Tampons are a go-to option for menstruators seeking convenience and comfort during their period. However, understanding how long you can safely wear a tampon and how often you should change it is key to avoiding discomfort and maintaining your best possible menstrual health.
Whether you’re a first-time tampon user or simply looking for a refresher, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In?
In general, you should change your tampon every 4-6 hours. You can safely leave a tampon in for up to eight hours, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
After 8 hours of wearing a tampon, your risk of developing an infection or experiencing irritation increases.
For menstruators with a heavy flow, you’ll likely want to change your tampon more often than every 4-6 hours to prevent any leaks.
Can I Use a Tampon Overnight?
Yes, you can! If you sleep 6-8 hours a night, you’re fine to wear a tampon overnight.
But if you’re sleeping for more than eight hours, you should use a pad instead to help reduce the spread of bacteria and the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Just remember to put your tampon in right before you go to sleep and remove it as soon as you wake up in the morning.
What If I’m Swimming?
You can absolutely go swimming with a tampon in. You might find that the tampon will absorb a little bit of water, but that’s totally normal.
However, you should change your tampon within an hour after swimming on your period. This is because the extra moisture from swimming can increase the chances of irritation or infection.
Reminder: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious disease sometimes associated with tampon use. Warning signs include flu-like symptoms. If you’re experiencing this, remove your tampon and contact your doctor immediately.
