If you use tampons/cups/discs, how often do you really need to change them, and what are the red flags for TSS or an infection that mean you should stop and get checked?

A: For tampons, the safety sweet spot is every 4–8 hours, maximum 8 hours even if it is not full. Use the lowest absorbency that handles your flow. Menstrual cups and reusable discs can usually stay in 8–12 hours (check the brand), but on heavy days, empty more often. Disposable discs are also labeled for up to 12 hours. Extended-wear does not mean "forget about it for a day"; it means you do not have to panic if class runs long. Red flags for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, dizziness, muscle aches, and feeling really sick really fast. Infection signs: strong new odor, unusual discharge, itching, burning, or pelvic pain. If you feel off, take the product out and get medical care the same day.If your brain is screaming "what if I mess this up", you do not have to figure it out alone. Chat with Gush and walk through your flow, products, and any weird symptoms in real language.

How often to change tampons, menstrual cups, and discs and warning signs of TSS

The quick rules for tampons, cups, and discs

Here is the baseline, evidence-backed timing:- Tampons: Change every 4–8 hours, never more than 8. Use the lowest absorbency that does not leak.- Menstrual cups: Empty and rinse every 8–12 hours max; more often on heavy days.- Menstrual discs (reusable or disposable): Up to 12 hours, but again, on super heavy days you may need to empty sooner.Overnight:- Tampons are only fine if you sleep less than 8 hours and put a fresh one in right before bed.- Cups and discs are better for longer nights because they can safely stay in up to 12 hours.If you are flooding through products in 1–2 hours regularly, that is heavy bleeding and worth running by a provider.

What actually is toxic shock syndrome?

TSS is rare but dangerous. It is usually caused by toxins from certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria getting into your bloodstream and your immune system going nuclear.Tampons do not contain TSS. They can create an environment where the bacteria that cause TSS thrive if:- The tampon is left in too long- It is very high-absorbency and dries out the vagina- Micro-tears in the vaginal wall let toxins enter the bloodstream more easilyThe main TSS risk factors with period products:- Leaving tampons in longer than 8 hours- Using super or ultra absorbency when you do not need it- Putting a new tampon in "just in case" but barely bleedingWith cups and discs, TSS is extremely rare, but any internal product can, in theory, be involved if it stays in too long and there is staph already present.

TSS red flags you do not ignore

If you are using a tampon, cup, or disc and notice:- Sudden high fever (often 102°F / 38.9°C or higher)- Chills, feeling like you got hit by a truck- Vomiting or diarrhea- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling like you might pass out- A sunburn-like rash, especially on your palms or soles- Muscle aches, headache, weirdly low blood pressureDo this:1. Remove the tampon, cup, or disc immediately.2. Go to urgent care or the ER. Do not sit at home Googling it for 6 hours.3. Tell them you are on your period and using an internal product and are worried about TSS.Again, it is rare. But we would rather you overreact once than underreact when it counts.

Other infections and irritation from internal period products

Not every problem is TSS. More common issues:- Yeast infection: Intense itching, burning, thick white clumpy discharge, redness.- BV (bacterial vaginosis): Thin grayish discharge, strong fishy smell, especially after sex.- Micro-tears/irritation: Stinging when you insert/remove products, spotting, or pain if you are very dry.- UTI: Burning when you pee, needing to pee constantly, pelvic pressure.Any of these get more likely if you:- Leave products in too long- Do not wash your hands before insertion/removal- Have long nails that scratch the vaginal walls- Use fragranced soaps or wipes insideIf your symptoms start or always flare when you use a certain product, that is a clue.Your specific mix of symptoms might not match a textbook list, and that is okay. If you want to sort out "yeast or BV or what the hell is this", Gush can help you map what you feel to what might be going on so you know what to ask a provider.

Hormones, your cycle, and internal product comfort

Across your menstrual cycle, hormones shift how your vagina feels:- Follicular phase (after your period): Estrogen rises. Many people feel more naturally lubricated and comfortable with tampons, cups, and discs.- Ovulation: Estrogen peaks. Discharge is wetter and stretchy; products can slide in more easily.- Luteal phase (PMS week): Progesterone rises, and some people feel drier or more sensitive. Inserting tampons or a cup may feel more scratchy, especially if your flow is light.- Menstrual phase: When you are actively bleeding, blood provides lubrication, but the vagina’s pH becomes less acidic because of the blood. This is why infection risk can go up around your period.If you notice that tampons or cups bother you more right before or right after your actual bleed, that is your hormones talking, not your pain tolerance.

Birth control, irregular cycles, and how that changes product use

Hormonal birth control can change how you use internal products:- Combined pill, patch, or ring: Periods are usually lighter and more predictable. You might be able to size down absorbency or leave cups in closer to the 12-hour limit.- Hormonal IUD: Many people get very light periods or none. When bleeding is light or spotty, tampons can be too drying; liners, light pads, or a small cup may feel better.- Progestin-only methods (mini-pill, implant, shot): Irregular spotting is common. Using internal products constantly for random tiny bleeds can irritate your vagina. Sometimes external products (liners, period underwear) are kinder.If your cycles are irregular without birth control (PCOS, stress, thyroid, etc.), the main safety rule stays the same: never leave an internal product in "just in case" when you are not actually bleeding much.

Hygiene habits with tampons, cups, and discs

Core hygiene moves:- Wash hands with soap and water before and after inserting or removing.- With cups and reusable discs: Rinse with water during your period. At the end of your cycle, boil for 5–10 minutes (or follow brand instructions).- Do not share cups or discs with anyone else.- Check for cracks, discoloration, or tearing on reusable products and replace when needed.- Trim or smooth sharp nails if you are consistently scratching yourself inside.Smell check:- A mild, "body" smell when you remove a cup/disc is normal.- Strong, putrid, or fishy odor is not. Remove the product and get evaluated.

When to stop using a product and get checked

Take the tampon, cup, or disc out and talk to a provider if:- Pain, burning, or cramping feels different from your normal period and started after putting it in.- You get sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or a rash.- You see green/yellow discharge, or blood smell changes to foul or rotten.- You keep getting recurrent yeast or BV while using the same product.You are not dramatic for pulling a product and seeking help. You are taking your body seriously, which is the bare minimum you deserve.