How Long Should a Super Plus Tampon Last – What You Should Know

Is it typical to have heavy periods? How can I tell if the length of my period is unusual? When you’re dealing with a heavy flow, these are typical questions to ask.

When you discover that you bleed through a super absorbency tampon every 4 to 8 hours, you might be a little surprised. You should change your tampon at least every four to eight hours to lower your risk of TSS.

Does It Depend on Your Flow?

It might, but you can avoid this by using the proper tampon size.

You might need to adjust it to be closer to the FDA’s suggestion of four hours if your flow is heavier.

You may want to use a super, super-plus, or ultra tampon when your flow is at its heaviest if you have a heavier flow.

But if your flow is relatively light, you might be able to leave it in for the entire eight hours without any leakage.

Read More: Why is My Tampon Leaking

A smaller tampon, such as a light or junior size, may also be necessary for lighter flows. By doing this, you can avoid overusing the tampon.

What About How Often You Pee?

There’s nothing to worry about and you’re under no obligation to replace your tampon immediately if you notice a small amount of urine on the string.

You won’t be able to infect yourself if the tampon string absorbs some urine because your urine is sterile unless you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Use clean fingers to gently hold the string to the side as you pee if you don’t like the feel of a wet tampon string and aren’t ready to replace your tampon.

How Can I Manage Heavy Periods?

Due to their greater ability to balance hormones, certain hormonal contraceptives may be able to help with your heavy menstrual cycle. As well as other treatments, your doctor might advise iron supplements. Just trying a higher absorbency tampon may help if you find that you’re going through tampons very quickly. For a better fit with your flow, Tampax offers Super and Super Plus tampons.

What Causes Heavy Periods?

During your monthly menstrual cycle, the uterine lining sheds. To ensure that every cycle goes without a hitch, this process depends on hormones like oestrogen and progesterone to be in balance and working together. Some individuals have heavier monthly periods than others, which may be brought on by hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions. Even though this may annoy you, it’s rarely serious enough for you to need to worry about blood loss or anything else.

Ironically, while hormonal contraceptives may ease painful cramping and heavy periods, non-hormonal contraceptives like the copper IUD may make these symptoms worse.

The presence of uterine fibroids or growths, cancer, bleeding issues, inflammation, thyroid issues, liver or kidney disease, or any of these conditions can also be ruled out by visiting a doctor. Your period and menstrual cycle may be affected by specific blood-thinning medications, which can result in heavier periods.

What’s the Best Tampon Protection for People With Heavy Periods?

Tampons are available in industry-standard absorbency ranges, with Super and Super Plus providing the highest levels of absorption (9–12g and 12–15g, respectively). Most likely you already do this, but use the heaviest tampon you can find and replace it as often as your flow requires. Depending on how long your period lasts, you might need to start out with Super Plus absorbency for a few days before reducing it to Super, then Regular. If you use tampons, it’s never a bad idea to add a pad or pantyliner for extra protection. It’s worth it to have the security of knowing there’s a second layer between you and your underwear in case you bleed through your tampon.

When Should I Go to the Doctor Or Hospital for Heavy Bleeding?

It wouldn’t hurt to get it checked out if you noticed that your heavy period matches the symptoms listed above. Blood loss from your period is fairly uncommon, so you’ll need to have something looked at right away if you ever feel physically weak from the loss of blood. To get this looked at as soon as possible, call your doctor or go to your nearest urgent care facility.

What If You’re Swimming Or in Water?

In the event that you are swimming, your tampon is secure. While you swim, the tampon will remain in place.

After swimming, you might want to change your tampon while getting dressed. You’ll start over clean and avoid transferring any pool water that may be on the tampon string to your clean underwear.

If you intend to swim for more than eight hours, you should stop swimming and use the restroom to change your tampon. Just keep in mind to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after.

How Likely is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Although it’s uncommon, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious condition that can be brought on by the use of tampons. In the vaginal canal, toxins are produced by bacteria, causing TSS.

There is a chance when using tampons, despite the extremely low likelihood of developing TSS.

The relationship between tampons and TSS is still hotly contested.

While some experts contend that bacteria are attracted to tampons that are left in place for an extended period of time, others contend that tampon fibers scratch the vaginal canal and cause an opening through which bacteria can enter the bloodstream.

To decrease your risk for TSS, doctors recommend you:

• Every four to eight hours, change your tampon.
• Utilize the size of tampon that matches the volume of your flow.
• As your flow decreases, change your tampon size or switch to another menstrual product.

The Bottom Line

A tampon should be left in for at least 4 to 8 hours.

Depending on your flow, you can change your wear time within this window. Additionally, change the tampon’s absorbency as needed throughout your period.

Never wear something longer than 8 hours. Choose a different menstrual product or ask your doctor for advice if you have trouble remembering to change your tampon after 8 hours.

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