You may have heard of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Well, it affects about 40 people a year in the UK, and half of these cases are associated with using tampons. So how do you avoid getting it from a tampon? Well, it’s important to choose the lowest absorbency for your menstrual flow. Your flow changes from day to day, so you may need to use different absorbencies on different days of your period. 

 

Here are some things to know about using tampons, and some good habits you should get into.

 

• Choose the right absorbency for your flow

 

Take the tampon out after wearing it for 4-8 hours. If it’s soaked up to the full amount, you may want to try a higher absorbency. If white fibre is still showing, you should choose a lower absorbency. 

 

• Use a pad from time to time during your period

 

If you sleep fewer than eight hours a night and use a tampon, choose the lowest absorbency. Insert a fresh one just before going to bed and remove it as soon as you wake up in the morning.

 

• Use a pad before going to bed

 

If you sleep more than eight hours, don’t use tampons. You should never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours.

 

How to avoid TSS associated with using tampons

 

If you want to totally avoid the risk of TSS associated with tampon use, avoid using tampons completely and use pads instead.