Yes, That Tampon Should Not Stay In Longer Than 8 Hours — This Is Why

In this part of the world, a lot of women prefer sanitary pads to tampons, which is basically down to personal preference. Others decide to use tampons because they reactions from pads, itching the skin around the vulva for one as well as a rash. Some say tampons are easier to use and can even be used when swimming.

However, there are some precautions you might have to take while using tampons. But first, let me tell you a story.

Some women prefer pads to tampons

In 2015, a model known as Lauren Wesser woke up in the hospital only to discover that her leg was going to be amputated. Why? The tampon she wore was responsible for her getting what is known as toxic shock syndrome.

 

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by a toxic substance that certain types of bacteria produce. It is this toxic substance that leads to the damage, including kidney, heart, liver failure, shock and in some cases, death

How does this happen, when you leave tampons in for a long period or you use tampons that are super absorbent, the blood in the tampons can serve as a culture medium for bacteria to grow. The bacteria implicated are the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. These bacteria then enter the bloodstream and cause a massive infection that in many cases, is life-threatening.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare infection though and men, women and even children can be infected, but before you swear off tampons, continue reading, please.

A mild fever while on your period is not proof that you have toxic shock syndrome

TSS is rare. Some sites will tell you to watch for vomiting, stooling, a high fever while wearing tampons. This might make you unnecessarily afraid and cause panic. The giveaway symptom of TSS is a rash that looks like a sunburn and can appear on either the palms or the soles of your feet. Remember that is also associated with the earlier symptoms I mentioned earlier.

Do NOT PANIC.

So what do I do?

  1. The rule of thumb for tampons is to use them between 3-4 hours
  2. Do not let them stay in for longer than 8 hours
  3. Use them only when you are on your period
  4. Do not use super-absorbent tampons
  5. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This helps to reduce the bacterial load
  6. If you have pain, fever or a rash while on using tampons while on your period, it is best to contact your doctor immediately

5 Responses

  1. This a nice article, initially I do see that thing called tampon but I didn’t know its name, I see many ladies put it on but didn’t know why the put it, but this post schooled me on what tampon is used for and basically, it thought me about its name.

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