By Jessica Bethel MD, MPH and Megan Yanny, MD, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics

Starting their period is a big deal for adolescents. It marks a turning point in their lives where puberty becomes the new normal and change is happening all over their body. Undoubtedly, adolescents are going to have questions, and for those about period products, safety is the biggest factor.

Tampons can be super helpful, since they can be worn during swimming or other activities when a pad might not be convenient or possible. Tampons are safe if used properly, but if left in too long can lead to toxic shock syndrome, a rare disease caused by an infection where bacteria release toxins into the body that can lead to organ damage (including kidney, liver and heart failure), shock and even death.

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