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When I started using tampons in middle school, my friends joked about how our bodies would absorb them and they’d get lost forever. While that’s not a possibility, tampons can definitely linger longer than we intend to use them. I panic when I can’t remember if I took my tampon out, so maybe you do too. The routine experience inspired me to check out what actually happens to a retained tampon and our other options.
Tampons are absorbent fiber sticks that typically feature cotton, rayon or a combination of both. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates them as medical devices because they’re single-use products that go inside our bodies.
When we insert a tampon, it starts absorbing menstrual blood. I appreciate not having to deal with constant leakage, especially when my heavy flow nights threaten my sheets and mattress. Unfortunately, that absorption is the primary reason why forgetting a tampon can become such a big deal.
If you can’t remember whether you took out your tampon or not, feel for the string or bulky cotton in your vaginal canal. Experts with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend only leaving tampons in for a maximum of 4-8 hours because the longer your tampon remains in your body, the more bacteria it can absorb.
Bacteria thrive where it’s dark and warm, which accurately describes the vaginal canal. If your tampon lingers overnight or longer, the bacterial growth can lead to numerous adverse side effects that could require hospitalization.
You never know how much bacteria will be on a used tampon before removal. When I can’t remember if I took my tampon out, I remind myself that nothing is a sure outcome. There are multiple side effects of forgotten tampons, like:
The most important thing is to listen to your body. We’re already dealing with intense emotional swings and symptoms like cramping, so that might not be easy to do. However, we all know our bodies best. I know which symptoms I experience every month and which are more unusual. If I notice that I have a fever or discharge that smells different, I’ll know immediately that something’s wrong.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare result of bacterial infections that affects almost anyone. You can develop it if you have an open wound after surgery or forget a tampon in your vaginal canal. Check the tampon box in your bathroom, and you’ll find a little pamphlet that explains TSS risks in more detail. The condition causes things like fever, vomiting, seizures and other side effects that lead to death.
Although you don’t want any of the other forgotten tampon symptoms, you definitely don’t want toxic shock syndrome. Figuring out how to manage your tampon use more effectively is crucial. I try to set reminders in a to-do app that I love, but I also have friends who set timers on their phones. Some also leave sticky notes in their bathroom with the time they last put a tampon in. Trying different time management resources will help you reduce the chance of forgetting a tampon again.
I used tampons for so long that I got tired of them. You don’t have to watch the clock constantly for an entire week every month. There are other options out there for managing your menstrual flow that could be worth exploring.
Flex manufactures reusable period discs with medical-grade silicone. They don’t disrupt your vaginal pH levels and don’t include things like Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates. You can use the disc for up to 12 hours, even on heavy flow days. Your disc will self-empty when you pee and only requires a mild soap in between uses. You might also appreciate that a Flex disc lasts for years, which could save you tons of money on tampons.
Menstrual cups are different from discs. Cups have a deeper shape and a flexible stem for potentially easier removal. They also last up to 12 hours per use, so you can insert it, wear your cup all day and clean it before bed. A Saalt cup holds the same amount of menstrual blood as two to four tampons, depending on the cup size you choose. See if you prefer the longer cup shape to a flatter disc to find a medical-grade silicone option that can last all day or night.
Inserting something into your vaginal canal during your period can cause extra cramping. If you’re tired of any insertion tools, try Hanes period briefs. The bulk-free underpants are stain- and odor-resistant. They’re also one of the many pairs that include a powerful multi-layer design to absorb any period flow discreetly. The washable and reusable briefs are also available with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), so nothing should hold you back from the spandex comfort of period underwear.
You can easily find tampon relief with reusable menstrual pads. The cloth liners are long without being bulky. They snap shut underneath your favorite underpants, so they remain in place while absorbing blood with the pad’s bamboo and charcoal fiber layers. Throw them in the washing machine to stay clean and reduce how much you’re spending on tampons every month.
I hate the anxiety that floods my body when I can’t remember if I took my tampon out. You shouldn’t feel like you’re risking your health to manage your menstrual flow. Explore options like timers and to-do app reminders before considering tampon alternatives. Trying something new changed my monthly routine and my mental health. You deserve the same peace of mind.
Tampons do have health risks because they absorb bacteria in addition to bodily fluids. If you leave a tampon in too long, the bacterial growth can lead to infections and death. They may also include chemicals from pesticides and metals, depending on the manufacturer’s agricultural practices.
You may be able to tell if you left a tampon in, depending on the placement. If you inserted it too close to the entrance of your vaginal canal, you may feel it getting bigger during heavy flow days. Proper tampon insertion prevents you from feeling it at all, so you may not feel it if you left your tampon in the right place within your canal.
Tampons can be in your vaginal canal for no more than eight hours before toxic shock risks rise. Although there’s no guarantee that your tampon has the specific bacterial strain that causes TSS, it could develop with overnight wear or longer. Change your tampons according to the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging to practice good hygiene and protect your health.
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