When I was in college, one particularly rough night had me questioning my health. I was so ill that crawling to the bathroom felt like a monumental task. After several hours of relentless vomiting, I found myself in the emergency room, where the doctors immediately assessed my condition.
In such dire straits, when they suggested a spinal tap to rule out meningitis, I didn’t hesitate. The discomfort of that long needle was nothing compared to the overwhelming misery I was experiencing.
As they began their examination, I sheepishly admitted, “I had a tampon in for a really long time. I took it out before coming here, but could it be toxic shock syndrome?” With some IV fluids and medications, I eventually recovered, leaving the hospital days later with no formal diagnosis but a cautionary tale.
Remember that time you left a tampon in for days? Not the best memory, right? Leaving a tampon in too long is serious business. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), though rare, can lead to severe health complications. The Mayo Clinic explains that TSS is often caused by toxins from staph bacteria, and it can also be linked to strep bacteria, particularly when a tampon is left in beyond the recommended 4 to 8 hours. Regardless of your busy life, changing a tampon within that timeframe is entirely manageable.
Following the removal of certain high-absorbency tampons from shelves, TSS rates among menstruating women have significantly decreased, now affecting about 1 in 100,000 annually. Symptoms can include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, a sunburn-like rash on the hands and feet, confusion, and muscle aches.
Despite clear instructions on tampon boxes, not everyone takes the message seriously. While I would like to say I’ve learned my lesson, I must admit there have been times I’ve left a tampon in longer than advised. I even know two other women who forgot about a tampon and left it in for weeks. Yes, weeks.
According to Dr. Emily Porter, an assistant professor of obstetrics at a leading medical institution, the most common outcome of leaving a tampon in too long is an unpleasant discharge and irregular spotting. And let’s just say that “unpleasant” doesn’t quite capture the full extent of the situation.
One friend recounted how she became aware of a lingering odor during her workouts. After some frantic searching online, she stumbled upon advice to check for forgotten tampons. In a determined effort, she contorted herself in the bathroom and discovered the “stinky AF” tampon that had been hiding.
Another friend experienced an unbearable smell for several days but initially dismissed it as a possible yeast infection. However, when even her husband noticed the odor, she knew it was time to investigate. Upon retrieving a lost tampon, the smell—and her other symptoms—finally subsided.
While these scenarios involve extreme instances of leaving a tampon in for days or weeks, it’s a reminder to always be vigilant. So, the bottom line? Change your tampons regularly. Seriously. Toxic shock syndrome is real, and nobody wants to deal with an unwanted odor that could be likened to a funky tuna fish sandwich.
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Summary
Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to serious health risks, including toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare but life-threatening condition. It’s crucial to change tampons every 4 to 8 hours to avoid complications. Many women have experienced unpleasant symptoms from forgotten tampons, underscoring the importance of regular changes. Being mindful of your health can prevent these embarrassing and potentially serious situations.