You should change a tampon every 4 to 6 hours as a general guideline, but it can be safely left in for up to 8 hours according to the FDA. If you have a heavier menstrual flow, you may need to change it more frequently, possibly every 2 to 3 hours to prevent leaks and reduce health risks. Using the lowest absorbency tampon necessary for your flow is recommended, and adjusting absorbency as your flow changes during your period helps maintain comfort and safety. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours to minimize the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious infection

. Signs you should change your tampon include when it feels full, leaks, or if the string pulls out easily. Changing tampons too often with a light flow may cause irritation or discomfort, so balance frequency with your flow level

. In summary:

• Change every 4-6 hours typically
• Up to 8 hours maximum
• More frequent changes (2-3 hours) if flow is heavy
• Use appropriate absorbency for your flow
• Never exceed 8 hours to reduce TSS risk