Sleeping With a Tampon - Is It Safe?

Introduction

Sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear helps women go about their normal life during periods without staining the sheets or clothes. While pads are worn on underwear, menstrual cups, and tampons go inside the vagina. Some women feel wearing a tampon is convenient as it is out of the way and cannot be felt, unlike sanitary pads. However, many women wonder whether sleeping with a tampon is safe or not.

What Are Tampons?

Tampons are small plugs of cotton that fit inside the vagina and soak up menstrual blood. While tampons can be inserted directly into the vagina, some come with an applicator that helps place the tampon. Tampons usually have a string attached at the end, making it easier to pull them out when the need arises.

Is It Safe to Sleep With a Tampon Overnight?

Sleeping with a tampon overnight is more comfortable than wearing a sanitary pad. However, sometimes sleeping with a tampon for longer periods can be as risky similar to sleeping with contact lenses. Normally, sleeping wearing a tampon is considered safe unless the sleep duration is more than eight hours. Sleeping with a tampon for more than eight hours increases the chance of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but deadly condition requiring prompt medical attention.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication caused by certain types of bacteria that produce toxins. Usually, toxic shock syndrome is caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but it can also be caused by toxins of group A Streptococcus bacteria. The toxins enter the bloodstream and affect organs like the heart, kidneys, or liver. The risk factors for this condition include surgery, skin wounds, use of tampons, contraceptive sponges, or menstrual cups.

How Is Sleeping With a Tampon Associated With Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Even though Staphylococcus aureus is naturally present on the skin and in the nose, when it overgrows, it can give rise to infections. The infections usually begin through an opening or cut in the skin. Even though experts are not entirely sure of how tampons give rise to toxic shock syndrome, there is a possibility that tampons attract bacteria as they provide a moist and warm environment. The tampons provide the ideal environment for the bacteria to grow, thereby encouraging the overproduction of both bad and good bacteria.

The bacteria enter the body through the microscopic scratches present in the vagina that may be caused by the fibers in the tampons. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with high-absorbency tampons as it absorbs the natural mucus of the vagina more, dries it out, and increases the chances of making small tears in the vaginal walls that attract more bacteria to enter the body.

What Symptoms Following Tampon Usage Require Medical Attention?

Anyone using tampons should contact a doctor if they observe the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. They are as follows:

• Fever and chills.

• Sore throat.

• Muscle aches and headaches.

• Dizziness and disorientation.

• Skin redness and rashes resembling a sunburn.

• Stomach pain.

• Vomiting and diarrhea.

• Low blood pressure, particularly after standing.

• Hallucinations.

• Irritability and confusion.

• Eye redness resembles conjunctivitis.

• Skin peeling on the soles of feet and palms of the hands.

• Seizures.

What Are the Guidelines for Using Tampons Overnight?

Using a tampon overnight is safe when done under the following guidelines:

• A new tampon should be put in right before going to bed.

• The tampon worn at night should be proportionate to the heaviness of the menstrual flow.

• The tampon with the right absorbency should be picked according to the blood flow. Heavy absorbency tampons should be used only when the blood flow is heavy.

How to Prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome Associated With Tampon Usage?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has laid out a few safety recommendations to help people prevent the chances of developing toxic shock syndrome while using tampons. They are as follows:

• Every tampon comes with instructions from the manufacturer. Hence, instructions should be read carefully to make sure that tampons are being used correctly.

• As toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial infection, hands should be washed properly before inserting a tampon. This can reduce the chances of spreading bacteria.

• Tampons are designed for women to use during their periods. Hence, they should not be used at times other than periods.

• Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours, depending on the flow. Wearing a tampon for more than eight hours is linked with toxic shock syndrome. Hence, setting the alarm before going to bed while wearing a tampon helps with remembering to remove it before eight hours pass.

• As high-absorbency tampons increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome. FDA recommends the use of the lowest absorbency needed for the flow. If the tampon does not saturate within eight hours of wear, it is an indicator to switch to a tampon with lower absorbency.

• FDA recommends only single-use tampons. Using a tampon more than one time or purchasing reusable tampons should be avoided.

What Are the Alternatives for Tampons?

In case of sleeping for more than eight hours or to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome, certain menstrual hygiene options can be adopted instead of tampons. They are as follows:

• Disposable menstrual pads.

• Menstrual underwear or period underwear.

• Menstrual cups.

• Menstrual discs.

• Reusable menstrual pads which consist of layers of washable fabrics.

Conclusion

While it is safe to sleep with a tampon for less than eight hours, care should be taken to change the tampons every eight hours to decrease the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Since chances of developing toxic shock syndrome are very rare, tampons can be used at night by following the manufacturer’s directions and FDA guidelines. Any symptoms of toxic shock syndrome should be reported immediately to the doctor as it can progress rapidly and affect all parts of the body. As every menstrual hygiene option has its advantages and disadvantages, it is each person’s personal choice to choose the right option that suits them best.