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SPEAKER: Think you know the ins

and outs

of this feminine hygiene

product?

Here's what you should know.

Can wearing a tampon while you

sleep cause toxic shock

syndrome?

It's rare.

But using more absorbent tampons

or leaving them in for too long

can raise your risk

of this rare, potentially deadly

bacterial infection.

Tampon makers recommend using

less absorbent tampons,

and to avoid wearing one longer

than eight hours.

Can they come apart

inside your body?

While it's not common,

tampon pieces can get left

in your vagina,

and lead to irritation

or infection.

One brand recalled its product

after parts of the tampon

unraveled.

Do tampons expire?

Yes.

Just like canned food and skin

care products, your tampons have

a limited shelf life.

Make sure to store them

in a cool, dark place.

A steamy bathroom or the bottom

of your purse

can become a breeding ground

for mold and bacteria.

Will organic tampons protect you

from toxic shock syndrome?

Organic tampon makers claim

their products are

free from fragrance and dyes,

which can lead to problems

like allergic reactions

and irritation.

But research links a greater

risk of toxic shock syndrome

to tampons with a higher

absorbency.

The FDA also regulates

feminine hygiene products

for effectiveness and safety

before they reach the shelf.

So unless you don't mind

shelling out more cash,

it's OK to stick

with regular tampons

with the lowest absorbency that

meets your needs.