Can you sleep with a tampon in?
If you've recently moved on to using tampons from sanitary pads, you're probably extremely satisfied with the results and are getting comfortable using it. But there's one thought that probably looms in every new-to-tampon user's mind, 'Can you sleep with a tampon in?' In this article, we will find out whether it's safe to sleep with a tampon in, and its limitations.
Can you sleep with a tampon?
It is completely fine but you need to make sure that you sleep with a tampon in for no more than eight hours.
The simple and straightforward answer is, yes you can sleep with a tampon. It is completely fine but you need to make sure that you sleep with a tampon in for no more than eight hours. If you exceed this time limit, you may risk getting the rare, but serious Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You can get toxic shock syndrome with tampons when bacteria, which is always present on your skin, enters the bloodstream through a cut or opening and results in an infection. It is believed that tampons could be attracting these bacteria as it is warm and moist.
To avoid getting TSS, you must follow safety tips and measures when using a tampon
1. Put the tampon in just before you go to sleep. This will allow you to keep the tampon in for longer period of time when you sleep. If you wear one a few hours before you sleep, you will end up cutting down the time you can use the tampon while you're asleep. Read more about how to use a tampon .
2. Identify the correct level of absorbency you want in your tampon. On days when you have a heavy flow, you may be needing to change your tampon every four to five hours. But you mustn't blindly use a higher absorbency without first analysing your flow and whether you need it. If you use a higher absorbency tampon without actually having that heavy a flow, you may end up drying your vagina and get some possible tears in your inner vagina walls. So, whether you can use a tampon at night depends on how well you know your period and its flow.
3. Use good quality tampons to have a leak-free and worry-free night. Always' Tampax is safe and reliable. Use the ALWAYS Tampax Compak tampons that provides protection for up to eight hours. These come with a smooth, compact applicator for discretion, and is designed to have a built-in protective skirt that helps in preventing leakages. Furthermore, they come in four different absorbency levels so you have a range of options to choose from that suits your flow needs.
4. In case of heavy flow days, if you're wary about leakages and want an added back-up protection for the night, you can also use panty liners. They are apt for absorbing accidental leakages. Try ALWAYS Daily Liners Extra Protect Panty Liners that are formulated with an absorbing zone to provide up to 12 hours of protection. Additionally, they are reliable and fast-absorbing, and come with an odour neutralising technology.
Symptoms of TSS
How do you know if you have toxic shock syndrome? Here are a few symptoms to watch out for:
- headaches
- body or muscle aches
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- dizziness and disorientation
- sore throat
- rashes or sunburn-like marks on your skin
- low blood pressure
- eye redness, resembling conjunctivitis
- redness and inflammation in your mouth and throat
- peeling of skin on the soles of your feet and palms of your hands
- seizures
If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately consult a doctor and convey that you use tampons and suspect having TSS.
It is important to note that though TSS is rare, it is considered a medical emergency and can be fatal too. If you have TSS, you may be taken to an intensive care unit and will be treated using antibiotics.
Prevention of TSS
Although it is a serious condition, don't let it scare you. There are a number of ways to prevent TSS and use tampons safely at night. Refer to the below safety tips:
1. Change your tampon after every four to six hours. During night, ensure that you change it just before you go to sleep.
2. It is recommended that you use low absorbency tampons to prevent drying of vagina.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly every time you put or remove a tampon.
4. Any surgical incisions, open wounds or skin infections is a risk
factor. Ensure that you wash your hands well and change the bandage frequently.
In the end, the consensus is that it is perfectly fine to sleep with tampons in, as long as you don't keep them for more than eight hours and maintain good intimate hygiene.
Read more about types of sanitary pads .
Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator .
FAQs
Can you fall asleep with a tampon in?
Yes, you can sleep with a tampon. It is completely fine but you need to make sure that you sleep with a tampon in for no more than eight hours.Can you sleep with a tampon all night?
You cannot use the same tampon the whole night. The maximum time you can use a tampon for is eight hours.How long does it take to get toxic shock syndrome from a tampon?
You can get toxic shock syndrome with tampons when bacteria, which is always present on your skin, enters the bloodstream and results in an infection. It is believed that tampons could be attracting these bacteria as it is warm and moist. The time it takes to get TSS varies for everyone.Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.