How big are the risks of T.S.S. (Toxic Shock syndrome) while using a tampon?

Question

I have never used a tampon before. I know how to put it because I read the box. I'm just afaraid of getting TSS. How long should I leave it in for? Can I use it at night? Pleez help! Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I was worried about getting TSS before I began using tampons too. But I had to understand what it really is first of all. TSS is a rare disease, it is caused when a tampon is left inserted for a long enough period of time (usually close to 8 hours or more) and bacteria can begin to grow, which causes infection that can be severe. The tampon instructions usually recommend changing your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. That way you limit the chance of building bacteria within such a warm and moist environment.
Its also suggested that during your cycle, you switch out a tampon and use a pad instead to reduce your risk of TSS. So what I do, is during the daytime I do wear a tampon, but then at night I use Always overnight pads and then again in the morning I switch that out with a tampon. That way I can sleep as long as I want, without thinking that I should get up to change the tampon. Theres no worry at night if you use a pad instead.


But in the daytime, during your normal activities, tampons really are so much better than pads in my opinion. They're more comfortable, you don't feel as if you're wearing a diaper, they're easier to carry in your purse.

Find any kind you like, I heard the Pearl kind with the braided string is good. I really like Playtex gentle kind that is slightly scented to mask any unwanted menstrual odors. I've used Gentle glide for years now and that is the brand I prefer although theres many to choose from.

At night time, use a long pad, like Always Overnight pads...and in the daytime, just change the tampon by the 4hr mark and you'll be just fine. :) I was worried too, but now I realize as long as I'm not leaving one in for many many hours at a time that TSS is a rare disease and won't affect those who use tampons properly.


(By the way, I've used tampons at night for 8hrs at a time and was just fine... TSS is RARE... and if you plan on sleeping no more than 8hrs, just be sure to change it right away and you'll be fine)

Answer 2

Dont Worry Its Rare. To Prevent It Happening... Change Your Tampon Every 4-8 Hours. Try And Wear A Tampon That Is Your Flow, If The Tampon Isnt Filled With Blood You May Have To Go With The One Below It. Wear A Pad At Least Once A Day.

Answer 3

Using tampons you are at risk for T.S.S., yes. High risk? Not really. I know when I first considered using tampons I was scared silly about T.S.S. Since then it's been 10 years and I am T.S.S. free. The instructions on your tampon box recommend not leaving it in at night, and based on that recommendation I never left mine in at night, except once when I forgot about it. As far as how long you leave it in for, I think the box recommends no longer than 8 hours. I always just kind of figured out when it was full and would replace it, and it would always fill up in less than 8 hours on my heavier days. Tampons tend to dry you out so don't insert and pull them out more often than necessary; you'll leave yourself feeling raw and it'll be harder to put the next one in. This was my problem, anyway. :)

However, if you want to forego all the worry, I recommend looking into getting a Diva Cup (www.divacup.com). I know, I know, it looks scary. But it isn't! It takes a little getting used to, but once you figure out a way to use it that works for you, you'll love it. You can definitely start with tampons first to get used to the idea of insertion, but after that please consider the Diva Cup or something similar. It's better for the environment and you don't have to worry about T.S.S. And, best of all, you won't feel it like you do with a tampon.

Also, when using tampons for the first few times, I recommend wearing a pad or pantyliner because you may end up leaking unexpectedly.

Good luck!

Answer 4

you should never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours, so yes you CAN sleep in them as long as you change it first thing when you wake up. i use them at night and i have no problems with it. during the day however, only use them for 2-6 hours depending on your flow.



as for your worries about TSS, you dont have much to be worried about. its a VERY rare disease since tampon technology has increased in the past 10 or so years.

Answer 5

Never leave a tampon in longer than 8 hours. The risk of TSS is EXTREMELY RARE. You can leave a tampon in overnight as long as you are asleep for less than 8 hours. (put a new one in right before you go to bed and change it as soon as you wake up)

Answer 6

You should change it every 4-8 hours.

there is about 12 cases of TSS (per every 100,000 women) reported each year, the chanecs of you getting it are VERY SMALL, it is very RARE that you will get it... the risk is higher with people who use a higher absorbancy. .... some of the syptoms of TSS are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting of near fainting when standing up, dizziness, or a rash taht looks like sunburn.... If you notice any of these signs you should remove the tampon and see a doctor immediately

Answer 7

dont leave a tampon in for more than like 4 or so hours.
at night, you could just wear a pad or you could wake up in the middle of the night to change your tampon.
it doesnt depend on the absorbancy.
dont think that if you have a super absorbancy tampon you can leave it in longer that is how most cases of tss come up.

Answer 8

I still use tampons. There is a risk..sure but I still prefer them over pads. Tampons need to be changed as often as you would a pad. You can use them overnight just change first thing in the morning.

Answer 9

oh, ive been using a tampon, sincee ever since i got it.
haha.

anyways, TSS; please girl.
no need to worry, its like 1 in like 900?

you should leave it in for 4-6 hours.
& change it 4-6 hours.

you can use it at night, and you dont need to wake up in the middle of the night to change it.
but make sure to change it the first thing you wake up[:

Answer 10

I've used them for 20 years and I have no problem. Change regularly :morning, lunch, diner & night. I do use them during the night cause I have a very light flow and it`s sufficient.