaving a Tampon In Too Long
Leaving a tampon in too long allows bacteria to grow, raising your risk of vaginal infections. Signs of infection may include:
- Itching, burning, irritation around the vagina and vulva
- Swelling, redness, sores, rash of the vulva
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge – yellow, gray, greenish
- Strong, foul vaginal odor
- Bleeding between periods
- Fever, chills
- Stomach pain
Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can all cause these symptoms. See your doctor for an exam and lab tests to diagnose the infection. Antibiotics or anti-fungal medications will be needed to treat it.
Risk Factors for Problems with Leaving Tampons In Too Long
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing issues from leaving a tampon in place too long:
- Using higher absorbency tampons than needed
- Changing tampons infrequently – longer than every 4-6 hours
- Leaving tampons in overnight longer than 8 hours
- Using tampons between periods
- Menstruating teenager with first tampon use
- History of vaginal infections
- Reduced immunity from illness or medication
- Pre-existing vaginal ulcer, laceration or abrasion
To lower risks, use the lowest absorbency tampon needed for your flow, change tampons regularly every 4-8 hours, and don’t leave tampons in overnight for longer than 8 hours. See your doctor if you have prolonged or abnormal bleeding.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor right away if you experience:
- Signs of TSS like high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Inability to remove a tampon on your own
- Severe pain in your pelvis or abdomen
- Extremely heavy bleeding or passing large clots
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 10 days
- Foul vaginal odor, itching, rash, swelling, or redness
- Bleeding between periods
These symptoms could indicate a retained tampon, infection, or other underlying gynecological problem requiring medical care. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor or visit urgent care for assessment and treatment.
Conclusion
Leaving a tampon in for 9 hours or less is generally considered safe and unlikely to cause major problems. However, medical experts do recommend changing tampons more frequently, about every 4-8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can for your flow, and always be attentive for any warning signs of complications. Seek medical help promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms. With proper precautions, you can safely use tampons while avoiding risks like TSS or vaginal infections.