As a woman, you are familiar with the need to change your tampon every few hours to maintain good vaginal health. Tampons allow you to keep engaging in your daily activities without worrying about menstrual flow.

But, have you ever imagined what could happen if you don’t change your tampon on time?.

What is a tampon?

A tampon is a small, cylindrical disposable menstrual product made of highly absorbent material such as cotton. Its purpose is to absorb blood from the vagina during menstruation.

Why do you have to change your tampon regularly?

Changing your tampon regularly is essential for maintaining your vaginal health. Here’s why:.

1. Risk of bacterial infection

If you don’t change your tampon regularly, the blood can accumulate and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Leaving a tampon in for too long exposes you to the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common bacterial infection that results in fishy-smelling discharge.

2. Risk of toxic shock syndrome

Leaving a tampon in for over eight hours can also expose you to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection. TSS is caused by toxins produced by specific strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

The toxins can enter your bloodstream through small cuts or abrasions on your vagina and cause tissue damage, organ failure, and in some cases, death.

3. Leakage

Leaving a tampon in for an extended period can also cause leakage if the tampon’s capacity is exceeded. This can result in embarrassing marks and stains on your clothes, which can be very uncomfortable.

4. Tampon fibres left in your vagina

If you don’t remove your tampon on time, there’s a possibility that small fibres can come apart and stay in your vagina. This can cause irritation and in some cases, develop into a slight infection.

5. Vaginal irritation

Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to vaginal irritation. The tampon, when saturated, can create a warm and moist environment, which is ideal for the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation.

Conclusion

It’s not worth risking your health to avoid frequent tampon changes. Change your tampon every four to eight hours, and never leave one in overnight. This will help you to maintain good vaginal health and prevent possible complications.