tampons..?

Question

i just started using tampons today, and i was reading the instruction thing and it said not to use if not needed so you get a better chance of not getting TSS. but most of the time when im asleep i get really heavy. but sometimes i dont. so should i use one to sleep with just incasee?

Answer 1

Tampons themselves are bad for the vagina because the prevent normal vaginal cleaning functions, leave fibres within the vagina, give bacteria a pores environment to multiply in, absorb discharge drying out the vaginal walls and in the case of commercial tampons introduce chemicals into your vagina, and in turn body.

There are two reasons why tampons should not be used while you sleep;

1.Tampons should ideally be changed every 4 hours, most people sleep between 7 and 8 hours, thus increasing the risks of toxic shock syndrome and vaginal infections as the longer the tampon is left within the vagina the longer bacteria are kept in the vagina and the more the bacteria will multiply.

2.Tampons don't just absorb menstrual flow they also absorb discharge, when you are asleep you are lying down so gravity prevents downwards flowing menses, thus the only thing left for a tampon to absorb is discharge. Discharge also acts to keep the mucosa moist, without this moister vaginal splitting occurs meaning more bacterial growth and easier route for toxins produced by bacteria when toxic shock occurs to enter the blood stream.

At night you should ideally use pads, padded panties or use a period blanket, you could also switch to menstrual cups, there are internal like tampons however do not carry any risk, environmentally friendly, cheap, body-positive, hygienic and only need to be emptied every 12 hours so they can be worn while sleeping (they can also be used before your period is due or during light flow).


Edit: TSS is rare but no where near as rare as people make out, and it is also not something you only get when you leave tampons in for too long, tampons no matter how long you use them for significantly increases your risk of TSS, that risk is then greatened the longer you leave a tampon in for due to bacterial growth. TSS is also far from the only risk associated with tampons.

Answer 2

TSS is only a real issue if you leave a tampon, especially a heavy absorbency one, inside for too long. You should follow the directions about the length of time each tampon should be in, but what the direction you're asking about means is that you shouldn't use that heavy absorbency if you could just as easily use a lighter one.

For heavy overnights, go with what works for you. If worst comes to worst, go back to using pads just for night time.

Answer 3

I think you said you get a heavier flow during the night, but I'm not sure. Anyway if you did I would stick with pads. Because them you have to use a heavier absorbency which increases the chance for TSS. So if it's heavier stick with pads overnight.

Answer 4

Use overnight pads when you sleep just in case. Tampon companies even advise that women shouldn't use tampons overnight.

Oh, and TSS is very rare. I've left tampons in (accidently, of course) for up to 10 hours, and I didn't get TSS.

Answer 5

You should be alternating with tampons and pads. You should wear pads at night when you are sleeping and tampons during the day. Get the overnight pads.

Answer 6

I would use a pad with it if the flow is heavy, especially at night. Or get up in a few times throughout the night for a change.

Answer 7

i wear them when I'm asleep too , and never had any issues.. but I do wake up during the night to pee and change them anyways... most cases of tss are caused by the super absorbpant tampons. and most companys make efforts to reduce tss by reducing the causative agent that causes it. if you have to wear one at night just make sure it's not super absorbpant and you take it out right away in the am or change them thought out the night.

Answer 8

I don't know if you can or can't, but i do know you are not supposed to leave them in any longer than 6-8 hours, so i always use a pad. If you have to, put a towel under you at night. Good luck!

Answer 9

i wouldnt. i use a pad at night. just in case. bc wat if u wear a tampon and u gets ful...ur not gonna wake up to change it. and yes. u have a better chance of getting tss with tampons.

good luck! hope i helped

Answer 10

No, no, no,no! Never sleep with a tampon in! That's a big no no!! Use pads when you go to bed.