Expert analysis says the more absorbent the tampon, the more bacteria it can hold onto. That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body.
A common cause of damage to the vaginal tissue is removing a tampon that has not been adequately moistened, then immediately putting another one in. After you remove a dry tampon, consider using a pad or period underwear instead.
To remove an almost dry tampon, you should first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, gently pull on the string of the tampon to remove it from the vagina. It is important to be gentle and not to yank or pull too hard, as this can cause discomfort or injury.
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.
The symptoms are a lot like ones you might see from other kinds of infections: swelling, fever, redness, and a general feeling of being unwell. TSS symptoms usually come on quickly, about 2 days after the bacteria infects you. The way TSS affects your body depends on the type of bacteria causing your condition.
To avoid the situation you're describing, where it hurts to pull a tampon out, try a less absorbent tampon — like a “regular” or a “light” absorbency tampon. Lower absorbency tampons tend to be thinner, which can make them easier to remove.
A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles. Confusion. Muscle aches. Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat.
The incidence of TSS is estimated to be around 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 in the United States. [1][2][3]. Early recognition and antibiotic administration are key to improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
The symptoms usually begin suddenly and are often nonspecific. Prostration and hypotensive shock can occur within 24 hours. Milder forms of the disease also may be seen.
Doctors advise that TSS symptoms are hard to ignore, and often present as flu-like symptoms. A case of toxic shock syndrome will be far more painful and uncomfortable than cramps, or regular aches and pains associated with normal menstruation.
If the tampon is dry, you may feel a bit of pressure when taking it out – but it shouldn't hurt.
It Could Be Sideways
If you're using a particularly light tampon, or if you put it in too quickly, it could've been placed slightly on its size, which can make it feel like it's coming out. Normally, if you put a tampon in carelessly, you'll know it right away.
Infections include the rare but serious Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It is safe to sleep with a tampon in as long as it's not for more than eight hours. So, if you can keep your night-time snooze to 8 hours or under, then you can wear a tampon overnight.
Symptoms of toxic shock include: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Hypotension (low blood pressure) with a weak and rapid pulse. A red rash that covers the whole body, sometimes followed by peeling skin (the rash may be difficult to see in dark-skinned individuals)
Prognosis and complications
Despite aggressive treatment, the mortality rate for STSS ranges from 30% to 70%. 5. Mortality from STSS is substantially lower in children than adults. Known complications of shock and organ failure can occur, including tissue necrosis and loss of extremities.
There's a few reasons why tampons leak when they're not full. It's been inserted incorrectly. You're not wearing a tampon made from absorbent organic cotton. Lots of tampons on the market are made from synthetic materials that are unable to absorb much menstrual fluid.
They shouldn't. If your tampon does hurt, it usually means that something's not quite right. In fact, when used properly, you'll barely be able to feel your tampon. Maybe you heard from a friend that tampons hurt.
When removing a tampon, sit over the toilet and carefully grab the string between two fingers, gently pulling out at the same angle you used to insert it. You may not be able to remove it if you are tense, so relax and pull slowly and steadily. Flush the used tampon when finished.
You may feel a sharp pain as you wear tampons if you have an underlying medical problem, an infection (anything from a sexually transmitted disease to a urinary tract infection). Do not force the tampon in. Your body is trying to let you know it's having a problem.
You'll probably be able to feel the tampon, but getting it out can still be difficult. If you can't sweep it out, insert two fingers and try to grasp it. If you squat and bear down (like you're pooping), it can help bring the tampon closer to the vaginal opening and make it easier to remove.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but very serious infection. TSS is a medical emergency. So it's important to know how to prevent it and what signs to watch for. With prompt treatment, it's usually cured.
A sunburn-like rash is a characteristic sign of TSS. The rash develops within a few hours of TSS symptoms first appearing. Large portions of the skin may start peeling or flaking.
The instructions on your tampon box are clear: You should never keep the same tampon in for longer than eight hours. If you leave it in longer than that, you risk toxic shock syndrome and other health concerns. If you really want to be on the safe side, though, you may want to change your tampon even more often.