Don’t Fear the Tampon: How to Use Them Safely and Wisely

By Kassidy Sell, Listen Up Doc! Founder and TSS Survivor

When I tell people I survived Toxic Shock Syndrome, one of the first questions they ask is:

“How long was the tampon in?”

My answer: two hours.

Yep. That’s it. And their response is generally one of shock (no pun intended).

It wasn’t the length of time that caused my body to go into toxic shock, it was what was on the tampon before I ever inserted it.

My period came early and I happened to be at a high school dance. My clutch purse didn’t have the necessities I needed and, to make matters worse, the women’s restroom didn’t have a single product dispenser. That's another fight for another day.

Luckily - or so I thought - I noticed a rogue tampon at the bottom of my clutch. It had been floating around in there for who knows how long. The wrapper was torn, but I was desperate. I inserted it quickly and planned to replace it as soon as I got to my friend’s house, where I was staying that night. 

That tampon was in for maybe two hours.

What I didn’t know then is that bacteria from the contents of my bag had contaminated the tampon. That exposure, combined with the warm, absorbent environment inside the body, created the perfect storm. 24 hours later, I was in the ER... fighting for my life.

I’m not telling you this to scare you. I’m telling you because you deserve the truth about tampon safety.

Tampons can be used safely, but hygiene matters.

For years, I’ve heard fellow TSS survivors, families of victims and even media outlets make tampons the scapegoat. And to be honest, there’s some truth to that.

The tampon industry hasn’t always been transparent and the way we talk about women’s health often leaves out real risks, real science and real context. And the chemicals on tampons are a major problem. 

But here’s the thing: the solution isn’t fear, it's awareness.

Because we can ditch tampons, and switch to other menstrual products, but if we’re still unaware of how bacteria behaves inside the body, the risk of TSS doesn’t disappear. 

There is no menstrual product on the market that comes with zero risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Don't let any marketing campaign convince you otherwise. While tampons and menstrual cups carry the highest risk due to being internal, even external products like pads, when worn too long in warm or unhygienic conditions, have been linked to rare cases of TSS. So switching products doesn’t eliminate the risk. Smart hygiene and education do. 

That’s why the real answer isn’t fear - it’s awareness, hygiene and knowing your body.

Tampon safety 101: no panic, just smart practice.

1.) Only insert tampons that are sealed and clean

If the wrapper is open or torn, toss it. That’s not waste, that’s wisdom. Keep your tampons in a clean pouch, not rolling around with receipts and lip balm. That goes for in your bathroom too. Don't just put your boxes under the sink, ideally keep them in a closed, waterproof container. 

2.) Wash your hands before and after

Even in a rush, this matters. It prevents outside bacteria from being introduced during insertion or removal. Especially if you have to do it in a porta-potty (a females worst nightmare) please use hand sanitizer!

3.) Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours

Never, ever go beyond eight. If you’ll be sleeping longer, switch to a pad or period underwear. This is mostly for those "light flow" girlies (must be nice!) as we heavy flow warriors can barely make it that long. But if you have a light flow, you will tend to forget your clock. 

4.) Use the lowest absorbency that meets your needs

This is SO important. Not only can bigger tampons cause friction and cause microtears, which raise your risk of infection, the bigger the tampon is the more fluid being "held" in a sensitive area. Don’t overdo it. 

5.) Don’t use tampons outside your period

If you do this, I have... questions. They’re not made for discharge, spotting or “just in case.” That can disrupt your natural balance and increase the risk of infection. Plus, how uncomfy!

6.) Know the signs of TSS

High fever, sun-burn like rash, vomiting, dizziness, muscle aches. Basically the flu on your period. If these symptoms come on suddenly, and you’ve been using internal menstrual products, seek immediate medical attention and mention it.

You don’t need to fear tampons, you just need to use them wisely. A little awareness goes a long way. Take care of your body, ask questions, and don’t settle for silence when it comes to your health. 

If you have questions about toxic shock or need more info, reach out to us at listenupdocproject@gmail.com. We’re here to listen and to help.

PSA: I’m not a doctor, just a woman who’s been through it and wants to help others ask better questions. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making medical decisions.