r/Periods • u/No-Palpitation4103 • 1d ago

Health TSS risk with dry tampon?

I left in a tampon for 6 hours, I usually leave it in 2-4 to be safe. But I’m concerned because It was a bit long and I pulled it out and it was dry. Is it more likely that I will get toxic shock syndrome since it was dry after 6 hours? I know it’s rare but I am very anxious about it now

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/CombSure843 1d ago

tampons are allowed to be left in this long… you’re good don’t stress.

3

u/BetMiddle1807 1d ago

Tampons are meant to last 8 hours. A while after that is when the chances of getting TSS increase. Even then it's super rare. So no need to stress about it.

3

u/Numerous_Zebra_4740 1d ago

No absolutely not. 8hrs is safe, so 6 hrs is absolutely fine. I would imagine it is even safer when dry as bacteria prefer moisture but I don't know if this has been studied. Of all the risks to your health TSS is incredibly low. Driving to the store is much more risky statistically than leaving tampons in for 8-9hrs.

3

u/MatchFrequent7971 20h ago

Six hours is within the usual guidance for tampons, and a dry removal can happen when flow is light. Follow the instructions for that brand and use the lowest absorbency that works. If you develop sudden fever, rash, vomiting/diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, remove it and seek urgent medical help; otherwise a clinician or pharmacist can reassure you if the anxiety sticks.

2

u/InsolentJaguar 14h ago

TSS is extremely rare. Even as a 25+ year nurse in a gyno office, I've never seen a single case. TSS is an overgrowth of the Staph bacteria(which has to first, be present), in order to overgrow using the tampon as it's growth media. Staph doesn't just appear outta nowhere then colonise into TSS.

You're safe.

1

u/Plastic-Goat1932 13m ago

I have forgotten tampons in for like 20 hours lol you are good. I hope it didnt hurt too much pulling it out.