We all get tired and lazy at night forget to take our makeup off, turn the television or light off no harm we’ll live right. Oops, have you gone to sleep without changing your tampon right before going to sleep then wake up in the morning wondering how long you can wear a tampon? Also if you can sleep with it all night? You have found the right place read on…
Can You Sleep with a Tampon in All Night?
Well, the word is YES you can by following a couple of important rules. Firstly, choosing the correct tampon for your menstrual flow and by inserting a new tampon just before bed. Then in the morning changing the tampon as soon as you wake and lastly not leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
Sleeping with a Tampon in All Night
Just follow these easy guidelines for your safety to stay healthy and get the best night’s sleep you can. Remember if you feel unwell at any time due to tampon use see your medical practitioner.
The Tampon
Do not assume that all tampons work the same. Use the correct tampon for your flow, for example, light flow requires a light absorbency tampon.
Do not use a heavy tampon for light flow, as the TSS (toxic shock syndrome) risk increases, if you do not have the correct tampon for your flow use a pad or panty liner. (Always consult sizes on tampon boxes.)
These tampons are really good, worth to try…
The Flow
If your menstrual cycle has not started and you are worried about leakage you should wear a panty liner or pad – just in case!
Using tampons without a menstrual flow is not good for your vagina as the tampon soaks up good vaginal bacteria which is what helps keep your vagina healthy.
How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In
Manufacturers advise that a good time frame for tampon usage is between 4 to 8 hours. They also advise that you can wear them overnight for up to eight hours and if you intend to sleep any longer than that you should opt for a pad instead.
If you really want to wear tampons instead of pads but you are worried you will not wake up in time – set your alarm as if it a school or workday and you need to get up.
If you get up during the night to urinate get into the habit of changing your tampon.
Tampons – the Facts
Tampons were designed to be inserted into a woman’s vagina to curb and absorb their menstrual flow. They are shaped like a cylinder and are made from various materials such as cotton or rayon or a blend of both.
I will not go into it here but thanks to FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) requirements there are strict rules that manufacturers have to adhere to before any of their products hit the shelves for sale.
What You Should Be Aware Of When Using Tampons
During your period or (menstrual cycle) you should not only take note of your usual period pain, headaches, backs aches and tiredness but you should also be on vagina watch.
Any pain or irritation while using a tampon you should cease using them immediately. An allergic reaction may have occurred or it could be something more serious.
According to the FDA if you start to have any of the following symptoms you should treat them very seriously and a visit to your health care provider is in order.
- Unusual discharge
- Pain when trying to insert a tampon (there should not be any)
- Fever (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- A rash that looks like a sunburn (a symptom of Toxic Shock Syndrome – TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome – Awareness
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare disease that can cause damage to heart, kidney and liver, shock and in some cases death. It is a toxin produced from streptococcal bacteria.
The FDA reports that toxic shock syndrome from tampon use is rare today due in part to the educational partnership between the FDA and tampon manufacturers.
As well as the informative labeling on the packaging.
Lowering Your Toxic Shock Syndrome Risk
Following the guidelines above and remember these simple tips:-
- Always read the labeling on tampon package
- Follow safety instructions
- Be aware of your body
- Seek assistance from a medical practitioner if you suspect anything is wrong
To Finish
I would love for you to share this information with those you care about.
Being that we girls usually have to undergo “menstrual cycles” for many years – month after month – it is good to know that most health issues with regards to tampons and their use can be avoided when armed with knowledge.
The FDA has proven that by the strict measures that have been implemented over many years to reduce any harmful effects tampon may have on women.
A Personal but True Tampon Horror Story
This story is true and was very frightening at the time! But probably not as frightening as it is now with a lifetime of knowledge behind me!
I experienced a not so pleasant event 35 years ago. When a close girlfriend of mine, when we were 16 years old, told me she had a tampon firmly lodged inside her.
“For two days” – she was too afraid to tell her mother as she was not supposed to be using tampons (pads only).
To this day my mother always says to me thank goodness I (me) had the common sense to get assistance.
My mum called our neighbor, who was a beautiful nurse and a lifelong friend, she advised us all that my friend needed to call her mother over and she needed to get to a doctor as soon as possible. Due to the terrible complications that can occur with this sort of event.
Happy ending my friend’s mother was not angry just thankful. The Doctors visit confirmed that the item was lodged inside, it was removed and then she also needed precautionary medication and close monitoring to make sure she remained well and free of any infection.
Nothing is too silly when it comes to our health and wellness so take care of yourselves lovely ladies…
As always here’s to better sleep!
Sources: FDA U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Mediline Plus
