Do I need to change my tampon after using the bathroom?

Whether or not a person decides to change their tampon immediately after urinating is a personal choice ? period. Urine itself is typically sterile and generally poses little to no risk for an infection. However, if a tampon string comes into contact with human feces and rubs against the genitals, it can pose a higher risk for a genital bacterial infection. Likewise, if a person leaves their tampon in for an excessive period of time (roughly longer than eight hours), they're at higher risk of experiencing a rare and life-threatening bacterial infection known as toxic shock syndrome [2]. If you?re concerned you?re at risk for, or currently have, a genital bacterial infection, it may be wise to speak with your health care provider who may make the appropriate assessments and provide you with any necessary treatment.