Can You Sleep With a Tampon In?

Among people who use menstrual hygiene products, up to 42% report having  used tampons in the last month Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . With such widespread use,  many people wonder Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source  if they can wear a tampon overnight. While it is generally safe to wear a tampon for four to eight hours, tampon brands do not always offer clear advice about whether or not it is safe to sleep with a tampon in.

We explore expert guidelines for safe tampon use and the potential risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Learn more about the symptoms of TSS, ways to prevent it, as well as several alternatives to tampons.

Is It Safe To Sleep With a Tampon In?

Sleeping with a tampon in may be safe under certain conditions. A tampon is a small, disposable item made of cotton, rayon, or a mixture of both materials that is inserted into the vagina to absorb blood during menstruation. Many people report using tampons while sleeping.

One risk of wearing tampons is a rare condition called  toxic shock syndrome (TSS) Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source . TSS can  progress rapidly Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source , affect all parts of the body, and can even be fatal if left untreated. The disease has been associated with tampon use since the early 1980s. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tampon testing and labeling in order to reduce the risk of TSS from tampon use.

The safety of sleeping with a tampon in depends on how closely you follow  safety guidelines Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source  outlined by the FDA. These include changing a tampon within eight hours, only using tampons when you’re on your period and using the lowest possible absorbency tampon.

A tampon’s absorbency refers to how much liquid it can absorb. The FDA requires manufacturers to list absorbency information on tampon packaging, often ranging from light to ultra absorbency. Higher absorbency tampons are associated with an increased risk of developing TSS.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

The FDA recommends that anyone using a tampon contact a health care provider if they notice unexpected or concerning symptoms. TSS symptoms often progress quickly, over the course of a day or two, so seeking medical attention early is important. TSS symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Low blood pressure, especially after standing
• Feeling faint
• Skin redness that may resemble a sunburn
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Confusion, tiredness, or seizures
• Headaches, irritability, or hallucinations

Generally, TSS is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, the infection may also be caused by a type of streptococcus bacteria. Although health care providers may take cultures to look for bacteria when they suspect TSS, positive results are not required for a diagnosis. Instead, TSS is diagnosed based on the presence of rapidly developing symptoms.

Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome

The rate of TSS has declined over time, at least in part because of FDA regulations. The FDA also provides safety tips to help people use tampons in a way that makes TSS less likely to occur.

To use tampons as safely as possible, whether you plan on being awake or asleep during use, follow these FDA recommendations:

• Read directions: Tampons come with instructions from the manufacturer. Read these carefully to make sure you are using tampons as they are intended to be used.
• Wash your hands: Since TSS is a bacterial infection, washing your hands well before inserting a tampon can help reduce the likelihood that you will spread bacteria.
• Only use tampons during your period: Tampons are only designed to manage your menstrual period. Do not use them at other times.
• Change tampons every four to eight hours: Wearing a tampon for over eight hours is linked with TSS. If you are wearing a tampon to bed, consider setting an alarm to ensure you remove it before eight hours passes.
• Use the lowest needed absorbency: Wearing a high-absorbency tampon makes developing TSS more likely, so the FDA recommends using the lowest absorbency needed for your flow. If a tampon does not become full during eight hours of wear, you might need to switch to a lower absorbency.
• Use tampons once: The FDA has only authorized single-use tampons. Do not try to use a tampon more than once, and do not purchase tampons that claim to be reusable.
• Be aware of TSS symptoms: If TSS does occur, it is important to receive immediate treatment. Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of TSS.

Tampon Alternatives

Although toxic shock syndrome is rare, some people may prefer to avoid tampons. Many other types of menstrual hygiene products are available.

Disposable Menstrual Pads

Menstrual pads, also called sanitary napkins, are the most commonly used menstrual hygiene product. Pads are available in both  disposable and reusable options Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Unlike tampons, which must be inserted in the vagina, menstrual pads remain outside of the body. A menstrual pad has an absorbent side to catch blood, and an adhesive side to affix the pad to a person’s underwear. Studies suggest the risk of developing TSS is lower when a person uses  pads instead of tampons Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Single-use pads are often made of  superabsorbent polymer Trusted Source Medscape Reference Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education. View Source , a material also found in diapers. Pads made of plant fibers, like cotton, hemp, or bamboo, are also available. Regardless of what they are made of, disposable pads are intended to be thrown away after one use.

Disposable pads come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from very thin liners to thicker and longer pads intended to be worn overnight. Some also have “wings,” or small, adhesive flaps on each side that attach to the underwear, helping keep the pad in place.

Reusable Menstrual Pads

Reusable pads work similarly to disposable pads in the sense that they sit in the underwear and remain outside of the body. These pads are made of  layers of washable fabrics Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , like cotton, flannel, and fabric blends that include polyester. Rather than attach to the underwear with adhesive, reusable pads stay in place using velcro, snaps, or hook-and-eye closures.

After a reusable menstrual pad has been used, it can be washed, dried, and worn again. Many types of reusable pads are safe to put in the washing machine and dryer. People who prefer reusable menstrual pads often choose them for comfort and because they are thought to be more environmentally friendly.

Menstrual Underwear

Menstrual underwear, also called period underwear, works like a pad that is built into a pair of underwear. So, instead of having to affix a pad to underwear, a person can put on menstrual underwear and have coverage for their period. These underwear are available in both reusable and disposable options. Reusable period underwear  n be hand- or machine-washed Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

People who are concerned about menstrual blood leaking from a pad into their underwear may be interested in menstrual underwear. Since the entire pair of underwear is absorbent, leaking becomes less of a worry.

Menstrual Cups

A menstrual cup, also called a period cup or vaginal cup, is  inserted into the vagina Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , similar to a tampon. Unlike a tampon, a menstrual cup does not absorb period blood. Instead, the cup collects blood, which must later be emptied. While a tampon should only stay in for up to eight hours, a menstrual cup can be used for up to 12 hours.

Most menstrual cups are reusable for up to 10 years. The cups are made of high-quality silicone, rubber, or another medical-grade material. Although menstrual cups cost more than other products, they can save a person money over time. Also, period cups create significantly less waste than tampons and pads.

Many period cups must be boiled before they are first used and must be cleaned between uses. More research is needed, but menstrual cups may very rarely be associated with TSS.

Anyone with an intrauterine device (IUD), which is a form of inserted birth control, may want to discuss menstrual cups with their doctor before trying one. In some instances, menstrual cups have been reported to remove or change the position of an IUD.

Menstrual Discs

Like menstrual cups, menstrual discs are inserted into the vagina and collect rather than absorb period blood. They must be emptied regularly. Menstrual discs may be referred to as period discs or cervical cups, because they sit beneath the opening of the cervix. People can choose between disposable and reusable menstrual discs.

Like menstrual cups, menstrual discs can be left in the body for up to 12 hours. The reusable options may be used for up to 10 years, which means reusable menstrual discs offer significant savings over time and create less waste than tampons and pads.

Some people who must change their menstrual product in a public bathroom may prefer disposable discs over reusable discs or cups. Reusable cups and discs  require a person to use a sink Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source  to clean the item. Some people might find this uncomfortable if they only have access to sinks in a communal or public area.