You can wear a tampon for up to 6 hours, but please not longer ! If you forget to use it, which often happens towards the end of your period... then change your tampon asap!
Depending on the size of your tampon and the intensity of your menstrual bleeding, you may need to change your tampon sooner –
Warning: risk of leakage! Therefore, make sure you wear the right size - not too small, otherwise you might have to sprint to the toilet after an hour, but not too big either, otherwise your mucous membranes will be too irritated... so it's better to go to the toilet in good time.
Summary
A tampon should always be changed regularly.
It is a misconception that you only have to take out your tampon when it is full - please don't!
Leaving a tampon in your body for too long can be seriously dangerous.
Table of contents
Contents
1. Is there a difference in sizes?
The different tampon sizes naturally have different levels of absorption. You can tell how strong the tampon is by the small drops on the packaging, which indicate how much a tampon can absorb. The super tampons are as absorbent as a vacuum cleaner, so you should only use them if you are really bleeding heavily.
The mini tampons absorb a little less, so they are perfect for when you only have a light period or towards the end of your period when there is less blood flow.
The 'normal' tampons are a bit of a cross between things - light bleeding? Nope. Heavy bleeding? Not really. Then the 'normal' tampons might be suitable for you. But the size makes no difference when it comes to how long you can wear a tampon:
All sizes should be changed after a maximum of 6 hours!
2. What happens if my tampon stays in longer?
The end of the world?! No, of course not - but you still shouldn't try to do something like "How long can I leave my tampon in?" There are a few reasons why you shouldn't do that under any circumstances!
- Tampons don't just absorb your blood, but also any fluid in your vagina. This means that if you wear them for too long, they could dry out your mucous membranes - so always change them!
- More and more blood accumulates and bacteria like to hang out here - they feel very comfortable there and the risk of infections increases. TSS shows itself, for example, in the form of a sudden high fever, dizziness, vomiting and nausea, sunburn-like rashes, etc. If you notice such symptoms, go to the doctor immediately and tell him that you suspect you have TSS.
- You might just leak because you can't absorb any more blood.
You don't have to immediately expect the worst if you have left your tampon in for a while, because often nothing happens - everything stays the same... Nevertheless, this should remain the exception to keep the risk of infection low . If you notice anything else after you have worn a tampon for a while - for example, unusual discharge or a strange smell - then please go to your gynecologist!
3. Can I wear tampons overnight?
You and your organic tampons just can't live without each other? So you sleep in the same bed with them at night? It's definitely great if you've discovered tampons for yourself and can have relaxed and carefree days with them.
If you can't do without, make sure you change your tampon before and after bedtime... although if you plan on sleeping for 12 hours straight, you should set an alarm to change it.
If you are a long or deep sleeper, you might prefer to use a pad or period underwear. If you wake up five times a night anyway or only sleep for six hours at a time, then you can easily stick with a tampon.
