Leaving a tampon in longer than 8 hours puts you at a higher risk for infection for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially deadly infection. [2] X Research source If you try to change your tampon and it still has a lot of absorbency or only has a little blood on it, try switching to a lower absorbency tampon. Always wear the tampon with the lowest possible absorbency for your flow. [3] X Research source
Wear a thin panty-liner if you are worried about your tampon leaking.
If the tampon won’t move or it is painful to push, your vagina is too dry and you should remove the tampon and start over. You may want to try a tampon with a lower absorbency. [6] X Research source
If you can’t relax, try to pee a little. This may relax the muscles enough to allow you to remove the tampon easily. [11] X Research source
If the tampon does not come out easily or it is painful to remove, it may not need to be changed. Unless it’s been 8 hours (in which case you should try the peeing trick to ease its removal), leave the tampon in another hour or two and then check it. [12] X Research source If you remove the tampon after 4-8 hours and there is very little blood, you may want to switch to a lower absorbency tampon or use panty liners instead. [13] X Research source
Your hands can harbor germs that may transfer into your vagina. Make sure your nails aren’t jagged or sharp, as you might scratch yourself.
If you cannot feel the tampon or have trouble removing it, trying sitting on the toilet and pushing as though you are trying to push out a baby or go poop.
