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.
However, if you've left a tampon on for a little over eight hours and you're not experiencing symptoms you don't need to be alarmed. If you forget to remove your tampon it may become compressed at the top of your vagina. In that case, it may be uncomfortable to remove. If you're struggling then contact your doctor.
Tampon manufacturers advise that a tampon should not be left in for more than 8 hours. Occasionally, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection called toxic shock syndrome has been linked to women using tampons.
How long does it take to get toxic shock from a tampon? 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.
because it's the super absorbent products that can put one at risk for TSS." For those who've left a tampon in for longer than the recommended time, Rodriguez advises to "just remove it and go on about their business and typically nothing will happen."
Don't freak out if you realize you've forgotten to change your tampon. If it's only been left in for 12 to 24 hours and you feel fine, just remove it and go on your way. If it's been longer than that or you can't remove it yourself, see a doctor for removal and a checkup.
The symptoms are a lot like ones you might see from other kinds of infections: swelling, fever, redness, and a general feeling of being unwell. 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.
TSS was classically associated with high absorbency tampon use in menstruating women until eventually, these were taken off the market. Since that time, it has become important to also consider non-menstrual cases. The incidence of TSS is estimated to be around 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 in the United States.
You should also visit the doctor if you have a retained object and symptoms that suggest an infection such as a fever, pain, swelling or redness. An object should be removed as soon as possible, especially if a tampon or a large or delicate object is stuck (for example, something sharp or made from glass).
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of catching or spreading a bacterial infection.
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 symptoms usually begin suddenly and are often nonspecific. Prostration and hypotensive shock can occur within 24 hours. Milder forms of the disease also may be seen.
Symptoms of toxic shock include: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Hypotension (low blood pressure) with a weak and rapid pulse. A red rash that covers the whole body, sometimes followed by peeling skin (the rash may be difficult to see in dark-skinned individuals)
Multisystem involvement (3 or more of the following organ systems): Gastrointestinal – Vomiting or diarrhea at onset of illness. Muscular – Severe myalgia or creatine phosphokinase elevation >2 times the upper limit of normal. Mucous membranes – Vaginal, oropharyngeal, or conjunctival hyperemia.
Of the 2,107 cases in which outcome was specified, 103 (5%) resulted in death. The case-fatality rates by year were: pre-1980--10%; 1980--5%; 1981--3%; 1982--3%; and 1983--5%.
If toxic shock syndrome isn't treated: Organs such as the liver and kidneys may begin to fail. Problems such as seizures, bleeding, and heart failure can happen.
Prognosis and complications
Despite aggressive treatment, the mortality rate for STSS ranges from 30% to 70%. 5. Mortality from STSS is substantially lower in children than adults. Known complications of shock and organ failure can occur, including tissue necrosis and loss of extremities.
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.
A sudden high fever. Low blood pressure. Vomiting or diarrhea. A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles.
However, no matter whether your blood flow is high or low, you should change the pad every 4 hours. This will prevent the risk of bacterial infection and if you do not change the pad throughout the day, you may put yourself at risk of getting infections.
In most cases you'll be able to tell if you have a retained tampon thanks to a few warning signs. You may notice unusual, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, discomfort, and in some cases even vaginal bleeding.
If you have to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, or bleed longer than 7 days, see your healthcare provider. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem.