![](https://cdn.mamamia.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/31044029/tampon-uses-research-e1459992440369.jpg)
Image: iStock.
It’s common knowledge that tampons should be changed roughly every four hours, if not more frequently.
That said, there probably isn’t a menstruating woman alive who hasn’t experienced that moment of cold-sweat horror upon realising her current tampon‘s been in for… well, longer than that. Maybe even overnight.
It’s not great, but there are understandable reasons why this happens sometimes — it might be a lack of access to a toilet, or just being crazy busy and distracted (or just plain forgetful).
However, a story out of the UK this week is a reminder that it’s important to ensure your tampon doesn’t overstay its welcome, because there can be serious health consequences.
University student Emily Pankhurst almost lost her life after inadvertently leaving a tampon inside her for at least nine days.
![](https://cdn.mamamia.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/29140451/emily-tss-story-600x406.jpg)