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.
When it comes to changing your tampon, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it's best to change them after four to eight hours. To stay on the safe side leaving it no longer than six hours will cut your risk of infection.
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.
That's normally fine — it typically won't do any harm. The trouble arises when that bacteria start mass-producing and producing toxins, a situation that can be sparked by the extended presence of a tampon hanging out in your vaginal canal, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB/GYN and women's health author based in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
The incidence of TSS is estimated to be around 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 in the United States. [1][2][3]. Early recognition and antibiotic administration are key to improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
You may also need treatment if you have an infection. If you cannot get to your GP or a sexual health clinic, call 111 or get help from 111 online. Tampon manufacturers advise that a tampon should not be left in for more than 8 hours.
A tampon that's overstayed its welcome isn't a pleasant thing to encounter, but it won't necessarily cause any health issues. 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.
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.
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.
Diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and discuss your medical history with you. They may also ask you about your use of tampons and any recent wounds you've had. Your doctor will then administer a blood test and a urine test to look for signs of staph or strep infection.
“In general, if you leave a tampon in for too long it can create a breeding ground for bacteria and can increase risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis or possibly TSS," Shepherd said.
Friendly reminder that Toxic Shock Syndrome actually does happen. Emily Pankhurst, a 20-year-old student, narrowly escaped death after developing an infection from a tampon left in too long.
If you accidentally fall asleep with one in, don't panic. Just be sure to change it first thing in the morning and plan ahead for the next night you have a heavy flow. Here are some general things to know at bedtime when you're on your period: Only use higher absorbency tampons when your flow is heavy.
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.
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.
Most years Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) has been zero or one case per year in the last decade,” said Dr. Ted Miller, an SSM Health obstetrician and gynecologist, in a recent radio interview. "It peaked back in 1980 when there were 10 cases per 100-thousand people."
A sudden high fever. Low blood pressure. Vomiting or diarrhea. A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles.
The main concern with a retained tampon is an infection or toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but this is very rare.
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). Cordelia Nwankwo, MD, is a board-certified gynecologist who has been in private practice for 8 years.
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.
But before you clear your drawers of every last Tampax, there's something you should understand about TSS: It's incredibly rare, affecting less than one out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. And if you use your tampons properly, your risk of developing TSS is no higher than that of a man who's never had a period or ...