How do you reduce risk of TSS when using tampons?

There are several precautions to follow to reduce risk of TSS;

• Change tampons every 4-6 hours.
• Always use lowest absorbency for your flow.
• Change absorbency as flow changes.
• Alternate with pads as often as possible.
• Avoid rayon tampons like Tampax or Playtex.
• Opt for cotton tampons like Emerita or Cottons.
• Do not use tampons when not menstruating.
• Do not use tampons with light flow or spotting.
• Do not use tampons overnight while sleeping.
• Do not use tampons with a vaginal infection.
• Wash hands before handling tampons.
• Store tampons in a clean dry place.
• Learn about TSS risks and symptoms.
• Consider safer options like menstrual cups.

When using tampons it's important to change often to prevent excessive build-up of bacteria and toxins, also alternating with pads allows your vagina to clean-out bacteria and toxins after tampon use. TSS can occur at any time, it is a myth it only occurs from leaving tampons in too long, but the longer you leave a tampon the higher the risk.

Another big factor in contracting TSS is absorbency, for each 1g absorbency TSS risks increase by up to 33% - this is because tampons dry out the vaginal tissues causing ulceration, this allows toxins responsible for TSS a more direct route into your bloodstream so higher risk of TSS. With higher absorbency damage to vagina is higher. General rule of thumb is if the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours use next absorbency up, but if not saturated after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or switch to pads.

Type of tampon is important too - TSS has only ever been associated with rayon tampons, these types of tampons encourage bacterial growth, increase damage to vaginal tissues, lose more fibres, and contain chemicals that can effect vaginal flora. It's best to use cotton tampons which are softer, hypo-allergenic and less drying.