There isn't a set time for when symptoms of TSS start after using a tampon. However, tampons should be removed from your vagina after eight hours to lower your risk of TSS.
Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in individuals who are menstruating and using tampons or menstrual cups. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons, a menstrual cup or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
TSS symptoms usually come on quickly, about 2 days after the bacteria infects you. The way TSS affects your body depends on the type of bacteria causing your condition.
The instructions on your tampon box are clear: You should never keep the same tampon in for longer than eight hours. If you leave it in longer than that, you risk toxic shock syndrome and other health concerns.
Yes—don't leave your tampon in for long periods of time. It's best practice to change it every 4-8 hours, and to not use a higher absorbency than you need for your flow (but again: you're not likely to drop dead from leaving one in for 12 hours sometimes).
Early treatment is especially important for TSS. If you have any concern that you might have TSS while using a tampon, you should remove your tampon, get immediate medical attention, and tell the healthcare provider that you're worried you might have TSS.
If you're sleeping for no more than eight hours, sleeping with a tampon in does not increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to infections and rarely cause life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Each year toxic shock syndrome affects about 1 in 100,000 women.
If you discover you've accidentally left a tampon in for more than eight hours, don't freak out, says Sparks. You're not automatically going to get TSS, but you are at higher risk. Simply take the tampon out and wait a bit before putting another one in to lower the chances of more bacteria growth, suggests Fraser.
In most cases, the person can remove a retained tampon on their own, but when this is not possible, a doctor can help. Tampons that remain in the vagina for too long can raise the risk of infection and TSS, so prompt medical attention is key.
"The National Organization for Rare Disorders estimates that TSS related to tampon use occurs in about 1 in 100,000 menstruating women."
Many people with toxic shock syndrome experience a two- to three-day period of mild symptoms before they develop the disease. These mild symptoms may include low-grade fever, muscle aches, chills, and malaise (a feeling of general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill health).
However, a clear understanding of TSS can facilitate early diagnosis. The constellation of severe extremity pain out of proportion to exam, nausea/vomiting, fever, and tachycardia in this case might have suggested a streptococcal necrotizing soft tissue infection complicated by TSS.
A tampon is also held in place by the walls of your vagina and won't go anywhere so try not to panic if you can't remember if you took it out or not. For some women, removing a tampon becomes part of their routine when on their period, whereas for other women, they simply forget.
Signs a Tampon Has Been Left in Too Long
The biggest risk is vaginitis, explains Dr. Nathan. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina, and it can stem from a variety of causes—including the bacteria that glom onto the tampon. However, TSS is pretty unlikely.
Tampons can increase the risk of TSS in two ways, including: Tampons (especially super-absorbent varieties) that are left in the vagina for a long time may encourage the bacteria to grow. Tampons can stick to the vaginal walls, especially when blood flow is light, causing tiny abrasions when they are removed.
Signs of a retained object or tampon
discharge that has a very bad smell. a very bad smell from the vaginal area but no discharge. a high temperature. vaginal itching.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but very serious infection. TSS is a medical emergency. So it's important to know how to prevent it and what signs to watch for. With prompt treatment, it's usually cured.
About half of all cases of toxic shock syndrome with staphylococci bacteria occur in women of menstruating age (most often in women ages 15 to 25 years of age who use tampons).
Milder forms of the disease also may be seen. The overall mortality rate is approximately 8 percent. This report describes a mild case of TSS in a young, healthy, 16-year-old female who developed symptoms during menstruation.
The condition can progress to kidney failure, shock, and death within 48 hours. Anyone who has been using tampons or who has a skin wound or infection and experiences the signs and symptoms described above, or if you have a skin or wound infection, should call a doctor immediately.
You should only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. So, if you're asking can you sleep with a tampon in, the short answer is yes. Your tampon doesn't know if it's day or night and will work the same while you sleep, just be sure to only use a tampon for up to 8 hours.
How common is TSS? Exact rates of TSS are not known in Australia as it's not a "notifiable" disease (meaning the health department doesn't have to be notified each time there's a case), but they are likely to be similar to those of the US and UK.
There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome. You may need to provide blood and urine samples to test for the presence of a staph or strep infection. Your vagina, cervix and throat may be swabbed for samples to be analyzed in a lab.