How often should I change my tampon?

Never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours. If you find you have to change your tampon more frequently than every four hours, try a higher absorbency. Alternatively, if you change a tampon after wearing it for eight hours and it’s not saturated and white is showing, use a lower absorbency. 

Changing a tampon too frequently can affect the tampon’s ability to absorb—that’s because the tampon needs a little moisture to expand. Also, changing tampons a lot when your flow is light may cause irritation.

How do you know when to change a tampon?

In general a tampon should be changed every 4-8 hours—never wait longer than eight hours to change it. 

A tampon should be easy to remove. If it feels "stuck" or dry, it probably has not been left in long enough to collect moisture. On the other hand, if you go to the loo and the tampon string is wet with blood, it needs to be changed. 

The better you get to know your own flow, the easier it will be to know when to change it, and which absorbency is best for you.

Why does the blood leak out of the tampon?

This happens for a few reasons: The tampon may have reached its full capacity to absorb, it may not have been inserted the right way, or you may be using the wrong absorbency for your menstrual flow. 

Remember, a tampon is not a "plug." Some women experience leakage because of the shape of their vaginas. Pantiliners can be worn for extra protection with a tampon.

How often should I change my tampon to avoid TSS?

There is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) associated with tampon use. To reduce the risk of TSS, use a tampon with the least amount of absorbency needed to control your menstrual flow. 

You can also reduce the risk of TSS by alternating your tampon use with pads. And always remember that a tampon should never be left in more than eight hours.