Do not wear tampons when you do not have your period. Consider using pads or panty liners during the last day or so of your period when your flow is light. Use a lubricating jelly when inserting tampons in the last day or so of your period when your flow is light.
“I always recommend inserting a tampon that fits your flow,” points out Dr. Jhaveri. “If you use the most absorbent tampon for a very light flow, chances are, you'll think about changing it less often. You'll also run the risk of drying out your vaginal mucus, allowing room for more bacteria to enter the body.”
While there's no real health benefit to free bleeding over wearing tampons – aside from eliminating the possibility of toxic shock syndrome, which is rare and unlikely to occur if women use tampons as directed – Prior said some women are just more comfortable without any sanitary products blocking their flow.
Less menstrual pain and a shortened menstrual period, for example, are health benefits of free bleeding. Still not quite convinced yet? Free bleeding is also by far the most environmentally friendly and natural way to make your period more sustainable.
Setting yourself up for free bleeding menstruation
Start at home or in another place you feel comfortable, so you can work out what to expect from your period somewhere safe. Use a towel when sitting on furniture, or to lie on when you're in bed at night. Only go outside if you feel comfortable.
And since you've asked, I have to tell you—aside from the risk of TSS from tampons—there really is no “healthier” choice. What is important is proper use and comfort. You should change your tampons ever 4-6 hours and pads every 2-4 hours. As for the comfort part, that is really up to you!
The second factor is leak protection.
Tampons are more likely to leak than pads because they can't always absorb all the blood flow.
Some people might feel like their periods end faster when they use tampons, while others say that using pads seemingly shortens their period length because pads do not hamper period flow. However, there is no scientific evidence that either tampons or pads can make your period end faster.
Spotting is light bleeding that can occur between periods. It usually appears as a small amount of blood when wiping or on underwear. Possible causes include birth control, pregnancy, menopause, and more.
Dr. Drake says there's nothing wrong with grabbing a light-absorbency tampon on days when you're spotting. Spotting happens when your blood flow is light and inconsistent. “But I wouldn't leave it in longer than six to eight hours,” he adds.
How long can you leave a tampon in? Generally, you should change your tampon every four to eight hours. If you have a heavy flow, you may need to change it more frequently (think: every two or three hours). But even if you have a really light flow, experts still recommend changing your tampon after eight hours of use.
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.
Don't use a tampon when you don't have your period.
If you are not sure if you might get your period, it is best to use a pad or a pantyliner. Leaving a tampon in when you don't have your period causes vaginal dryness and increases the risk of TSS.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became more well-known because it was associated with highly absorbent tampons (those highly absorbent tampons were quickly taken off the market).
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. If you really want to be on the safe side, though, you may want to change your tampon even more often.
The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it's time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer. Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don't leave one in for more than 8 hours.
But we might as well come out and say it now: tampons do NOT shorten your period - quite the contrary actually.
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in individuals who are menstruating and using tampons or menstrual cups.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
Can I wear a tampon in the bath or shower during my period? Yes, it's fine to wear a tampon in the bath or shower. If your period is light at the time, you might find that you don't need one for the few minutes that you are in the bath or shower. Most of the time, blood won't leak out.
It is safe to sleep with a tampon in as long as it's not for more than eight hours. So, if you can keep your night-time snooze to 8 hours or under, then you can wear a tampon overnight.
Wearing a tampon or a menstrual cup will stop blood from leaking when you're swimming. If you want to, you can ask a friend to alert you of any leaks, or take a quick trip to the bathroom to check—this way you can relax and just have fun in the water.
Will my tampon soak up the water? Some of the pool or seawater will likely be absorbed by your tampon when you're swimming. This is not to say, though, that it won't absorb your blood also - it will. You may want to consider this and use a slightly more absorbent tampon before taking a dip.