The short answer When it comes to tampons, the rule of thumb is to never leave them in longer than 8 hours. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s best to change a tampon

after 4 to 8 hours. To be on the safe side, most experts recommend 4 to 6 hours. It might sound like an arbitrary time limit, but this amount of time ensures that you won’t put yourself at

risk for infection. So… you shouldn’t sleep in a tampon then? Well, that really depends. If you sleep 6 to 8 hours a night, then you’re generally fine to wear a tampon to bed. Just remember

to insert it right before you go to sleep and remove it or change it as soon as you wake up. If you sleep longer than 8 hours a night, you might want to explore other hygiene products. Some

the day or the next time you take a break. If you’re worried about the tampon string poking out of swimwear, you can tuck it inside your labia. While it’s safe to wear a tampon in water, the

same isn’t true for pads. If you’re seeking an alternative option to tampons for swimming or wading in water, consider trying menstrual cups. Where did this figure come from? After 8 hours

of wearing a tampon, your risk of experiencing irritation or developing an infection increases. Why does it matter? The longer that a tampon sits in the body, the more likely it becomes for

bacteria to produce toxins that can enter the bloodstream through the uterus or vaginal lining. When this happens, it can cause a rare, life threatening bacterial illness called toxic shock

syndrome (TSS). TSS symptoms include: * a sudden high fever * low blood pressure * nausea * vomiting * diarrhea * sunburn-like rash But isn’t TSS incredibly rare? Yes. The National

Organization for Rare Disorders estimates that toxic shock syndrome caused by tampons occurs in around 1 in 100,000 menstruating people each year. It’s important to note that reported

tampon-related cases of TSS have significantly decreased in recent years. Many estimate that this is due in large part to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s standardized

absorbency labeling of tampons. This very rare illness is associated with life threatening and more extreme problems, such as: * dangerously low blood pressure * kidney or liver failure *

respiratory distress syndrome * heart failure So what’s the worst that could actually happen? Although TSS is extremely rare, this doesn’t mean you should put your body at risk. There are

still other infections or irritations that can occur when you leave a tampon in for longer than 8 hours. VAGINITIS This is an umbrella term for a variety of disorders that cause infection or

inflammation. These types of infections are caused by bacteria, yeast, or viruses and are much more common than TSS. Be on the lookout for symptoms like abnormal discharge, itching, or

burning — all of which can be aggravated by sexual intercourse. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider. Most symptoms will go away on their

own or with over-the-counter medication. However it’s important to follow your provider’s directions. BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV) This type of vaginitis is one of the most widespread. It’s

caused by changes of bacteria in the vagina. While it’s common to get BV from sexual intercourse, it’s not classified as an STI, and it’s not the only way to get BV. Keep an eye out for

symptoms like unusual or smelly discharge, burning, itching, or general vaginal irritation. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider. They’ll likely prescribe

antibiotics. GENITAL CONTACT ALLERGY For some people, tampon use can result in an allergic reaction. With prolonged use, this allergic reaction can cause symptoms like itching, soreness, or

rashes. If this occurs, see a healthcare provider. They’ll be able to suggest alternative hygiene products, such as organic cotton tampons, menstrual cups, or lined underwear. When should

you see a doctor? If you experience any of the symptoms above, it might be a tip-off that something unusual is going on. See a doctor or other healthcare provider as soon as you notice

anything abnormal. Early diagnosis is essential in treating TSS. For more mild conditions, you can expect treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids or IV antibiotics. More serious cases might

need additional care to prevent serious organ damage. The bottom line To err on the side of caution, remove a tampon after 4 to 6 hours, but no longer than 8 hours. After 8 hours, your risk

of developing TSS — along with other infections or irritations — increases. Although TSS is very rare, it’s always best to be careful when it comes to your menstrual health. If you find it

difficult to remember removing your tampon every 4 to 6 hours, set an alarm reminder on your phone or explore other hygiene options, such as pads, menstrual cups, or lined underwear.

------------------------- _Jen Anderson is a wellness contributor at Healthline. She writes and edits for various lifestyle and beauty publications, with bylines at Refinery29, Byrdie,

MyDomaine, and bareMinerals. When not typing away, you can find Jen practicing yoga, diffusing essential oils, watching Food Network, or guzzling a cup of coffee. You can follow her NYC

adventures on __Twitter__ and __Instagram__._