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Pads vs. Tampons

Is it safe to wear a tampon overnight?

Check these out, too...

Unless you sleep 15 hours straight, there's no reason you can't. "It's totally safe to leave a tampon in overnight," says New York gyno Dr. Elizabeth Eden. She suggests changing the tampon just before bed and right after waking up.

The fear surrounding tampons has to do with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a potentially fatal disease in which the tampon traps bacteria and releases poisonous toxins into the bloodstream. "TSS is really rare and is associated with very super absorbent tampons which have been taken off the market, or wearing tampons longer than overnight," notes Dr. Eden. Sweet dreams!

BY JIAE K. ON 10/27/2009 7:01:00 AM 52 COMMENTS

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MOD!MOD!MOD!
k so i read this page then i saw a comment saying u should only wear a tampon for 8 hours?
So which is it 15 or 8 for a tampon and can u wear a tampon when your sleeping? thanks!!

You can wear tampons overnight. Also just try to not wear tampons for too long (like more than one day) and youll be fine. Good luck! xoxo kerra

Kerra S.

graceygirl77 on 3/18/2010 10:37:13 PM

thx a bnch!!!! that helped!!

ekcarter on 3/15/2010 7:56:02 PM

modmodmod- ok so im a couple of months from turning 13, i have had discharge for like a year and a half, and i saw tiny drops of red in my underwear- (like pen point sized dots) my mom is at work and i dont know what it is. the lower part of my stomach kinda herts- what do you think it is????????????????????????
thnx!!!!!!!

Hey girl, it could be the beginning of your period! Try wearing a pad just in case it gets a little heavier.

Lauren R.

tvgirl247 on 3/15/2010 7:53:55 PM

mod
how long cn u keep a tampon in? cuz i just gt my period and i've been changing it every 2 hrs, bt i dnt want 2 waste them. i sleep 4 about 10 hrs, cn i keep it in when i sleep? thx.

hey girl, its suggested to change it every four to six hours. Yes you can keep it in while you sleep, but I would change it first thing in the morning!

Lauren R.

ekcarter on 3/15/2010 7:39:44 PM

MOD!
ok, this is kinda embarrasing but i just want to know: is it ok to go in the ocean when you have your period as long as you wear a tampon? thanks!

hey girl, yes it's totally okay! =]

Lauren R.

starbaby on 3/14/2010 8:14:03 PM

Hello Fellow Girls,
If You Need Help Or Need Any Advice Plz Please Comment My Page. I Promise To Help As Soon As Possible. If It's Super Urgent Make Sure To Put !!!!!!!! Just A Bunch Of Exclamation Points So Good Luck To All My Fellow Teen Sistas
Muchh Luvvv To All Girls out There,
Lex:0)

mileycalyx on 1/9/2010 11:09:00 PM

mod okay so i got church 2 nite n my (.) came 4 that 2nd time at skool 2day n i was thinkin bout usein a tampon bc i dont like pads but i only have 1 tampon n i neeed sum 4 gym but idk how 2 aski mi mom

Hey missy, you don't have to be embarassed to talk to your mom about periods. Her body has went through all the things yours is going through now, so she'll be able to give you some good advice. Tell her you came on your period and need some tampons.

Lynae P.

jellybean2010 on 1/6/2010 6:02:02 PM

i have never asked my mom for a pantiliner, ( i need them for my discharge) I just found them in a cubord in the bathroom!!!

bluesea98 on 1/3/2010 3:17:55 PM

MOD MOD MOD WHITCH BRAND OF TAMPONS AND PADS DO YOU USE AND WHICH ONES WOULD YOU RECOMEND FOR BEGINERS?

Hey chica, I use and would reccommend Always. They have a good variety of pads, thin, large and in between ones. No matter what type you're looking for, they have them. They also have these wipes you can use, which really come in handy. So check them out.

Lynae P.

bluesea98 on 1/3/2010 3:07:30 PM

MOD!!!!!!!!!!
i dont no if i should usse pad or tampon at night. ive tried sleeping with a pad before to get myself used to it (im not on my period yet) and i can never fall asleep with it. its too uncomfortable. i dont really want to try sleeping with a tampon because i dont want tss. PLEASE HELP ME MOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!************* <3

Hey girl, check out this
page and see if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/bod-squad.aspx

Megan R.

rachel 11 on 12/1/2009 7:53:55 PM

You should be okay sleeping with a tampon once you get your period. For now, since you don't have your period you don't need to use a pad or a tampon.

Megan R.

rachel 11 on 12/1/2009 7:52:46 PM

MOD MOD!!!! okay so i was reading the tampon box and it said no more than 8 hours, i normally sleep for eight hours or more... I am confused. i would like to wear a tampon because when my period is heavy it uncomfortable to wear a pad.. what do i do?? thanks

Hey girl! You can switch to a pad when you sleep so you don't go over the 4-8 hour recommendation. No biggie!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

sophia19 on 11/29/2009 9:10:47 PM

MISS MOD MOD MOD! Okay, all my friends have started their periods and I haven't. I'm turning 13 next year and I still haven't started it. Sometimes I have symptoms of starting it like the cravings and moods and such, even my mom says so. Is there something wrong with me? What's happening?

Hey gal, nope ther's nothing wrong with you. Every girl gets her period at a different time, so when the time is right for you it will come. So get prepared now with some pads and tampons and click the link below to head to our period page where you can learn all about cycles, discharge and other body functions.

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

Lynae P.

neongirl29 on 11/27/2009 9:42:45 PM

I would wear a pad at night and tampon during the day....but i don't use tampons yet because i just got my period.

*Club Cucumber&Company* on 11/27/2009 2:30:48 PM

omg!
i remember when i was at my x-bff's house and i was sleeping over
well my period decided to come and she started crying because i got it on her blanket and she woke up her whole house including her little brother and she was really mad at me she made me use a period diaper for the rest of the night

rebelgirl47 on 11/20/2009 5:46:13 PM

miss mod i just started my period and i wear pads at night but i dont want to rollover and bleed on my bears

hey girl! There are night time pads that are extra long for when you're laying down. Try those out. If you're really worried, lay down a towel underneath of where you sleep so that if you leak, it won't get on your bed or bears. best, Kristen <3

Kristen Y.

Moooniiie on 11/15/2009 7:25:14 PM

miss mod i just started my period and i sleep with pads but im scared that if i move ill bleed on my bears

Kristen Y.

Moooniiie on 11/15/2009 7:13:17 PM

I have used Tampax Pearl tampons and it is totally okay to leave them in overnight. They say no more than 8 hours. To me I like the way those feel, some I dont like to leave in as long.

luckykel on 11/7/2009 2:20:14 PM

**********MOD**********
i honestly cant stand me period its soooo heavy and it always lasts an entire 7 days!!!! plus cramps. my mom doesnt want me to take the pill cuz of breast cancer wat do i do>?

Hey babe,

Unfortunately, you'll just have to get used to it, at least for now, if your mom doesn't want you on the pill. If it helps, I know there are plenty of girls out there you have longer periods than you and probably heavier ones too. It's tough at first but everyone gets used to it.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

kajeet35454 on 11/6/2009 7:03:49 PM

Hey MODSS. It's me again, but with a bigger problem! In a week, there's this MAJOR swimming event in our school, and my friends signed me up for one of the events, the problem is, I might be on my periods at the time and I'll find it bit embarrasing saying I'm on my period. Plus, I CANNOT wear a tampon. And another thing, me and my mum aren't very close and I don't really like to talk to her about periods and stuff, and every time I need a new stash of pads, I feel really uncomfortable to tell her. What shall I do about it? How should approach my mum about it? x

Hey girl, as far as the swim meet goes you have two options. 1. Tell your friends you are on your period (Trust me it won't be embrassing, all girls get them) or 2. Wear a tampon (they really aren't that bad once you get used to them)

Dealing with your mom is easy to fix. All you have to remember is that she is a woman too and you are her daughter. I'm sure she wants yyou to feel comfortable talking to her about girl things. So, sit down and have a chat with her and I'm sure you'll feel a lot better.

xoxo Olivia

Olivia A.

BabyGirlx on 11/5/2009 1:31:06 PM

mod mod mod i found a box of the smallest tampons in the bathroom. i know how to put them in but my mom doesnt know i know. what happens if i run out and i need to tell my mom.

Hey babe,

Just let your mom know you've been using them. If she's had her period since you've started she's probably noticed that some are missing anyway. Or the next time you're shopping together you can just let her know that you want some small tampons. There's no reason for her to be angry about it.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

alljonas on 11/4/2009 8:21:00 PM

MOD MOD MOD!!! PLEASE FOR MY QUESTION BELOW.

BabyGirlx on 11/4/2009 3:53:45 PM

I've tried using a tampon, but it just REALLY hurts and it won't go in.
I'm swimming in school in a couple of weeks, so I don't really want to have to tell my MALE swimming coach that I'm on my periods. WHAT SHALL I DO?! I am quite distressed over it.

BabyGirlx on 11/4/2009 3:36:29 PM

k a lot of peeps r worried about the disease TTS well theres no need 2!!!! i just wear a tampon during the day then change into a pad to go to bed!!!! problem solved!

pastry18 on 8/1/2009 5:52:17 PM

I wear tampons overnight all the time. It's totally safe.

hollywoodhottie16 on 7/23/2009 2:09:56 PM

thanks so much!!!!!!!!!

hkblack1 on 7/22/2009 2:32:33 PM

MOD
it keeps saying that you dont bleed at night....well i do. and almost everytime i bleed through becasue it can be so heavy???? is that ohkay or is there something wrong with it?
also, is it like necessary to get a physical...because i havent had one in a while and im wierded out that doctors have to see all of me!!! help! (does ur mom have to be in the room...thats a lil gross)
ps im 13

Hey babe,

A lot of girls bleed at night. In fact, most do. It's totally fine. Just wear a pad or a tampon and you'll be fine. It is really necessary to get a physical. You're at an age when your body is changing a lot and your doctor is the best resource for all your questions. I hate going to the doctor too, but I still do it because I'd rather be uncomfortable for a few minutes than unhealthy and not even know it! Your mom does not have to be in the room with you if you don't want her there.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

hkblack1 on 7/20/2009 2:24:19 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD PLEASE POST PLEASE I WEAR PADS WHEN I AM ASLEEP AND IM AFRAID IF I SLEEP ON MY SIDE IT WILL LEAK TO THAT SIDE I LIE TO PLEASE POST *****MOD*****

Hey girl,

Try sleeping with an old towel that no one uses under you. It will catch leaks so your sheets won't get messed up!

Mel

Melany T.

megirl9876 on 7/19/2009 9:08:06 PM

MOD!! you know how you can get TSS (toxic shock syndrom) from leaving in a tampon too long? Well, lets say none of ur relitaves ever had TSS...is there still a possibility that you can still get it? please answer!!

Yes! It has nothing to do with genetics just be careful to remember to change your tampon every 8 or so hours!

Brooke E.

yelah on 7/13/2009 3:21:37 PM

MOD i thought u werent supposed to wear a tampon for more than 8 hours??? bt the thing says 15 hrs straight... so is it ok to wear one for more than 8 if ur sleeping??? thx! <3 B3kah L!z P.S. r u new???? i dotn remember seeing you before!

Hey girl,

Well we don't bleed when were sleeping so it should be okay. If you don't feel comfortable leaving a tampon in for that long then wake up at a certain time at night to change. Yes, I am new!

Mel

Melany T.

nicegurl on 7/5/2009 11:00:47 PM

hahah im wearing a tampon right now and this is my first time but its totally comfortable. it feels like it might fall out but i know it doesnt. what i did was just (this is kinda gross) put my foot up on the toilet or something then push around softly with the tampon until it starts moving up.

foreverohever on 7/2/2009 2:10:11 PM

lol i sleep 15 hours straight so i have to use pads...yuck!

gatorbabe16 on 6/28/2009 11:01:14 PM

Okay, thanks Mod, I still have two years until college, so yup

lover_of_life on 6/23/2009 7:38:08 PM

MOD< MOD< MOD< MOD< MOD< MOD< MOD!!!
Hello, sorry, just trying to get your attention. I was wondering how you become a moderator for girlslife. I'm pretty sure I'm old enough and this would be such a fun job!! Thanks for replying!

Hey babe,

To be a moderator, you have to be an intern and in college.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

lover_of_life on 6/23/2009 7:20:58 PM

kgirlpanda,
Hey!! I wear a tampon all the time and they don't hurt or anything! I even have one in right now! Alright, you put the tampon in your vagina which is not in the front or the back. it's actually in the middle. I know this is embarrassing but if you reach down there you should be able to feel it right in the middle of down there.
Hope this helped!

lover_of_life on 6/23/2009 7:19:48 PM

Thanks! I'm relivied! I thought i has TSS becasue I left a tampon in over night. I also thought that I had some of the symtoms. But it turns out that I just a cold. lol =)

Carolyn114 on 6/22/2009 7:45:26 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD i am a major swimmer, and I am just getting my period now.... I am scared to use a tampon!!!!

Hey babe,

No reason to be scared! Just get your mom or an older woman that you trust and feel comfortable with to show you how to use one. If you use them right, they're totally comfortable and effective. You'll be swimming again in no time!

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

uthvwyse on 6/19/2009 4:11:20 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD How come you can wear a tampon at night for like 8 hours but u can only wear them for 4 hours during the day?

When you sleep you tend to not bleed as much because of the lying down position your body is in. A tampon, therefore, is able to last throughout the night without any leaks or blood stains. However, during the day, when your body is upright and vertical, the bleeding can become heavier and it is better to change tampons more frequently! Hope I helped!

Brooke E.

alexnmatt on 6/15/2009 9:45:12 AM

It is safe but you cant wear it longer than 8 hours! I have slept in tampons, and they worked fine. Also, if you do plan to wear them, don't wear them all day AND night cause you can get a disease from wearing them too long! Hope this helps!!!!!!

hotgirl101 on 6/12/2009 4:56:24 PM

MOD!!!!
When should you replace your tampon? After one period?

Hey girl! You should be replacing your tampon every couple hours during your period until it's over. If you leave it in too long you can develop a serious disease called TSS. You can read about it on your tampon box.

Jess H.

stylechic21 on 5/26/2009 5:14:59 PM

MOD MOD MOD?
Hey, okay well I'm going to the beach on May 24 and I have to share a bathroom with 6 other people. My (young)Aunt and Unlce, my 14/15 year old girl cousin and her friend, my 16 year old sister, and my 11 year old cousin. And the bad part is, is that my period has been acting weird the last two times and coming every 18 days. Which just happens to be the day after we arrive at the beach. So I'm really scared about how I'm going to deal with putting tampons in at the beach? Any suggestions? THANKS! (GIRLS CAN HELP ME TOO, COMMENT ON MY PAGE, OR ON HERE!)

Hey Babes, You wont get it in the water, but put in a tampon before you change into your bathing suit, if you want to. xo Annemarie

Annemarie D.

mal920 on 5/14/2009 10:47:40 PM

MOD!!! There's this box of tampons and a box of pads in our bathroom cupboard. My mom's never mentioned them, and they've never been taken out. I don't remember them being there before my mom got me a book called "The Period Book". I really wonder if she put them there in case I got my period, but I just don't know! HELP!!! Thanks! ♥Deborah♥

Hey girl! I think that's prob why she put them there... so that you would be prepared!

Jess H.

MathGirl98 on 5/12/2009 4:36:07 PM

mod~
r u suppose to shave "down there"?

Hey babe, some girls do and some girls don't. It's up to you.

katelin s.

gigglemaster12 on 5/11/2009 10:02:11 PM

hey smartcookie dont worry! we had to learn about that in health and its ok if it brakes! it wont hurt or anything and u probably wont even be able to tell! but im going to use tampons this month and im really scared! wish me luck!

PrettyNPink on 5/11/2009 5:37:41 PM

Ok thanks Katelin S, i think i solved the problem, my mom got me some Playtex Sport (Regular) rather than the Playtex Slim Fits (made of cardboard) and they dont hurt a bit. I just probably always picked a bad time and it was kinda dry. I still get my mom to help to get my body to get used to the tampons, but other than that everything is a-okay!! Thanx so much mods.
Oh, kgirlpanda.. to find where it goes, its more towards ur butt, if u need to (u may find this gross) use a hand mirror and look for where u find a spot of blood that is very deep red (thats where i found it,) and that technique for finding where to put it really only works on days with ur heaviest flow. (Mods u should probably help kgirlpanda with her problem, u know more than me)

musicheart22 on 5/11/2009 1:26:30 PM

-Mod Plz-
Ok.. this is SO embarrasing, but I have to keep getting my mom to help me put in a tampon *sobs* Not only that, but it REALLY hurts and I've had to try putting one in a few times.. it hurts.. What can i do about this and is it normal? I get so much pain putting one in that i sometimes cry. Thanx mods. and ppl who answer. ^_^ im only 11 and just started yesterday..

Hey babe, tampons take time to get used to so if you're not ready yet then don't worry! A lot girls use pads for a while before they use tampons. It's normal for them to be uncomfortable but they should not hurt or make you cry so I'd say hold off for a while.

katelin s.

musicheart22 on 5/11/2009 7:06:05 AM

Tampons are really comfortable and it doesn't hurt when you put one in the first time! So don't worry about trying them! If you're putting in a tampon for the first time I recommend Playtex gentle glide!

Sportygirl <3 basketball on 5/7/2009 7:27:20 PM

yes i know that but in the front or back?

kgirlpanda on 5/7/2009 7:09:39 PM

mod-
where does a tampon even go? i need to wear one for swimming so i'll need to go where it goes.

Hey girl! A tampon goes in your vagina, which is where you get your period. But, if you don't have your period yet, you don't need to wear one. Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

kgirlpanda on 5/7/2009 4:38:10 PM