Doctor explains how long you should actually be leaving a tampon in for

This doctor has set the record straight when it comes to tampons

Ever since it was revealed that some tampons contained metals and arsenic, women have been more wary than ever of what products they're using.

If the products aren't safe for us to use then we need to take matters into our own hands and ensure we're doing everything we can to protect ourselves.

We're now opting for sustainable period brands like Riley rather than those sold in the supermarket or chemist.

However, we're also noting any expert period advice because there's so much we still don't know.

One doctor on TikTok recently addressed a myth about how long we can leave tampons in and people are praising her expert advice.

Dr Nighat Arif is educating women about their periods without any shame and stigma, and it's honestly a breath of fresh air.

Speaking on TikTok, Dr. Arif said: "A tampon should not be left in longer than 8 hours."

She warned her patients that leaving a tampon in for too long can cause multiple issues, including Toxic Shock Syndrome.

The signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome

TSS is caused by strains of bacteria that produce toxins. The bacteria can grow on tampons that aren't changed frequently enough.

The key symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• muscle aches
• a raised skin rash that feels like sandpaper
• flu-like symptoms

It's important to seek urgent medical attention if you fear you have Toxic Shock Syndrome.

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