The usual length of menstrual bleeding is four to six days. The usual amount of blood loss per period is 10 to 35 ml. Each soaked normal-sized tampon or pad holds a teaspoon (5ml) of blood . That means it is normal to soak one to seven normal-sized pads or tampons (“sanitary products”) in a whole period.

Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding that is very heavy. How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding.

Changes to your hormones or ovulation may cause a long period. You may notice hormonal changes when you first get your period during puberty or in perimenopause. You may also experience a hormonal imbalance from different health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Underlying health conditions that can cause long periods include uterine fibroids, endometrial (uterine) polyps, adenomyosis, or more rarely, a precancerous or cancerous lesion of the uterus. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder.

Having long periods frequently can indicate one of several potential conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. A doctor can help diagnose and treat these conditions. Often, taking hormonal birth control pills or switching the type of hormonal medication can help people find relief.

Typically, a leaky tampon means you’ve left your tampon in for too long, or you’re using the wrong absorbency. Be sure to change your tampon every 4-6 hours. If you find that you are leaking through your tampon after just four hours, it’s time to start using the next absorbency up.

Normally you shouldn’t feel your tampon no matter what position you’re in. Sounds like your tampon may not be in quite right. Also, make sure you’re using the right tampon absorbency for your size and flow so it doesn’t slip.

Having an imperforate hymen “makes tampon insertion and sexual intercourse impossible”, says Dr Overton, as the opening to the vagina is completely blocked. Meanwhile, with the other three kinds of hymen abnormality, including the kind I had, sex can be possible but it is likely to be “very painful”.

Your vagina is only 3 to 4 inches deep. Plus, the opening of your cervix is only large enough to let blood out and semen in. But it’s possible for a tampon to move far up enough in your vagina that it turns sideways. When this happens, you probably won’t be able to feel the string.

Inserting it when you’re not on your period would be uncomfortable. A dry tampon is also difficult to remove. If you’re not on your period, you may forget to remove the tampon when you get out of the water, putting you at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Vaginal yeast infections often clear up on their own without treatment, usually when menstruation begins. Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, causing the number of yeast cells to decrease because they can’t grow in the pH present during menstruation.

You can practice inserting a tampon before getting your period. But it’s probably better (and easier) to wait until your period comes. That’s because blood flow moistens the vagina and helps a tampon slide in easier. Without this extra lubrication, it can be harder to put a tampon in.

If you wear a super tampon on a light flow day, it may be uncomfortable, and could even lead to micro-tears in your vagina when you remove it. If your flow is moderate, it’s better to wear regular tampons and change them every four hours, than it is to wear super tampons and change them every eight hours.

Tampons are not recommended for vaginal discharge. As tempting as it is to use a tampon for everyday vaginal discharge, this is not a good idea. Even the lightest tampons are meant to absorb a lot more stuff than you will make in a normal day when you are not on your period.

While it’s generally safe to sleep with a tampon in if you’re sleeping for less than eight hours, it’s important that you change tampons every eight hours to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome. It’s also best to use the lowest absorbency necessary. Call a doctor if you think you may have toxic shock syndrome.