Tampons are one of the best period products available in the market today. If you have recently started using them or made a switch from pads, chances are you are really satisfied with your menstrual tampons. They are comfy, convenient, discreet and extremely efficient. But you may still have a thought bugging you about it, and that’s whether you can use a tampon while sleeping or not. So, in this article, let us learn the safe practices of using a tampon all night long.
Sleeping with a Menstrual Tampon
Can you sleep with a tampon on? The simple answer to this question would be ‘yes’. You can sleep while still using your tampon just like sanitary napkins. However, unlike in the latter’s case, you need to take a few more precautions to stay safe while using your period product.
It is okay to sleep with your tampon but make sure it doesn’t stay in for longer than 8 hours. Exceeding this period can result in Toxic Shock Syndrome which although a rare condition, is quite dangerous. You can develop TSS when the bacteria that are usually present on your skin’s surface enter your bloodstream through any means like a cut or an opening and causes infection. Tampons for heavy periods are warm and damp which creates the perfect environment for their growth, hence they can give rise to TSS if not changed timely.
Safety Tips for Using Tampons Overnight
As mentioned before, it is fine to use a menstrual tampon while sleeping but with some precautions. So, here are some important tips and guidelines to follow for its safe overnight use.
- Use a fresh tampon right before you go to bed. This will ensure you have at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep with the same tampon as you need to change it after that.
- Always use tampons with the right absorbency level depending on your blood flow. You must not blindly pick up tampons for heavy periods to avoid getting up at night to change them more frequently. Tampons with higher absorbance power than needed can dry up your vagina and cause lacerations which can lead to discomfort and infections.
- Make use of only the best tampons that you can rely on for use during nighttime. This will ensure that you enjoy a good night’s sleep without any worries or leaks.
- If you are only a beginner or have an extremely heavy flow, you can also use a sanitary napkin along with your tampon for added protection during sleep. This will prevent accidental leakages and wetness.
Symptoms of TSS
How can you tell if you counter TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome? Below given are some symptoms of the condition which you must watch out for:
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Body ache
- Rashes
- Low blood pressure
- Sore throat
- Redness of eyes similar to that seen with conjunctivitis
- Peeling of the skin on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet
- Disorientation
- Seizures
If you have been wearing a tampon for some time and notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you must immediately contact your physician. TSS is considered to be a medical emergency and may require you to be admitted to an intensive care unit and administered antibiotics as treatment.
Preventing TSS
Even though it seldom occurs, Toxic shock Syndrome can be fatal too. But do not let it scare you as you can always take steps to prevent it from happening at all and safely use tampons during the night. Here are some ways to do it.
- Wash your hands each time you use or remove your tampon.
- Change your tampon every 4-6 hours and never exceed the time of more than 8 hours. For the same reason, it is best to use a new menstrual tampons right before going to sleep.
- Use the lowest absorbency tampons required for your period flow to prevent vaginal dryness and hence infection.
- If you have any open wounds, cuts or surgical incisions, always clean your hands regularly before changing the bandages. Also, you must change the bandages regularly to prevent infection.
The Final Word
To conclude, it is completely safe to use tampons while sleeping. That is, as long as you remember to use the best tampons that are reliable and of low absorbency, change them on time and maintain optimum hygiene.